How to Say “Reverse” in French

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inverser
The French verb for to reverse is inverser.
inverser is used for abstract concepts like reversing a trend, a decision or a process.
Meaning: to cause a mechanism or vehicle to operate or move in the opposite directions (verb)

Which one should you use?

While inverser is used for abstract processes, the adjective inverse is used to describe something that has the order of its constituents moved backwards. If you are referring to the physical gear for reversing a vehicle, use the noun phrase marche arrière.

Related words

Gear (noun): marche arrière.

Having the order of its constituents moved backwards (adj): inverse.

Did you know?

  • The phrase marche arrière is also used metaphorically in French politics to describe a 'regressive' policy or a step backwards in progress.
  • In French, to say a car is in reverse gear, you say it is in marche arrière, which literally translates to 'backward walk'.
  • To describe a 'reverse' side of a coin or medal, French speakers use the word revers instead of inverse.

Examples in context

  • Il est temps d'inverser la tendance.
    It's time to reverse the trend.
    This sentence shows how to use inverser when talking about a trend.
    Tatoeba #12367797 by lbdx, translation #12367796 by CM
  • Naloxone est un médicament de sauvetage qui peut inverser les effets d'une surdose d'opioïdes.
    Naloxone is a life-saving drug that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.
    This sentence demonstrates using inverser in a medical context regarding the effects of a drug.
    Tatoeba #12283017 by menaud, translation #4979595 by Hybrid
  • Pour atteindre l'objectif, nous devons suivre l'ordre inverse.
    To achieve the goal, we must follow the reverse order.
  • Tourne la clef de contact dans le sens inverse pour couper le moteur.
    Turn the ignition key in reverse to turn off the engine.
  • Tu dois inverser la marche de la machine.
    You have to reverse the direction of the machine.

Example conversation

Chloé and Nathan are working in a small workshop.

  1. Chloé

    Nathan, est-ce que tu peux inverser la marche ?
    Nathan, can you reverse the direction?
  2. Nathan

    Oui, je vais inverser le moteur tout de suite.
    Yes, I will reverse the motor right away.
  3. Chloé

    Fais attention avec cette machine.
    Be careful with this machine.
  4. Nathan

    Ne t'inquiète pas, Chloé, je maîtrise le mouvement.
    Don't worry, Chloé, I have the movement under control.

Sources

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Penelope Stephanie
Penelope StephanieHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.
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