perdre du poids
To lose weight in French is perdre du poids.
Perdre du poids is the most common and standard way to express the idea of becoming thinner by reducing body fat or mass. Other ways to express similar ideas include Réduire son poids, which translates to 'to reduce one's weight' and the informal phrase Se débarrasser des kilos en trop, meaning 'to get rid of excess weight'.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb perdre (to lose), the partitive article du (some) and the noun poids (weight).
Which one should you use?
While perdre du poids focuses on the actual loss of mass, the single verb maigrir focuses on the resulting state of becoming thinner.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the partitive article du, which implies an unspecified amount of weight rather than a specific quantity.
Did you know?
- The word poids is spelled with a silent 'd' because its spelling was influenced by the Latin word pondus, even though it evolved from a different Latin word.
- In French, the word poids is used both for the physical mass of an object and for the 'weight' or importance of an argument in a debate.
- The phrase se débarrasser des kilos en trop literally means 'to rid oneself of the kilos in excess', treating weight as a physical object to be thrown away.
Examples in context
- Tom doit perdre du poids.Tom has to lose weight.This sentence is useful for using perdre du poids with the verb 'doit'.Tatoeba #5822147 by Yemana, translation #1177563 by CK
- Veux-tu perdre du poids ?Do you want to lose weight?This sentence is useful for using perdre du poids in a question.Tatoeba #7862502 by Aiji, translation #6049169 by CK
- Elle veut perdre du poids.She wants to lose weight.This sentence is useful for using perdre du poids with the verb 'veut'.Tatoeba #11188907 by lbdx, translation #9366997 by DJ_Saidez
- Je suis déterminé(e) à perdre du poids pour améliorer ma santé.I am determined to lose weight to improve my health.
- 39 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma and Hugo are talking about their new fitness goals.
- EmmaJe vais commencer le sport pour perdre du poids.I am going to start exercising to lose weight.
- HugoC'est une bonne idée, Emma !That's a good idea, Emma!
- EmmaEst-ce que tu veux aussi perdre du poids ?Do you want to lose weight too?
- HugoNon, je veux juste être plus musclé.No, I just want to be more muscular.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries du, perdre, poids, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
