garder

/ɡaʁ.de/
verbBeginner
general

To keep or retain something in one's possession or care

Il a décidé de garder son ancien travail.

He decided to keep his old job.

💡

Can be used both literally and figuratively.

general

To maintain or preserve something in a certain state

Gardez le secret.

Keep the secret.

general

To keep someone or something safe or protected

Elle garde ses enfants quand elle travaille.

She looks after her children when she works.

💡

Often used in the context of childcare.

Collocations

garder le silenceto keep silentgarder espoirto keep hopegarder à l'espritto keep in mind

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

garder le litphrase
to stay in bed
garder ses distancesphrase
to keep one's distance

💡Pro Tip

Common Usage

'Garder' is a versatile verb that can be used in many contexts, from keeping physical objects to maintaining abstract states.

Gold Rule

Reflexive Use

When used reflexively ('se garder'), it means 'to be careful' or 'to take care'.

📖Word Origin

From Old French 'garder', from Frankish 'wardon', from Proto-Germanic 'wardōn' (to guard).

📝Usage Notes

Can be used in various contexts, from physical possession to abstract concepts like keeping a secret or maintaining a state.

Word Breakdown

gard
to watch over or protect
root
+
-er
verb ending
suffix
Dictionnaire Français-Anglais