Donnais (en. Gave)

[dɔ.nɛ]

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench

verb

Indicates an act of giving in the past.

When I was a child, I often gave gifts to my friends.

Quand j'étais enfant, je donnais souvent des cadeaux à mes amis.

Expresses a habit or repeated action in the past.

Every Sunday, I gave money to charity.

Tous les dimanche, je donnais de l'argent aux œuvres de charité.

Can be used to evoke an action that was done regularly.

At school, I gave advice to new students.

À l'école, je donnais des conseils aux nouveaux élèves.

From Old French 'doner', derived from Latin 'donare'.

lend a hand

Help someone.

donner un coup de main

give the green light

Give permission to start something.

donner le feu vert

give food for thought

Provide elements for reflection or debate.

donner du grain à moudre

give

To ensure that something is handed to someone.

donner

gift

Object or value given for free.

don

donor

Person who makes a donation.

donateur

In a friendly context, it can mean to offer something informally.

Hey, do you want me to get you a beer?

Hé, tu veux que je te donne une bière ?

Used to signify a promise or assurance of something.

I give you my word that I will come.

Je te donne ma parole que je viendrai.