essayer
/e.sɛ.je/
To try on in French is essayer.
The verb essayer is used when you want to test the look of clothing or accessories. It can also be used more broadly to mean 'to try' or 'to attempt' an action.
Meaning: to test the look of (verb)
Which one should you use?
While essayer is used for trying on clothes, it also functions as the verb for attempting or trying to perform a task.
How does it change in a sentence?
The past participle of essayer is essayé. In the present tense, the first and third person singular forms are conjugated as essaie.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /e.sɛ.je/ and is composed of 3 syllables.
Did you know?
- The French word essai for a 'trial' or 'test' is a direct relative of the English word 'essay'. While we now use 'essay' for a piece of writing, it originally meant an attempt to prove an argument.
- The word essayer comes from the Late Latin exagium, which described the physical act of weighing something on a balance to check its purity.
- In France, if you are getting a wedding dress or a suit tailored, the formal appointment for the fitting is called an essayage.
Examples in context
- Puis-je essayer cette robe ?May I try on this dress?This sentence is useful for asking permission to try on a piece of clothing using essayer.Tatoeba #567287 by sacredceltic, translation #456377 by lukaszpp
- J'aimerais essayer cette robe.I'd like to try on this dress.This sentence is useful for expressing a desire to try on a piece of clothing using essayer.Tatoeba #11269 by Elliv, translation #60771 by CK
- Je voudrais essayer ces chaussures.I'd like to try on these shoes.This sentence is useful for expressing a desire to try on footwear using essayer.Tatoeba #12422452 by lbdx, translation #6530602 by CK
- Je voudrais essayer cette robe, s'il vous plaît.I would like to try on this dress, please.
- 9 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gabriel and Chloé are shopping for a party at a boutique.
- GabrielJe veux essayer ce pantalon noir.I want to try on these black pants.
- ChloéTu peux essayer ce manteau aussi.You can try on this coat too.
- GabrielEst-ce que je peux essayer ce chapeau ?Can I try on this hat?
- ChloéOui, essaie-le pour voir !Yes, try it on to see!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “try on” translations and entries 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.
