sauver le
The phrase sauver le means to save the in French.
This phrase is used to describe the act of rescuing someone or something from a dangerous or harmful situation.
Which one should you use?
The verb sauver specifically refers to rescuing someone from danger. This is distinct from épargner, which is often used when the intended meaning is to spare someone from death or punishment.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the phrase changes depending on the noun that follows it. Use sauver la if the object being saved is a feminine noun. Use sauver les if the object being saved is plural, regardless of gender. If the object being saved starts with a vowel or a silent 'h', 'le' or 'la' becomes 'l'' (resulting in sauver l').
Did you know?
- The phrase sauver la mise is a common French idiom meaning to save the day or rescue a situation, originating from gambling and card games.
- In Quebec and other parts of North America, sauver is often used to mean 'to save money' or 'to save time', whereas in France, économiser is used for these contexts.
- While sauver is used for rescue, French speakers use sauvegarder specifically for 'saving' a digital file on a computer to prevent data loss.
Examples in context
- Tom pense qu'il peut sauver le monde.Tom thinks he can save the world.This sentence shows how to use sauver le with the world.Tatoeba #8703305 by Julien_PDC, translation #2670815 by meerkat
- Dan n'a pas réussi à sauver les otages.Dan failed to save the hostages.This sentence shows how to use sauver le in the context of hostages.Tatoeba #3982417 by nimfeo, translation #3927486 by Amastan
- Punir les mauvais et sauver les faibles.Punish the wicked and save the weak.This sentence shows how to use sauver le to describe protecting the weak.Tatoeba #333931 by sysko, translation #28599 by CM
- Sauvez le patrimoine culturel de notre pays.Save the cultural heritage of our country.
- Protégez les espèces en voie de disparition.Save endangered species.
- Garde la place pour moi, s'il te plaît.Save the seat for me, please.
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma and Gabriel are talking about a cat stuck in a tree.
- EmmaRegarde le chat ! On doit sauver le petit animal.Look at the cat! We must save the little animal.
- GabrielJe vais chercher une échelle pour l'aider.I will get a ladder to help him.
- EmmaDépêche-toi, Gabriel, pour sauver le chat vite.Hurry up, Gabriel, to save the cat quickly.
- GabrielJe suis là, ne t'inquiète pas, Emma.I'm here, don't worry, Emma.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
