appuyez sur le bouton
The English phrase "press the button" is translated into French as appuyez sur le bouton.
The verb appuyer means "to press". While appuyer is used for buttons or physical pressure, cliquer would be used for clicking a digital button on a computer screen.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, appuyez sur le bouton means "press on the button" because the verb appuyer requires the preposition sur to indicate the surface being pressed.
How does it change in a sentence?
Use appuie sur le bouton instead of appuyez sur le bouton when speaking to a single person you know well or a child. Additionally, the infinitive form appuyer sur le bouton is used when the phrase follows another verb, such as Il faut appuyer sur le bouton (It is necessary to press the button).
Did you know?
- While English speakers use the word 'button' for both clothing and electronics, bouton can also mean a pimple or a skin eruption in French.
- The word bouton originally referred to a flower bud before it was used for clothing fasteners or mechanical switches.
- French has a separate word boutonnière for the buttonhole, which also refers to a loop on a lapel used to hold a flower.
Examples in context
- Appuyez sur le bouton.Press the button.This sentence is useful for demonstrating how to say "Press the button" using appuyez sur le bouton.Tatoeba #10549640 by Micsmithel, translation #4496213 by CK
- Lorsque vous êtes prêt à continuer, appuyez sur le bouton pour confirmer votre choix.When you are ready to proceed, press the button to confirm your choice.
- Veuillez appuyer sur le bouton d'arrêt en cas d'urgence.Please press the stop button in case of an emergency.
- Si tu veux allumer la musique, appuie sur le bouton rouge.If you want to turn on the music, press the red button.
- Pour démarrer le jeu, presse le bouton vert.To start the game, press the green button.
- Appuie sur le bouton de la télécommande.Press the button on the remote control.
- Appuyez sur le bouton rouge pour démarrer.Press the red button to start.
- S'il vous plaît, appuyez sur le bouton pour appeler.Please press the button to call.
Example conversation
Hugo is showing Emma how to use a coffee machine.
- HugoC'est très simple, Emma.It is very simple, Emma.
- EmmaQue dois-je faire ?What should I do?
- HugoAppuyez sur le bouton ici.Press the button here.
- EmmaD'accord, c'est fait !Okay, it is done!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bouton, le, sur, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
