pousser
/pu.se/
The English phrase 'push' is translated into French as pousser.
The primary meaning of pousser is to apply a force to something so that it moves away. It is also used to mean 'to grow' in the context of plants or hair. Additionally, the verb is used idiomatically with certain nouns, such as pousser un cri (to let out a cry) or un soupir (a sigh), to mean 'to let out' or 'to utter'.
Meaning: to apply a force to something so that it moves away (verb)
Which one should you use?
The verb pousser (to push) is the direct antonym of tirer (to pull). The related noun poussée refers to a short, directed application of force. Act of pushing.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The past participle of pousser is poussé, which is used to form compound tenses like the passé composé.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /pu.se/ and has two syllables.
Did you know?
- A 'pousse-pousse' is a term sometimes used for a rickshaw, describing the rhythmic action of the vehicle's movement.
- The noun poussée can refer to a sudden increase in something, such as a 'poussée de fièvre' (a spike in fever) or 'poussée d'adrénaline'.
- If you are 'poussé au crime', you have been 'pushed into crime', implying you were driven or coerced into it.
Examples in context
- Ne fais pas semblant de pousser.Don't pretend to push.This sentence uses pousser to show how to talk about pretending to push.Tatoeba #12460380 by felix63, translation #13862327 by tieguy
- Tu dois juste pousser sur ce bouton.You have only to push this button.This sentence uses pousser to describe the action of pushing a button.Tatoeba #533032 by sacredceltic, translation #70096 by CM
- Il a tenté de me pousser dans l'eau.He tried to push me into the water.This sentence uses pousser in the context of trying to push someone.Tatoeba #3487263 by sacredceltic, translation #3476850 by Hybrid
- Pouvez-vous pousser cette porte ?Could you push this door, please?
- Je vais pousser ce chariot pour vous.I'll push this cart for you.
- Arrête de me bousculer !Stop pushing me around!
- Pousse la porte avec moi.Push the door with me.
- 16 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma and Nathan are trying to move a heavy piece of furniture.
- EmmaIl faut pousser plus fort.We have to push harder.
- NathanJe peux pousser de mon côté.I can push from my side.
- EmmaAttention, Nathan, ne pousse pas trop vite !Watch out, Nathan, don't push too fast!
- NathanD'accord, j'y vais doucement.Okay, I'll go slowly.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “push” translations and entries pousser, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
