regarder
/ʁə.ɡaʁ.de/
The English phrase 'watching' can be translated to French using regarder.
regarder is used for watching television, movies or people, which is similar to how it is used in English. For example, you can use the expression Regarder un film to mean 'Watch a movie', while Visionner une série is used to mean 'Watch a TV series'.
Which one should you use?
While regarder is used for actively looking at or watching something, the verb voir is used for the passive act of seeing.
How do you pronounce it?
regarder is pronounced /ʁə.ɡaʁ.de/ and consists of 3 syllables.
Did you know?
- The verb regarder can be used to mean 'to take care of' or 'to concern' someone. For example, the phrase Cela ne vous regarde pas literally means 'that does not look at you' but is used to say 'that is none of your business'.
- While 'watching' a film uses regarder, the verb guetter is used if you are 'watching' or 'waiting' for someone to appear, often implying a sense of ambush or stealth.
- The verb regarder is built from the prefix re- and garder, which means 'to keep' or 'to guard'.
Examples in context
- J'aime regarder la télé.I like watching TV.This sentence shows how to express a preference for watching TV using regarder.Tatoeba #7013 by Cocorico, translation #255126 by CK
- J'aime regarder les gens.I like watching people.This sentence uses regarder to describe the act of watching people.Tatoeba #4686098 by sacredceltic, translation #1520345 by CK
- Tom aime regarder la télé.Tom likes watching TV.This sentence uses regarder to express that Tom likes watching TV.Tatoeba #3472416 by GB3, translation #3472402 by CK
- Le scientifique observe attentivement les mouvements de l'étoile.The scientist is carefully watching the movements of the star.
- Regarde ce chaton trop mignon !Look at this adorable kitten!
- 187 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hugo and Léa are talking about their evening plans.
- HugoQu'est-ce que tu fais, Léa ?What are you doing, Léa?
- LéaJe vais regarder un film.I am going to watch a movie.
- HugoEst-ce que je peux regarder avec toi ?Can I watch with you?
- LéaOui, viens regarder ça avec moi !Yes, come watch this with me!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry regarder, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries regarder, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
