prier
/pʁi.je/
The English verb 'pray' is translated into French as prier.
The verb prier is used to mean talking to God. It is also used for the formal act of requesting or imploring someone.
Meaning: to talk to God (verb)
Which one should you use?
While prier is used for religious prayer, it is also used to describe the formal act of requesting or imploring someone.
How does it change in a sentence?
When used transitively as prier quelqu'un, the meaning shifts from religious prayer to begging or imploring someone for something.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /pʁi.je/ and has two syllables.
Did you know?
- The verb prier is used in the common French expression je vous en prie, which is the standard way to say 'you are welcome' or 'please go ahead'.
- The verb prier is part of a family of words that includes 'precarious', which describes something unstable or uncertain.
- The phrase prier Dieu is often used in French to express a strong hope that something happens, even by people who are not traditionally religious.
Examples in context
- Tu peux prier ici.You can pray here.This sentence shows how to use prier to say you can pray in a specific location.Tatoeba #13348423 by genes1s, translation #8248900 by Amastan
- Il suffit de prier.Just pray.This sentence uses prier to express that prayer alone is sufficient.Tatoeba #8984420 by Micsmithel, translation #8411798 by Amastan
- Je prierai pour toi.I'll pray for you.This sentence demonstrates using prier in a future tense context to express a promise to pray for someone.Tatoeba #1848554 by sacredceltic, translation #1994360 by Spamster
- Je prie tous les soirs avant de me coucher.I pray every night before going to bed.
- Nous supplions le Seigneur de nous accorder sa grâce.We implore the Lord to grant us His grace.
- Lorsque j'ai entendu la nouvelle, j'ai dit une prière pour leur sécurité.When I heard the news, I said a prayer for their safety.
- 26 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Léa are sitting in a quiet church.
- LucasIl est temps de prier.It is time to pray.
- LéaTu veux prier ensemble, Lucas ?Do you want to pray together, Lucas?
- LucasOui, je veux prier avec toi.Yes, I want to pray with you.
- LéaC'est très apaisant.It is very soothing.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pray” translations and entries prier, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
