déchirer
/de.ʃi.ʁe/
The English phrase 'rip' is translated into French as déchirer.
déchirer is a verb used to describe the act of dividing or separating parts of something.
Meaning: to divide or separate the parts of (verb)
Which one should you use?
While déchirer implies a forceful tearing or ripping, the verb couper is used for a clean cut with a tool.
How does it change in a sentence?
The past participle déchiré is used as an adjective to mean 'ripped' or 'torn'.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables and is pronounced /de.ʃi.ʁe/.
Did you know?
- In modern French slang, déchirer is used as a compliment to mean 'to rock' or 'to be awesome'. If someone says tu déchires, they are telling you that you are amazing.
- The word déchirer shares a common ancestor with the English word 'shear'. Both originate from the Proto-Germanic word *skeraną, meaning to cut or shave.
- French distinguishes between déchirer and fendre. While both involve separating material, fendre is used specifically for splitting wood or a crack appearing in a surface.
Examples in context
- J'ai entendu mon pantalon se déchirer.I heard my pants rip.This sentence shows how to describe the sound of pants ripping using déchirer.Tatoeba #8405326 by Aiji, translation #7926262 by CK
- Ne tirez pas dessus, vous allez le déchirer !Don't shoot, you'll rip him apart!This sentence uses déchirer to warn that an action might rip something apart.Tatoeba #10328821 by Julien_PDC, translation #11615908 by tieguy
- Si cela se produit, je déchirerai et brûlerai tout ce que j'ai écrit.If that happens, I will rip up and burn everything I have written.This sentence illustrates using déchirer to express the intent to rip up and burn written works.Tatoeba #4221218 by sacredceltic, translation #3530729 by monahxo
Example conversation
Lucas and Emma are in the craft room.
- LucasEmma, ne cherche pas à déchirer cette feuille.Emma, don't try to rip this sheet.
- EmmaJe voulais juste la séparer en deux.I just wanted to separate it in two.
- LucasTu vas la déchirer de façon irrégulière.You are going to rip it unevenly.
- EmmaD'accord, je vais utiliser des ciseaux.Okay, I will use scissors.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry déchirer, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries déchirer, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
