Ways to say it
| French | IPA |
|---|---|
| mener | /mə.ne/ |
| conduire | /kɔ̃.dɥiʁ/ |
| guider | /ɡi.de/ |
Common meanings include guiding someone, conducting a process or a path leading to a destination.
Which one should you use?
The choice of word depends on the context of the leading: mener is typically used for a path, a road or a logical consequence leading to a result. conduire is more commonly used when referring to driving a vehicle or conducting/directing a specific process or behavior. guider is used specifically for the act of providing guidance, direction or mentorship. diriger is used to mean 'to lead' in formal situations, particularly in relation to leading a group or an organization.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When expressing that one thing leads to another through cause and effect, use the preposition à with mener, such as mener à la réussite (to lead to success).
How do you pronounce it?
mener is pronounced /mə.ne/. It has 2 syllables.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often confuse the verb 'to lead' with the noun 'lead' (the metal). In French, the verb is mener while the metal is plomb.
Did you know?
- The verb mener shares an ancient root with the Latin word 'minare', which means to drive or prod cattle. This suggests that the concept of 'leading' was originally tied to the forceful movement of animals.
- In French, the phrase mener la danse literally means 'to lead the dance' and is used idiomatically to describe someone who is in control of a situation.
- The verb diriger is used for leading an organization, but it is also the word used for 'steering' a ship or 'aiming' a weapon.
Examples in context
- La dépression peut mener au suicide.Depression can lead to suicide.This sentence shows how depression can lead to a consequence using mener.Tatoeba #10511564 by lbdx, translation #4853377 by CK
- Puisse son chemin mener le héros à la Triforce.May the way of the hero lead to the Triforce.This sentence uses mener to describe a path leading to a destination.Tatoeba #1564860 by Urusai, translation #1564862 by Urusai
- Fumer peut conduire à une mort lente et plaisante.Smoking may lead to a slow and pleasant death.This sentence uses conduire to describe a process leading to a result.Tatoeba #806443 by sacredceltic, translation #1728536 by belgavox
- Le directeur dirige l'équipe avec compétenceThe director leads the team with competence
- La réunion sera conduite par le présidentThe meeting will be led by the president
- La professeure mène la recherche de manière exemplaireThe professor leads the research in an exemplary manner
- Lucie a guidé les touristes à travers le muséeLucie led the tourists through the museum
- Paul dirige l'équipe de football du quartierPaul leads the neighborhood's soccer team
- Alice est en tête du concours de chantAlice is in the lead in the singing contest
- Le professeur mène ses étudiants à la découverte de nouveaux horizonsThe professor leads his students to explore new horizons
- 16 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nathan and Emma are visiting a museum together.
- NathanEst-ce que ce couloir peut nous mener à la sortie ?Can this hallway lead us to the exit?
- EmmaOui, je pense que c'est le bon chemin.Yes, I think it is the right way.
- NathanJe te laisse me mener jusqu'à la porte.I'll let you lead me to the door.
- EmmaC'est parti, suis-moi !Here we go, follow me!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “lead” translations and entries mener, conduire, guider, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries conduire, guider, mener, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
