louer
/lwe/
The English phrase 'praise' (as a noun) is represented in French by the word louer.
The word louer can refer to commendation or favorable representation in words. It is important to note that louer is a homonym. Depending on the context, it can mean either 'to praise' or 'to rent'. When you want to express the action of giving praise, you can use louer, féliciter or prôner.
Meaning: commendation, favorable representation in words (noun)
Which one should you use?
While louer is a general term for praise, the verb prôner is a more formal option used specifically when praising a certain idea, a virtue or a specific quality rather than a person's character.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/lwe/
Did you know?
- If you want to say someone is 'highly praised' in a way that sounds sophisticated, you might use the verb encenser, which literally translates to 'to incense'.
- The noun éloge is used for a formal speech of praise, such as a funeral oration, which in English is called a 'eulogy'.
- The English word 'laud' or the name 'Lauderdale' shares a distant linguistic ancestor with the French verb louer through the Latin 'laudare'.
Examples in context
- Je ne saurais assez la louer.I cannot praise her enough.This sentence is useful for expressing that someone cannot be praised enough.Tatoeba #2009767 by sacredceltic, translation #261331 by CM
- Amis, Romains, compatriotes, prêtez-moi l'oreille : je viens pour enterrer César et non pas pour le louer.Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears, I come to bury Caesar, not to praise him.This sentence shows an example of not praising someone.Tatoeba #971912 by NomadSoul, translation #967163 by shekitten
- Si j'étais un rossignol, je jouerais le rôle d'un rossignol, si j'étais un cygne, je jouerais le rôle d'un cygne. Mais comme je suis un être doué de raison, il est de mon devoir de louer Dieu, et je vous invite à vous joindre au même chant.Were I a nightingale, I would act the part of a nightingale, were I a swan, the part of a swan. However, since I am a reasoning being, it is my duty to praise God, and I call on you to join in the same song.This sentence shows an example of praising God.Tatoeba #12214146 by carlosalberto, translation #12213904 by Objectivesea
- Félicitations pour votre excellent travail!Congratulations on your excellent work!
- Bravo pour votre brillante présentation!Bravo on your brilliant presentation!
- Vous avez fait du bon travail en gérant cette situation délicate.You did a good job handling that delicate situation.
- Ta nouvelle chanson est vraiment géniale!Your new song is really great!
- Super travail sur ton projet!Great job on your project!
- Tu es vraiment douée pour la danse!You're really talented at dancing!
Example conversation
Nathan and Manon are discussing their boss's reaction to a project.
- NathanEst-ce que le chef a aimé ton travail ?Did the boss like your work?
- ManonOui, il n'a pas cessé de me louer.Yes, he didn't stop praising me.
- NathanC'est génial, Manon !That's great, Manon!
- ManonMerci, Nathan, c'est très gentil.Thank you, Nathan, that's very kind.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry louer, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries louer, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
