montrer
/mɔ̃.tʁe/
The English phrase "show" is translated into French as montrer.
montrer is a verb meaning to display. It is distinct from afficher, which specifically means to display information on a screen or a sign.
Meaning: to display (verb)
Which one should you use?
While montrer is used to display or point something out, it differs from afficher which is used for displaying information on a sign or screen.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When using the verb, you typically use the construction montrer quelque chose à quelqu'un to indicate the person being shown something.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /mɔ̃.tʁe/. It has 2 syllables.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use montrer when they mean to prove (prouver) or to demonstrate (démontrer) in a logical or mathematical context.
Did you know?
- In the phrase montrer patte blanche, which literally means 'to show a white paw', the expression actually means to provide proof of one's identity or credentials.
- The word montrer shares its lineage with the English word 'monster', originally referring to a 'showy' or 'extraordinary' thing that was pointed out.
- While montrer means 'to show', the word montre (the noun form) refers to a wristwatch. This comes from the idea of a device that shows the time.
Examples in context
- Je te le montrerai.I will show it to you.Tatoeba #1843009 by sacredceltic, translation #5635842 by mailohilohi
- Peux-tu me montrer ?Can you show me?Tatoeba #2219212 by sacredceltic, translation #2210814 by Hybrid
- Je vais te montrer !I will show you!Tatoeba #10773567 by felix63, translation #11956305 by zogwarg
- Je vais aller voir un spectacle ce soirI'm going to see a show tonight
- La représentation de 'Roméo et Juliette' était spectaculaireThe performance of 'Romeo and Juliet' was spectacular
- J'ai visité une exposition d'art contemporainI visited a contemporary art show
- Ce spectacle de magie était incroyableThis magic show was amazing
- On va voir un show ce soirWe're going to see a show tonight
- Où est-ce que je peux acheter des billets pour le spectacle?Where can I buy tickets for the show?
- Je suis allé voir une représentation de danse classique hier soirI went to see a classical dance performance last night
- Il y a une exposition d'art moderne à la Galerie NationaleThere's a modern art exhibition at the National Gallery
- On organise un spectacle de comédie ce week-end, tu veux venir?We're organizing a comedy show this weekend, do you want to come?
- Le show de cirque était plein de surprises et de numéros époustouflantsThe circus show was full of surprises and breathtaking acts
- Avez-vous déjà assisté à un spectacle de marionnettes?Have you ever been to a puppet show?
- 350 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma is showing her new painting to Lucas in an art gallery.
- LucasEmma, tu peux me montrer ton tableau ?Emma, can you show me your painting?
- EmmaBien sûr, le voici.Of course, here it is.
- LucasIl est magnifique, bravo !It is magnificent, well done!
- EmmaMerci Lucas, c'est gentil.Thank you Lucas, that's kind.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “show” translations and entries montrer, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries montrer, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
