rencontrer
/ʁɑ̃.kɔ̃.tʁe/
The French verb rencontrer means to meet or come across someone, either by chance or by appointment.
The verb rencontrer is used to convey the meaning of meeting. It is most commonly used to describe meeting someone for the first time or encountering someone by chance, though it can also refer to meeting someone by appointment.
Which one should you use?
While rencontrer can mean meeting someone by appointment, it is most commonly used to describe meeting someone for the first time or encountering someone by chance. In contrast, the verb voir is used for the simple act of seeing someone, whereas rencontrer is used for the act of meeting or encountering. To express the specific act of meeting someone unexpectedly, you might use croiser, which means to run into someone.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form rencontres is the second person singular present indicative form of the verb. The past participle is rencontré, which is used with the auxiliary verb avoir to form compound tenses like the passé composé.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables and is pronounced /ʁɑ̃.kɔ̃.tʁe/.
Did you know?
- The root of the word involves the Latin 'contra', meaning 'against', implying that the original sense of the word was to strike against or meet something head-on.
- When a French speaker says they ont fait une rencontre, they are often implying they have found a potential new romantic partner.
- To describe the act of meeting someone's gaze, French uses the phrase rencontrer le regard, treating a visual connection as a physical meeting.
Examples in context
- Je vais rencontrer mon professeur demain.I am going to meet my teacher tomorrow.
- J'ai fait la rencontre de Monsieur Dupont lors d'une conférence.I met Mr. Dupont at a conference.
- Je vais voir mon amie ce soir.I'm going to meet my friend tonight.
- Je l'ai rencontré au supermarché.I ran into him/her at the supermarket.
- Je veux rencontrer de nouvelles personnes.I want to meet new people.
Example conversation
Nathan and Léa are discussing a new colleague.
- NathanTu as pu rencontrer le nouveau chef ?Were you able to meet the new boss?
- LéaOui, je l'ai rencontré ce matin.Yes, I met him this morning.
- NathanIl a l'air sympathique ?Does he seem nice?
- LéaOui, il est très accueillant.Yes, he is very welcoming.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry rencontrer, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries rencontrer, CC BY-SA 4.0.
