devenir
/də.v(ə).niʁ/
The English phrase "come to be" is translated into French as devenir.
How does it change in a sentence?
The third-person singular present tense of devenir is devient. When using the verb in compound tenses, such as est devenu (has become), it uses the auxiliary verb être. Because it uses être as an auxiliary, the past participle devenu must agree in gender and number with the subject of the sentence, appearing as devenu(e)(s).
How do you pronounce it?
/də.v(ə).niʁ/
Did you know?
- The word devenir is also a noun in French, meaning 'future' or 'fate'. For example, son devenir refers to what will become of someone.
- Because devenir uses être in the past tense, it belongs to a small group of verbs called 'Dr. & Mrs. Vandertramp', which are memorized as a mnemonic for the auxiliary verb used.
- The root of devenir is the same as the French verb venir, which means 'to come'.
Examples in context
- Il est devenu médecin.He became a doctor.
- Elle est devenue célèbre.She became famous.
- La chenille se transforme en papillon.The caterpillar turns into a butterfly.
- Un problème surgit.A problem arises.
- Je suis devenu(e) fan de ce groupe de musique.I became a fan of this music band.
- L'entreprise est devenue très profitable.The company has become very profitable.
- Elle veut devenir architecte.She wants to become an architect.
- Tout peut devenir possible.Everything can become possible.
- Le climat va devenir plus chaud.The climate is going to become warmer.
Example conversation
Léa and Nathan are discussing their future career paths.
- NathanQue veux-tu devenir plus tard ?What do you want to become later?
- LéaJe veux devenir une grande artiste.I want to become a great artist.
- NathanC'est un beau projet, Léa.That is a beautiful project, Léa.
- LéaEt toi, Nathan, que veux-tu devenir ?And you, Nathan, what do you want to become?
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry devenir, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
