posséder
/pɔ.se.de/
The English verb 'own' is translated into French as posséder. Wiktionary also lists avoir.
Meaning: have rightful possession of (verb)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA |
|---|---|
| posséder | /pɔ.se.de/ |
| avoir | /a.vwaʁ/ |
To express having rightful possession of something, you can use the verbs posséder or avoir. Additionally, to express the concept of 'of one's own' (such as 'a car of my own'), French uses the preposition à followed by a stressed pronoun.
Which one should you use?
While avoir is the common way to express possession, posséder is a more formal and legalistic way to say 'to own'.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When using the adjective propre to mean 'own' (as in 'my own house'), it must be placed after the noun, whereas the English 'own' comes before the noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/pɔ.se.de/
Did you know?
- The verb avoir is used to express ownership of physical objects but also for biological states, such as avoir faim for 'to be hungry'.
- The verb posséder is often used in French to describe someone being 'possessed' by a spirit or an emotion, not just owning property.
- In French, the word propre can mean both 'own' and 'clean'. Context is the only way to tell if someone is talking about 'their own room' or 'a clean room'.
Examples in context
- J'aimerais posséder une affaire.I'd like to own a business.This sentence uses posséder to show a desire to own a business.Tatoeba #3596782 by sacredceltic, translation #3596778 by CK
- J'aimerais avoir une chambre à moi.I would like to have a room of my own.This sentence uses avoir to express the desire to have a room of one's own.Tatoeba #10905942 by lbdx, translation #1816787 by pne
- Les gens veulent posséder des terres.People want to own land.This sentence uses posséder to describe people wanting to own land.Tatoeba #9436427 by Micsmithel, translation #1120860 by cntrational
- J'ai possédé cette magnifique maison pendant de nombreuses années.I owned this beautiful house for many years.
- Il est propriétaire d'une grande entreprise.He owns a large business.
- J'ai une belle voiture.I have a nice car / I own a nice car.
- Il possède cette incroyable collection de vinyles.He owns this incredible vinyl collection.
- Cet appartement est à moi.This apartment is mine / I own this apartment.
- Cette œuvre d'art m'appartient depuis des années.I've owned this piece of art for years.
- 20 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nathan and Emma are discussing their property assets.
- NathanEst-ce que tu possèdes encore cet appartement ?Do you still own this apartment?
- EmmaOui, je le possède toujours.Yes, I still own it.
- NathanC'est une chance de posséder un bien immobilier.It is a stroke of luck to own real estate.
- EmmaC'est vrai, Nathan.That is true, Nathan.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “own” translations and entries posséder, avoir, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
