se battre
In French, the phrase to fight is translated as se battre.
The reflexive verb se battre is used to describe engaging in a physical struggle or combat with another person. It can also be used figuratively to express fighting for a cause or a right, often followed by the preposition pour.
Which one should you use?
While se battre refers to physical combat or a struggle, you should use se disputer if you are referring to verbal arguments or fighting with words. If you mean struggling or battling against something more abstract, use lutter.
How does it change in a sentence?
As a reflexive verb, se battre is used when expressing fighting or quarreling with someone.
Did you know?
- The verb battre is used to describe the action of whisking eggs or cream, as in battre les œufs. This links the physical act of fighting with the rhythmic striking motion used in cooking.
- In a legal context, French uses the term battre en brèche to describe the act of breaking down an argument or a defense, originally referring to punching a hole in a fortress wall.
- The word battre is also the root for the French word battement, which refers to the rhythmic 'beating' or pulsing of a heart.
Examples in context
- Vont-ils se battre ?Are they going to fight?This sentence is useful for asking about the intent to use se battre.Tatoeba #5814331 by Aiji, translation #2890918 by CK
- Inutile de se battre.There's no need to fight.This sentence shows how to express that fighting is unnecessary using se battre.Tatoeba #11454865 by lbdx, translation #4904974 by CK
- Personne ne veut se battre.No one wants to fight.This sentence demonstrates the use of se battre to express a lack of desire to fight.Tatoeba #2101587 by sacredceltic, translation #2091157 by CK
- Il a combattu pour la justice tout au long de sa vie.He fought for justice all his life.
- Il a lutté contre les injustices sociales.He fought against social injustices.
- Ils se battent souvent, mais se réconcilient rapidement.They often fight, but quickly make up.
- Les enfants se bagarrent souvent dans la cour de récréation.The kids often fight in the playground.
- Les deux frères se tapent dessus dès qu'ils sont ensemble.The two brothers fight each other as soon as they are together.
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gabriel and Chloé are talking about two boys at school.
- GabrielEst-ce qu'ils vont se battre ?Are they going to fight?
- ChloéJe ne pense pas qu'ils veuillent se battre.I don't think they want to fight.
- GabrielIls ont l'air de vouloir se battre.They look like they want to fight.
- ChloéArrête de t'inquiéter, Gabriel.Stop worrying, Gabriel.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
