découvrir
/de.ku.vʁiʁ/
To discover in French is découvrir.
Meaning: find something for the first time (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The verb is composed of the prefix dé- (undoing/removal) and couvrir (to cover), literally meaning to un-cover.
How does it change in a sentence?
The past participle of découvrir is découvert.
How do you pronounce it?
/de.ku.vʁiʁ/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use découvrir when they mean to invent. Use découvrir for finding something that already existed, and use inventer for creating something new.
Did you know?
- In the context of the culinary arts, to découvrir a dish can mean to present it to a guest, often used by chefs when the cloche or lid is removed to reveal the food.
- In French, the verb découvrir can also mean to uncover your face or chest by pulling back the blankets or clothes.
- The verb découvrir shares a root with the word couverture, which refers to a blanket or a book cover.
Examples in context
- Ne dis pas "découvrir" quand tu veux dire "inventer".Don't use "discover" when you mean "invent".This sentence warns not to use découvrir when you actually mean inventer.Tatoeba #139188 by kurisutofu, translation #73579 by sundown
- Ils furent incapables de découvrir le moindre secret.They weren't able to discover any secrets.This sentence shows the use of découvrir in the context of finding secrets.Tatoeba #583033 by qdii, translation #377437 by CK
- Il nous faut encore découvrir un remède efficace pour le cancer.We have yet to discover an effective remedy for cancer.This sentence shows how to use découvrir regarding the search for a remedy.Tatoeba #337251 by TRANG, translation #20803 by CK
- J'ai découvert un nouvel endroit lors de mon voyage en France.I discovered a new place during my trip to France.
- J'ai trouvé une nouvelle boutique de vêtements dans le quartier.I discovered a new clothing store in the neighborhood.
- En rangeant mon grenier, j'ai mis la main sur de vieux albums photos.While cleaning my attic, I discovered some old photo albums.
- 13 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Chloé are walking through a city they have never visited.
- LucasOn peut découvrir ce quartier ensemble ?Can we discover this neighborhood together?
- ChloéOui, j'adore découvrir de nouveaux endroits.Yes, I love discovering new places.
- LucasRegarde, je crois découvrir un petit café.Look, I think I'm discovering a little café.
- ChloéC'est super, allons voir ça, Lucas !That's great, let's go check it out, Lucas!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “discover” translations and entries découvrir, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
