Tiens
/tjɛ̃/
The English phrase 'hold it' is translated into French as Tiens.
It can also function as an interjection to mean 'here', 'look' or 'wait' when you want to draw someone's attention. If you mean 'hold on' or 'hang in there' in an informal way, you can use Tiens bon.
How does it change in a sentence?
When you want to say 'hold it' and the object is masculine, use Tiens-le with a hyphen. For a feminine object, use Tiens-la with a hyphen. If you are addressing someone formally or speaking to a group of people, the form changes from Tiens to Tenez.
Did you know?
- The word Tiens is used in the common phrase Tiens-moi au courant, which literally means 'hold me in the current' but actually means 'keep me posted'.
- When a French speaker says Tiens to themselves, it is an expression of surprise similar to 'Oh!' or 'Look at that!' when they notice something unexpected.
- French has a specific idiom tenir tête, which uses the root of Tiens to describe the act of standing up to someone or resisting authority.
Examples in context
- Tiens-le à deux mains.Hold it with both hands.This sentence is useful for demonstrating how to use Tiens with the instruction to use both hands.Tatoeba #486526 by sacredceltic, translation #325639 by CK
- Tiens-le fermement !Hold it tight!This sentence is useful for using Tiens to instruct someone to hold something firmly.Tatoeba #8199872 by felix63, translation #8199877 by bpeel
- Ne le tiens pas à l'envers.Don't hold it upside down.This sentence is useful for using Tiens to instruct someone not to hold an object upside down.Tatoeba #2933821 by Popolon, translation #41850 by CK
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Chloé is handing Nathan a heavy box.
- ChloéTiens, ça pèse très lourd.Hold it, this is very heavy.
- NathanJe le tiens, ne t'inquiète pas.I've got it, don't worry.
- ChloéFais attention à ne pas le lâcher.Be careful not to drop it.
- NathanC'est bon, je tiens bien le carton.It's okay, I'm holding the box well.
Sources
- Pronunciation from the Wiktionary entry tiens.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
