Ways to say it
| French | IPA |
|---|---|
| grimper | /ɡʁɛ̃.pe/ |
| monter | /mɔ̃.te/ |
The choice of verb depends on the method and nature of the ascent. Use grimper when the climbing involves using both hands and feet, often implying verticality or physical effort, such as scaling a wall or a tree. Use monter as a general term for the act of ascending or going up, such as climbing stairs, a ladder or a hill. Other specific verbs include gravir for ascending, franchir for climbing over an obstacle and enjamber for stepping or climbing over something.
Which one should you use?
While grimper specifically suggests a more physical climb using limbs, monter is more broad and simply means to go up. For example, one would use grimper for a tree, but monter is more appropriate for stairs.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The feminine noun montée refers to the act of climbing or the upward slope itself.
How do you pronounce it?
{'ipa': '/ɡʁɛ̃.pe/', 'syllables': 2}
Did you know?
- The term monter can also mean 'to assemble' or 'to put together', such as putting together a piece of furniture. This uses the same root as the word for ascending.
- While monter means 'to go up', it is also the standard verb used to say you are 'riding' a horse or a bicycle.
- The verb grimper is etymologically linked to the word ramper, which means 'to crawl'.
Examples in context
- Il sait grimper aux arbres.He can climb trees.The sentence using grimper shows how to describe the ability to climb trees.Tatoeba #8689625 by Julien_PDC, translation #11813918 by calypsow
- Tom aime grimper aux arbres.Tom likes to climb the trees.The sentence using grimper expresses a liking for climbing trees.Tatoeba #5685866 by Aiji, translation #2542806 by CK
- Ziri a recommencé à grimper.Ziri started to climb again.The sentence using grimper describes the act of starting to climb again.Tatoeba #11756962 by Amastan, translation #11190295 by Amastan
- J'ai escaladé la montagneI climbed the mountain
- Il a grimpé sur le rocherHe climbed the rock
- Nous grimpons à travers la forêtWe are climbing through the forest
- Je monte sur le toitI'm climbing onto the roof
- Ils montent la collineThey are climbing the hill
- Le chat se hisse sur le murThe cat climbs up the wall
- 33 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hugo and Chloé are at a climbing gym.
- HugoTu veux grimper avec moi ?Do you want to climb with me?
- ChloéOui, je veux essayer ce mur.Yes, I want to try this wall.
- HugoC'est difficile de grimper ici.It is difficult to climb here.
- ChloéC'est vrai, mais c'est amusant !That's true, but it's fun!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “climb” translations and entries grimper, monter, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries grimper, monter, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
