poser
/po.ze/
To lay down in French is to poser.
The verb poser is used when you mean to place an object down on a surface or the ground.
Meaning: to place on the ground (verb)
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables and is pronounced /po.ze/.
Did you know?
- In French slang, poser un lapin means to 'lay down a rabbit', which is actually an idiom for standing someone up on a date.
- French speakers use poser when asking a question, as in poser une question, rather than the English 'ask'.
- In a professional context, poser is the standard verb used for taking a vacation day, such as poser des congés.
Examples in context
- Madame, Monsieur, veuillez vous allonger sur le lit.Madam, Sir, please lay down on the bed.
- Veuillez vous étendre sur le sol pour mieux apprécier cette œuvre d'art.Please lay down on the floor to better appreciate this artwork.
- Viens ici et allonge-toi sur le canapé, on va regarder un film.Come here and lay down on the couch, we're going to watch a movie.
- Les enfants, allongez-vous dans l'herbe et profitez du beau temps.Kids, lay down on the grass and enjoy the nice weather.
- Peux-tu poser ce sac par terre ?Can you lay this bag down on the ground?
- Il faut poser les clés sur la table.You must lay the keys down on the table.
- Elle va poser le bébé dans son lit.She is going to lay the baby down in his crib.
Example conversation
Hugo and Léa are carrying groceries into the house.
- ChloéLéa, où veux-tu que je pose le carton ?Léa, where do you want me to lay the box down?
- GabrielTu peux le poser par terre, Hugo.You can lay it down on the floor, Hugo.
- ChloéC'est bon, je le pose juste ici.Okay, I'll just lay it down right here.
- GabrielMerci, c'est parfait.Thanks, that's perfect.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry poser, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
