essayer
/e.sɛ.je/
To try in French is essayer.
The verb essayer is used when you make an effort to achieve something or when you test something to see if it works. This includes the common usage of trying on clothing to see if it fits.
Which one should you use?
While essayer focuses on making an effort or testing something, the verb tenter is often used for more ambitious attempts or to express the idea of tempting someone. The noun form of essayer is essai, which refers to an attempt, a trial or an essay.
How does it change in a sentence?
When used in its reflexive form followed by the preposition à, such as s'essayer à, the meaning changes to 'to try one's hand at' a specific activity or skill.
How do you pronounce it?
essayer is pronounced /e.sɛ.je/. It has three syllables.
Did you know?
- The word essayer originates from the Latin exagium, which referred to the physical act of weighing something on a balance to test its value.
- The English word 'assay', meaning to test a metal for purity, is a direct relative of essayer.
- In French rugby, a 'try' is called un essai, mirroring the literal meaning of 'an attempt'.
Examples in context
- Il me faut essayer.I have to try.This sentence is useful for expressing that one must try.Tatoeba #4595754 by sacredceltic, translation #1744915 by Amastan
- Tu veux l'essayer ?Do you want to try it on?This sentence is useful for asking if someone wants to try an item of clothing on.Tatoeba #12346931 by lbdx, translation #2012098 by CK
- Veux-tu t'y essayer ?Do you want to try it?This sentence is useful for asking if someone wants to try a specific activity.Tatoeba #2040735 by sacredceltic, translation #1886032 by CK
- Je vais essayer de comprendre ce problème.I will try to understand this problem.
- Il a essayé d'apprendre à jouer du piano.He tried to learn how to play the piano.
- Nous essayons de résoudre ce mystère depuis des années.We have been trying to solve this mystery for years.
- Ils tentent d'atteindre leurs objectifs professionnels.They are trying to achieve their professional goals.
- Tu peux tenter de résoudre ce problème par toi-même.You can try to solve this problem by yourself.
- J'essaie de comprendre ce que tu dis.I'm trying to understand what you're saying.
- Tu devrais essayer de lire ce livre passionnant.You should try to read this exciting book.
- Elle tente toujours d'impressionner ses amis.She's always trying to impress her friends.
- 148 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hugo and Manon are at a clothing store.
- HugoCe pull est joli, je vais essayer.This sweater is pretty, I am going to try it on.
- ManonIl te va très bien, Hugo !It looks great on you, Hugo!
- HugoJe vais essayer une taille plus petite.I will try a smaller size.
- ManonC'est une bonne idée, Manon est d'accord.That is a good idea, Manon agrees.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry essayer, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries essayer, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
