gagner
/ɡa.ɲe/
The English verb 'win' can be translated into French using several different forms, most commonly gagner. Wiktionary also lists vaincre.
Meaning: transitive: achieve victory in (verb)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA |
|---|---|
| gagner | /ɡa.ɲe/ /ɡɑ.ɲe/ |
| vaincre | /vɛ̃kʁ/ |
The verb gagner is a common and versatile way to express winning a competition, a game or a prize. It is also used to mean 'to earn' when referring to money or a living.
Which one should you use?
Use gagner when you are referring to winning a game, a prize or a specific competition. In contrast, use vaincre when the focus is on the act of defeating or overcoming a specific opponent or an obstacle.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
The word gagner has two syllables and is pronounced /ɡa.ɲe/.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use gagner to mean 'to defeat' an opponent. However, vaincre is the more precise choice for the act of overcoming someone.
Did you know?
- If you say you gagner a person, it sounds as if you have won them like a trophy or a prize, rather than actually defeating them in a contest.
- The word gagner is actually a linguistic cousin to the English word 'way', as both trace back to a Germanic root meaning 'to seek' or 'to strive for'.
- The word vaincre is rarely used in casual conversation and is instead reserved for epic literature or historical accounts of battle.
Examples in context
- Qui va gagner ?Who will win?This sentence is useful for asking who the winner will be using gagner.Tatoeba #1035256 by sacredceltic, translation #847119 by Source_Benedict_1921
- Je ne peux gagner.I can't win.This sentence is useful for expressing an inability to win using gagner.Tatoeba #5555275 by sacredceltic, translation #4928208 by gustonrankin
- Il nous faut gagner.We need to win.This sentence is useful for expressing a necessity to win using gagner.Tatoeba #2161588 by sacredceltic, translation #2154925 by Hybrid
- L'équipe a gagné le championnat.The team won the championship.
- L'athlète a remporté la médaille d'or.The athlete won the gold medal.
- Félicitations pour votre victoire.Congratulations on your victory.
- Il a remporté la mise.He won the bet
- Mon équipe a gagné le match!My team won the match!
- Elle a remporté le premier prix dans la compétition!She won the first prize in the competition!
- 311 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a local tennis tournament.
- LucasTu penses qu'il va gagner le tournoi ?Do you think he is going to win the tournament?
- EmmaOui, il veut gagner ce match.Yes, he wants to win this match.
- LucasEmma est très forte aussi.Emma is very strong too.
- EmmaC'est vrai, elle veut gagner.It's true, she wants to win.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “win” translations and entries gagner, vaincre, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries gagner, vaincre, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
