installer
/ɛ̃s.ta.le/
The English phrase 'set up' can be translated into French as installer.
installer is used for setting up physical objects (like furniture), software or equipment.
Meaning: to ready something for use (verb)
Which one should you use?
While English uses 'set up' for both physical objects and abstract arrangements, installer in French is primarily used for the physical or technical installation of something. For formal contexts involving setting up a system, you might use Mettre en place and for formal contexts involving setting up an event or activity, you might use Organiser.
How does it change in a sentence?
The first and third person singular present tense forms of installer are installe. The past participle is installé, which is used to form compound tenses like the passé composé.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɛ̃s.ta.le/
Did you know?
- The roots of installer connect it to the English word 'stall'. Both words trace back to an ancient Proto-Indo-European root meaning 'to place, post, or stand'.
- If you are 'set up' in a new apartment, a French speaker would say you are installé. This describes your state of being settled rather than the physical act of moving furniture.
- The word installation in French can refer to a permanent artistic exhibit, whereas installer is the action used to set up the art in the gallery.
Examples in context
- Il faut installer les équipements avant la réunion.We need to set up the equipment before the meeting.
- Nous devons mettre en place un nouveau système de gestion.We need to set up a new management system.
- Nous devons organiser une conférence pour la semaine prochaine.We have to set up a conference for next week.
- Tu peux m'aider à installer la nouvelle télévision ?Can you help me set up the new television?
- On va mettre en place le barbecue dans le jardin.We're going to set up the barbecue in the garden.
- J'ai préparé la salle pour la fête.I set up the room for the party.
- Je vais installer les lumières dans le jardin pour la fête.I'm going to set up the lights in the garden for the party.
- Ils doivent mettre en place un nouveau système de réservation.They need to set up a new booking system.
- On a préparé la salle de réunion pour l'équipe.We set up the meeting room for the team.
- J'ai installé le nouveau logiciel.I installed the new software.
- Je dois installer le nouveau logiciel.I have to install the new software.
- Peux-tu installer la tente pour la nuit ?Can you set up the tent for the night?
- Il a fini d'installer la nouvelle télévision.He finished setting up the new television.
Example conversation
Lucas is helping Emma prepare her new office space.
- EmmaLucas, peux-tu m'aider à installer mon bureau ?Lucas, can you help me set up my desk?
- LucasBien sûr, je vais installer l'ordinateur aussi.Of course, I will install the computer too.
- EmmaMerci, c'est très gentil de ta part.Thank you, that is very kind of you.
- LucasDe rien, on finit ça rapidement.You're welcome, we'll finish this quickly.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry installer, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries installer, CC BY-SA 4.0.
