enseigné
The English word 'taught' is translated into French as enseigné.
enseigné is the past participle of the verb enseigner, which means to teach. This verb is typically used when referring to formal instruction or academic teaching.
Which one should you use?
While enseigné is used for formal or academic contexts, you may encounter the phrase apprendre à when someone is teaching a specific skill or a habit to another person.
How does it change in a sentence?
To form the passé composé (the past tense), the past participle enseigné is used with the auxiliary verb avoir. Additionally, enseigné must agree in gender and number with a preceding direct object if that object is placed before the verb.
Did you know?
- In French, the concept of 'teaching' is often expressed through the verb apprendre, which is the same word used for 'learning'. This creates a linguistic mirror where the teacher and the learner are performing the same action from different perspectives.
- The word enseigner shares a root with signe, meaning 'sign' or 'signal'. This reflects the historical idea that teaching was the act of providing signs or pointers to lead someone toward knowledge.
- The noun for a teacher, enseignant, is used as a professional title, but in a classroom, students almost never address them this way. They will use Monsieur or Madame instead.
Examples in context
- Tu nous l'as enseigné.You taught us that.This sentence shows how to use enseigné with a direct object.Tatoeba #4916608 by sacredceltic, translation #1895650 by CK
- Il m'a enseigné à nager.He taught me how to swim.This sentence demonstrates using enseigné to describe teaching a specific activity.Tatoeba #495867 by sacredceltic, translation #293927 by CH
- J'ai enseigné le français.I taught French.This sentence shows the use of enseigné when teaching a language.Tatoeba #8737422 by Julien_PDC, translation #8407055 by CK
- Pierre m'a appris à jouer de la guitare.Pierre taught me how to play the guitar.
- Jeanne m'a montré comment cuisiner ce plat délicieux.Jeanne taught me how to cook this delicious dish.
- 63 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Léa and Hugo are talking about their school years.
- LéaQui t'a enseigné le piano, Hugo ?Who taught you piano, Hugo?
- HugoC'est ma grand-mère qui me l'a enseigné.It was my grandmother who taught it to me.
- LéaElle était professeur de musique ?Was she a music teacher?
- HugoNon, mais elle a enseigné cela à mes cousins.No, but she taught that to my cousins.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
