Ways to say it
| French | IPA |
|---|---|
| exposer | /ɛk.spo.ze/ |
| présenter | /pʁe.zɑ̃.te/ |
Both words involve putting something forward to be seen, but they are used in different contexts.
Which one should you use?
Use présenter when your intent is to introduce a person to another person or to submit an idea or proposal for consideration. Use exposer when the intent is to exhibit or expose something, such as displaying items in an art exhibit or exposing something to a physical element like light or danger.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Québec, Canada, people often use the term icitte instead of ici to mean 'here'.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
To say 'to introduce oneself' or 'to present oneself', use the reflexive form se présenter.
How do you pronounce it?
The word exposer is pronounced /ɛk.spo.ze/ and has 3 syllables.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use exposer when they mean to present an idea or to introduce a person. In these social or professional contexts, présenter is the correct choice.
Did you know?
- The reflexive se présenter is used not only to introduce oneself but also to stand as a candidate in an election.
- In French, you présentez vos excuses to offer an apology, which sounds more like you are 'presenting' them as physical objects.
- The Latin root of présenter is praesentāre, which implies making something 'at hand' or 'within reach'.
Examples in context
- Je me présenterai à la réunion.I will present myself at the meeting.This sentence is useful for showing how to use présenter regarding a meeting.Tatoeba #7160 by sacredceltic, translation #49188 by sacredceltic
- Puis-je vous présenter ma femme ?May I present my wife to you?This sentence is useful for showing how to use présenter when introducing a person.Tatoeba #8640712 by Aiji, translation #3421836 by AlanF_US
- Nous présenterons notre idée au comité.We will present our idea to the committee.This sentence is useful for showing how to use présenter when submitting an idea.Tatoeba #2163563 by sacredceltic, translation #2163204 by Source_VOA
- Je suis présent à la réunion.I am present at the meeting.
- Madame Dupont, êtes-vous présente à la réunion ?Mrs. Dupont, are you present at the meeting?
- Salut Léo, tu viens à la fête demain ?Hey Léo, are you coming to the party tomorrow?
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nathan and Chloé are at an art gallery.
- NathanL'artiste veut exposer ses tableaux ici.The artist wants to exhibit his paintings here.
- ChloéC'est une excellente idée, Nathan.That is an excellent idea, Nathan.
- NathanIl va exposer dix œuvres au total.He is going to show ten works in total.
- ChloéJ'ai hâte de voir ça, Chloé.I can't wait to see that, Chloé.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “present” translations and entries exposer, présenter, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries exposer, présenter, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
