raconter
/ʁa.kɔ̃.te/
To recount in French is raconter.
Raconter is used when you want to narrate or tell a story. It is often used in the phrase raconter des histoires, which can mean to tell stories or, idiomatically, to make things up or lie.
Meaning: to tell, narrate (verb)
Which one should you use?
While raconter is used to narrate a story or sequence of events, it is distinct from dire, which is used for the act of saying a specific word or piece of information.
How does it change in a sentence?
The present tense first-person singular and third-person singular forms are raconte. The past participle used for the past tense is raconté.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ʁa.kɔ̃.te/. It has 3 syllables.
Did you know?
- French has a specific expression raconter des salades, which literally means 'to tell salads' but is used to describe someone who is telling elaborate lies.
- The verb raconter shares an ancestor with the English word 'count', via the Old French verb aconter which meant 'to tell' or 'to recount'.
- While raconter means to narrate, the related noun un conte refers specifically to a fairy tale or a folk tale, such as those written by Charles Perrault.
Examples in context
- Le témoin a fait un récit précis de l'accident.The witness gave a precise recount of the accident.
- Le trésorier a fourni un décompte précis des dépenses.The treasurer provided a precise recount of the expenses.
- Il aime raconter des histoires drôles.He enjoys recounting funny stories.
- Tu devrais lui dire tout ce qui s'est passé hier soir.You should recount everything that happened last night to him/her.
- Il m'a raconté sa journée.He told me about his day.
- Peux-tu me raconter ton voyage ?Can you tell me about your trip?
- Elle aime raconter des histoires aux enfants.She likes to tell stories to children.
Example conversation
Two friends are sitting in a cafe discussing a movie.
- GabrielTu veux me raconter le film ?Do you want to tell me about the movie?
- ManonOui, c'était vraiment une histoire incroyable.Yes, it was a truly incredible story.
- GabrielAlors, raconte-moi le début !So, tell me the beginning!
- ManonTout commence dans une petite ville.It all begins in a small town.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “recount” translations and entries raconter, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries raconter, CC BY-SA 4.0.
