obtenir
/ɔp.tə.niʁ/
The French verb for to get is obtenir.
Obtenir means to obtain. It is more formal than the English word 'get' and often implies a process of effort, a request or negotiation to achieve a specific result.
Meaning: to obtain (verb)
Which one should you use?
While obtenir focuses on the effort of obtaining something, you should use recevoir if the emphasis is specifically on the act of receiving a gift or a letter. Additionally, English speakers often use 'get' to mean 'to receive' or 'to obtain', but if you are simply expressing that you now possess something, you should use avoir instead.
How does it change in a sentence?
The past participle of obtenir is obtenu. The verb is irregular in the subjunctive mood, taking the form obtienne in the singular and third-person plural.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɔp.tə.niʁ/
Did you know?
- French uses se rendre compte to express the meaning of 'getting' an idea or 'getting' it, which literally translates to 'making oneself account of' something.
- To say you are 'getting' a cold, French speakers use the verb attraper, which literally means 'to catch'.
- The root of obtenir is the verb tenir, which means 'to hold'. In a way, to 'get' something in French is etymologically linked to the act of 'holding' it.
Examples in context
- Peux-tu les obtenir ?Can you get them?This sentence shows how to use obtenir when asking if someone can get something.Tatoeba #6169112 by sacredceltic, translation #3916159 by CH
- J'ai dû obtenir de l'aide.I had to get some help.This sentence demonstrates using obtenir in the context of getting help.Tatoeba #2431830 by sacredceltic, translation #2331797 by CK
- Laissez-moi vous obtenir ça.Let me get that for you.This sentence illustrates using obtenir when offering to get something for someone.Tatoeba #2045620 by sacredceltic, translation #1860634 by CK
- J'ai obtenu mon diplôme hier.I got my diploma yesterday.
- J'ai reçu les documents dont j'avais besoin.I got the documents I needed.
- J'ai eu une nouvelle voiture.I got a new car.
- Attrape-moi le ballon, s'il te plaît.Get me the ball, please.
- 145 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Léa and Hugo are talking about a job offer.
- LéaTu vas obtenir ce poste ?Are you going to get this job?
- HugoJ'espère bien obtenir ce contrat.I really hope to get this contract.
- LéaTu le mérites, Hugo.You deserve it, Hugo.
- HugoMerci, c'est très gentil.Thank you, that is very kind.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “get” translations and entries obtenir, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries obtenir, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
