réutiliser
/ʁe.y.ti.li.ze/
The English verb "reuse" is translated into French as réutiliser.
The verb réutiliser means to use something again.
Meaning: to use again (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The verb is composed of the prefix ré- (again) and utiliser (to use).
Which one should you use?
While réutiliser is the standard verb for using something again, réemployer is often used specifically in the context of employing or using a resource or material again in a professional or industrial sense.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The past participle of réutiliser is réutilisé, meaning "reused".
How do you pronounce it?
/ʁe.y.ti.li.ze/ (5 syllables)
Did you know?
- If you are reusing an old idea or a text, a French speaker might use the verb recycler metaphorically, even if no physical materials are actually being recycled.
- The verb utiliser is a relatively modern addition to French. Before it became common, French speakers used faire usage de or employer, making réutiliser a newer construction compared to older French verbs.
- If you are reusing something to make it better, such as turning an old ladder into a bookshelf, French speakers often prefer the term surcyclage over réutilisation.
Examples in context
- Les 3 R sont Réduire, Réutiliser et Recycler.The 3 Rs are Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.This sentence is useful for reciting the 3 Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) using the form réutiliser.Tatoeba #7705174 by lbdx, translation #3177217 by Hybrid
- Ce n'est pas une bonne idée de réutiliser les mots de passe.It isn't a good idea to reuse passwords.This sentence uses réutiliser to give advice regarding passwords.Tatoeba #10071730 by lbdx, translation #10071071 by CK
- Chacun peut réutiliser les données ouvertes.Anyone can reuse open data.This sentence uses réutiliser in the context of reusing open data.Tatoeba #13964302 by Naityahia, translation #13964305 by Naityahia
- Le projet propose de réutiliser le matériel existant.The project suggests reusing the existing material.
- Nous devons utiliser à nouveau nos ressources recyclables.We must reuse our recyclable resources.
- Tu peux réutiliser cette bouteille d'eau pour la remplir.You can reuse this water bottle to fill it up.
- On peut recycler ces boîtes de conserve pour en faire des pots de fleurs.We can recycle these tin cans to use them as flower pots.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Manon and Gabriel are cleaning the kitchen.
- ManonGabriel, est-ce qu'on peut réutiliser ces bocaux ?Gabriel, can we reuse these jars?
- GabrielOui, ils sont encore très propres.Yes, they are still very clean.
- ManonParfait, je vais les laver.Perfect, I will wash them.
- GabrielC'est une excellente idée, Manon.That is an excellent idea, Manon.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “reuse” translations and entries réutiliser, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
