apprendre
/a.pʁɑ̃dʁ/
apprendre is the French phrase for 'to learn'.
apprendre is used to describe gaining knowledge or skill through study or experience. Interestingly, it can also mean 'to find out' or 'to become aware of' information. When you learn a specific subject or thing, you use a direct object immediately after the verb without a preposition (apprendre quelque chose). However, if you are learning a skill or how to perform an action, you must use the preposition à before the infinitive verb (apprendre à faire quelque chose).
Which one should you use?
While in English 'to learn' and 'to find out' are distinct, in French, apprendre covers both the acquisition of a skill and the act of discovering information.
How does it change in a sentence?
The past participle of apprendre is appris, which is used to mean 'learned'.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 2 syllables and is pronounced /a.pʁɑ̃dʁ/.
Did you know?
- The verb apprendre is a close relative of the English word 'apprehend', which we usually associate with the police catching a criminal.
- In French, you cannot say j'apprends le piano to mean you are taking lessons. You must say j'apprends à jouer du piano, focusing on the action of playing rather than the instrument itself.
- The word appris can be used as an adjective to describe someone who is cultured or well-educated, rather than just someone who has learned a specific fact.
Examples in context
- J'ai su que tu allais partir en vacances.I learned that you were going on vacation.
- Tu comprends vite, tu vas apprendre rapidement.You understand quickly, you'll learn fast.
- J'apprends le français.I am learning French.
- J'aimerais apprendre la cuisine italienne.I would like to learn Italian cooking.
- Il veut apprendre l'espagnol cet été.He wants to learn Spanish this summer.
- On peut apprendre beaucoup en voyageant.One can learn a lot by traveling.
Example conversation
Léa and Lucas are talking about their new hobbies at a cafe.
- LéaTu veux apprendre un nouvel instrument ?Do you want to learn a new instrument?
- LucasOui, j'aimerais bien apprendre la guitare.Yes, I would really like to learn the guitar.
- LéaC'est une excellente idée, Lucas.That is an excellent idea, Lucas.
- LucasEt toi, qu'est-ce que tu apprends ?And you, what are you learning?
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry apprendre, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries apprendre, CC BY-SA 4.0.
