Which one should you use?
While donner is the general term for giving, offrir focuses on the act of presenting a gift. If you are speaking colloquially, you might use the verb filer to mean giving or passing something on. For formal contexts involving donations, faire un don is the preferred expression. For the physical act of delivering or handing something over, remettre is used.
How does it change in a sentence?
The infinitive form donner is used after other verbs to express the concept of giving, such as in aimer donner (to like giving). To express the ongoing action of giving, you can use the present participle donnant.
How do you pronounce it?
/dɔ.ne/
When do people say it?
The expression donner un coup de main is used when someone wants to offer a hand or provide assistance to another person.
Did you know?
- The expression donner sa langue au chat literally means 'to give one's tongue to the cat' and is used when someone gives up on guessing a riddle.
- The expression donner du fil à retordre literally means 'to give thread to twist' and is used when someone gives you a hard time.
- While donner means giving, the phrase donner sur is used to describe a window or room that 'gives' or looks out onto a specific view.
Examples in context
- Aimes-tu donner des conseils ?Do you like giving advice?This sentence demonstrates using donner to talk about giving advice.Tatoeba #6195355 by Sorgan, translation #4907686 by meirad
- Je ne te donnerai aucun argent.I'm not giving you any money.This sentence shows the use of donner in the context of giving money.Tatoeba #3640264 by sacredceltic, translation #3636269 by CK
- Je ne te donnerai pas davantage d'argent.I'm not giving you any more money.This sentence provides another example of using donner regarding money.Tatoeba #3640266 by sacredceltic, translation #3636268 by CK
- J'ai décidé de donner mon ancienne voiture à mon frère.I have decided to give my old car to my brother.
- J'ai l'intention d'offrir des fleurs à ma mère pour son anniversaire.I intend to give flowers to my mother for her birthday.
- Chaque année, je fais un don à une association caritative qui aide les sans-abri.Every year, I make a donation to a charity organization that helps the homeless.
- Je vais remettre le rapport directement au directeur.I will hand over the report directly to the director.
- Le célèbre artiste a décidé de céder ses œuvres à un musée renommé.The famous artist has decided to give his artworks to a renowned museum.
- Je vais te filer un coup de main pour ton déménagement.I'll give you a hand with your move.
- Tu pourrais me balancer tes films préférés ?Could you give me your favorite movies?
- 19 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Emma are at a small charity event.
- LucasIl est important de donner aux plus démunis.It is important to give to those in need.
- EmmaTu as raison, Lucas.You are right, Lucas.
- LucasEst-ce que tu veux donner des vêtements ?Do you want to give some clothes?
- EmmaOui, je vais donner ce manteau.Yes, I am going to give this coat.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry donner, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
