Significado
To maintain, cultivate, or sustain a feeling of optimism or expectation.
Contexto cultural
In French political life, 'nourrir l'espoir' is a key phrase used during 'les vœux présidentiels' (the President's New Year's address) to project a vision of the future. In Quebec, the phrase is often used in the context of cultural and linguistic survival, reflecting the 'Je me souviens' motto. In many West African countries, 'nourrir l'espoir' is frequently used in community and religious contexts to encourage resilience against economic hardship. The phrase is a hallmark of 'L'existentialisme'. While Camus often wrote about 'l'absurde', his characters often struggle with the human need to 'nourrir l'espoir'.
Use with Adjectives
Make it more descriptive by adding adjectives like 'mince' (slim), 'secret' (secret), or 'immense' (huge) before 'espoir'.
Don't over-use
Because it's formal, using it too much in a single conversation can make you sound like a textbook. Mix it with 'espérer'.
Significado
To maintain, cultivate, or sustain a feeling of optimism or expectation.
Use with Adjectives
Make it more descriptive by adding adjectives like 'mince' (slim), 'secret' (secret), or 'immense' (huge) before 'espoir'.
Don't over-use
Because it's formal, using it too much in a single conversation can make you sound like a textbook. Mix it with 'espérer'.
The 'Que' Rule
When using 'nourrir l'espoir que...', prefer the indicative for things you think will happen, and subjunctive for things you just wish for.
Literary Flair
Use this in your French essays (DELF/DALF) to impress examiners with your command of collocations.
Ponte a prueba
Conjugate the verb 'nourrir' in the present tense to complete the sentence.
Nous __________ l'espoir d'un changement positif dans notre quartier.
The subject is 'Nous', so the correct ending for a second-group verb like 'nourrir' is '-issons'.
Which sentence uses the phrase in the most appropriate register?
Choose the best sentence for a formal speech:
This sentence uses the correct collocation in a formal context with appropriate vocabulary.
Match the French phrase with its English equivalent.
Match the following:
Nourrir l'espoir is best translated as 'harboring' or 'nurturing' hope.
Complete the dialogue with the correct form of the phrase.
A: Penses-tu qu'ils vont se réconcilier ? B: C'est difficile, mais je __________ encore __________ de les voir réunis.
The subject 'je' requires 'nourris', and the phrase requires the definite article 'l''.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Garder vs. Nourrir
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosNous __________ l'espoir d'un changement positif dans notre quartier.
The subject is 'Nous', so the correct ending for a second-group verb like 'nourrir' is '-issons'.
Choose the best sentence for a formal speech:
This sentence uses the correct collocation in a formal context with appropriate vocabulary.
Empareja cada elemento de la izquierda con su par de la derecha:
Nourrir l'espoir is best translated as 'harboring' or 'nurturing' hope.
A: Penses-tu qu'ils vont se réconcilier ? B: C'est difficile, mais je __________ encore __________ de les voir réunis.
The subject 'je' requires 'nourris', and the phrase requires the definite article 'l''.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasYes, using 'un' instead of 'l'' makes it feel like one specific hope among many, rather than the general feeling of hope.
'Garder espoir' is more common and neutral. 'Nourrir l'espoir' is more active and formal.
No, 'espoir' is always positive. For negative things, use 'nourrir des regrets' or 'nourrir une rancune'.
Yes, very often! It fits the rhythm of French ballads perfectly.
Yes, using the possessive 'mon/ton/son' is very common when talking about personal feelings.
The most direct opposite is 'perdre espoir' or 'sombrer dans le désespoir'.
Yes: 'nourrir une haine' (hate), 'nourrir une ambition', 'nourrir des doutes' (doubts).
Usually in the 'imparfait': 'Je nourrissais l'espoir...', because keeping hope is usually a continuous state.
Yes, it's very professional. 'Je nourris l'espoir d'une réponse positive' is a classic closing.
Not old-fashioned, but 'classy'. It shows you have a good education in French.
Frases relacionadas
Entretenir l'espoir
synonymTo maintain hope
Caresser l'espoir
similarTo cherish/stroke the hope
Perdre espoir
contrastTo lose hope
Faire naître l'espoir
builds onTo give birth to hope
Nourrir une ambition
specialized formTo harbor an ambition
Vivre d'espoir
similarTo live on hope
