faire une promenade
The English phrase 'take a walk' is translated into French as faire une promenade.
This phrase is used to describe going for a leisurely stroll for the purpose of pleasure or exercise.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb faire (to do/make) and the noun une promenade (a walk/stroll).
Which one should you use?
While faire une promenade is a common way to express this, you can also use the reflexive verb se promener as a more concise and equally common alternative.
Did you know?
- In France, the act of faire une promenade is historically linked to the 'flâneur', a literary figure who wanders the city aimlessly to observe society. To 'flâner' is a more artistic, philosophical version of taking a walk.
- The word promenade is actually a French loanword in English. While it means 'to take a walk' in French, English speakers often use it specifically to describe a paved public walkway along a waterfront.
- The word promenade comes from the verb promener, which is rooted in the Latin word 'prominere', meaning 'to project' or 'to jut out'.
Examples in context
- Va faire une promenade !Go take a walk.This sentence uses faire une promenade to give an imperative command.Tatoeba #1846378 by sacredceltic, translation #1844205 by CK
- J'aimerais faire une promenade.I'd like to take a walk.This sentence uses faire une promenade to express a desire.Tatoeba #3596883 by sacredceltic, translation #3596758 by CK
- Nous pouvons faire une promenade.We can take a walk.This sentence uses faire une promenade to express possibility.Tatoeba #6772526 by felix63, translation #6900616 by kaiperkins271
- J'aimerais faire une promenade dans le jardin.I would like to take a walk in the garden.
- On peut aller se balader au parc cet après-midi.We can take a walk in the park this afternoon.
- Viens, on va faire un tour en bord de mer.Come on, let's go for a walk by the seaside.
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hugo and Chloé are deciding what to do on a sunny afternoon.
- HugoIl fait très beau, Chloé.The weather is lovely, Chloé.
- ChloéOui, on devrait faire une promenade.Yes, we should take a walk.
- HugoTu veux aller au bord de la rivière ?Do you want to go to the riverbank?
- ChloéC'est une excellente idée, Hugo.That is an excellent idea, Hugo.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries faire, promenade, une, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
