Ways to say it
| French | IPA |
|---|---|
| presser | /pʁɛ.se/ /pʁe.se/ |
| comprimer | /kɔ̃.pʁi.me/ |
| tasser | /ta.se/ /tɑ.se/ |
| serrer | /sɛ.ʁe/ /se.ʁe/ |
In French, the way you express the act of applying pressure to something from two or more sides depends on what is being squeezed. You can use the noun la compression or la pression to describe the act of squeezing or pressing. If you want to describe people squeezing together in a crowded space, you can use the phrase se serrer. Additionally, the phrase serrer la main is the standard way to say 'to shake hands'.
Which one should you use?
The choice of verb depends on the specific type of squeeze: – Use presser specifically when the goal is to extract a liquid, such as squeezing a lemon or an orange. – Use serrer when the squeeze implies a tight grip or physical constriction, like squeezing a hand or a person. To say 'to squeeze hard' in the sense of a tight grip, use serrer fort. – Use comprimer when referring to the physical act of compression or reducing volume, often in a technical or scientific context. – Use tasser when the squeeze refers to something settling or being packed down under its own weight or pressure, such as soil or snow.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, Canada, the verb tasser may be used to describe squeezing or compacting something.
How do you pronounce it?
presser is pronounced /pʁɛ.se/ and has two syllables.
Did you know?
- The verb presser is used not only for squeezing fruit, but also for the abstract concept of time. The phrase presser le pas means 'to pick up the pace' or 'to hurry'.
- The verb presser is used in the expression presser le citron, which literally means 'to squeeze the lemon' but figuratively means to exploit someone or a situation to the absolute limit.
- The word serrer comes from the Latin word sera, which meant a 'bolt' or 'crossbar'. This explains why the word describes both the act of squeezing and the act of locking something shut.
Examples in context
- Veuillez serrer mes doigts.Please squeeze my fingers.This sentence is useful for requesting someone to squeeze your fingers using serrer.Tatoeba #9937046 by Micsmithel, translation #9853874 by NurseMeeks
- Je ne peux pas presser le jus de cette orange. Elle est sèche.I can't squeeze juice out of this orange. It's dry.This sentence shows how to use presser when you are unable to extract juice from an orange.Tatoeba #8412052 by lbdx, translation #3717809 by AlanF_US
- Ça serait chouette si vous aviez un quartier de citron vert que je puisse presser dans mon eau glacée.It would be nice if you had a wedge of lime I could squeeze into my icewater.This sentence illustrates a way to use presser to describe squeezing a lime into a drink.Tatoeba #1953675 by sacredceltic, translation #1953487 by _undertoad
- Pour extraire le jus de l'orange, il faut presser fermement.To extract orange juice, you have to squeeze firmly.
- Viens ici, je vais te serrer fort dans mes bras.Come here, I'm going to give you a tight squeeze.
- J'ai écrasé la bouteille en la serrant trop fort.I squeezed the bottle so hard that it crushed.
- N'oublie pas de bien tasser les vêtements dans ta valise.Don't forget to tightly pack your clothes in your suitcase.
- Nous nous sommes serrés pour faire de la place aux autres.We squeezed together to make room for others.
Example conversation
Hugo and Emma are in the kitchen making fresh juice.
- HugoTu peux presser ce citron pour moi ?Can you squeeze this lemon for me?
- EmmaOui, je vais le presser tout de suite.Yes, I will squeeze it right away.
- HugoIl faut bien presser pour avoir tout le jus.You have to squeeze well to get all the juice.
- EmmaJe le presse fort, ne t'inquiète pas.I am squeezing it hard, don't worry.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “squeeze” translations and entries presser, comprimer, tasser, serrer, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries comprimer, presser, serrer, tasser, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
