poser
/po.ze/
To pose in French is translated as poser. Wiktionary also lists mettre.
Meaning: (transitive) To place in an attitude or fixed position, for the sake of effect. (verb)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA |
|---|---|
| poser | /po.ze/ |
| mettre | /mɛtʁ/ |
The verb poser means to place something in a fixed attitude or position for effect. While it can refer to physical posing, it is also the standard verb used to mean 'to pose' a question or a problem. For example, the phrase poser une question is the idiomatic way to say 'to ask a question'.
Which one should you use?
While poser is the standard verb for posing for a photograph or posing a question, the word mettre can also be used in certain contexts to mean setting or posing a situation or problem. The noun pose refers to the physical stance or arrangement of the body used in the verb's action.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
{'ipa': '/po.ze/', 'syllables': 2}
Did you know?
- The word poser is used in the common expression poser un lapin, which literally means 'to place a rabbit'.
- While poser means 'to pose', the French word poseur describes someone who pretends to be something they are not to impress others, which is more about personality than photography.
- The word poser comes from the Latin 'pausāre', which is related to the idea of 'pausing' or taking a stationary position.
Examples in context
- Si tu veux vraiment résoudre le problème, alors tu ne peux pas le mettre sous la forme d'un Catch 22.If you're serious about solving the problem, then you cannot pose it as a Catch-22.This sentence shows the use of mettre in the context of posing a problem.Tatoeba #578535 by qdii, translation #578533 by FeuDRenais2
- Un homme a failli mourir en Californie après avoir tenté de poser pour un selfie avec un serpent à sonnette.A man almost died in California after trying to pose for a selfie with a rattlesnake.This sentence shows the use of poser in the context of posing for a photo.Tatoeba #7074645 by Micsmithel, translation #7027704 by Hybrid
- Je vais poser une question lors de la réunion.I am going to pose a question during the meeting.
- Elle adore poser pour les photographes de mode.She loves to pose for fashion photographers.
Example conversation
Lucas is helping Chloé take a photo for her social media.
- LucasJe peux t'aider à poser pour la photo ?Can I help you pose for the photo?
- ChloéOui, je ne sais pas comment mettre mes mains.Yes, I don't know how to put my hands.
- LucasLaisse-moi te poser le bras sur la hanche.Let me pose your arm on your hip.
- ChloéC'est mieux comme ça, merci Lucas !It's better like that, thanks Lucas!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pose” translations and entries poser, mettre, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mettre, poser, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
