At the A1 level, you are learning the very basics of French. The word admirer is a great 'bonus' verb to know because it follows the simplest conjugation pattern in the language: the -er group. Even if you only know how to say 'I like' (J'aime), adding 'I admire' (J'admire) to your vocabulary helps you sound more expressive.
Think of admirer as a stronger version of looking. When you see something very beautiful, like a flower or a big house, you don't just 'look' at it; you admire it. In French, you say: J'admire... followed by the thing you like. For example, 'J'admire la tour Eiffel.' It is very simple because there are no extra small words (prepositions) like 'at' or 'of' needed.
At this stage, focus on the present tense: J'admire, tu admires, il admire, nous admirons, vous admirez, ils admirent. Notice that the 'e', 'es', and 'ent' endings are all silent! You only really hear the 'admir' part. Practicing this word will help you talk about things you see during your travels or things you find pretty in your daily life.
As an A2 learner, you are moving beyond simple objects and starting to talk about people and their qualities. Admirer is perfect for this. You can now use it to talk about your family, your teachers, or famous people. For example, 'J'admire mon professeur' (I admire my teacher) or 'Elle admire sa mère' (She admires her mother).
You should also start using admirer in the past tense, known as the Passé Composé. Since it's a regular verb, it's easy: 'J'ai admiré'. You can use this to describe your weekend: 'Hier, j'ai admiré les montagnes.' (Yesterday, I admired the mountains). This adds variety to your storytelling.
Another important aspect at A2 is using direct object pronouns. Instead of repeating the noun, you can use 'le', 'la', or 'les'. For example: 'Ce tableau est beau, je l'admire.' (This painting is beautiful, I admire it). This makes your French flow much better and sounds more like a natural speaker. Remember that 'admirer' is about more than just 'liking'; it's about finding something impressive or special.
At the B1 level, you can handle more abstract concepts. You no longer just admire physical things like 'a painting'; you admire qualities like 'courage', 'patience', or 'intelligence'. For example, 'J'admire sa détermination à apprendre le français.' (I admire her determination to learn French). This allows you to have deeper conversations about character and values.
You should also be comfortable using admirer in the Imparfait to describe ongoing feelings in the past. 'Quand j'étais petit, j'admirais les pompiers.' (When I was little, I used to admire firefighters). This is essential for talking about your childhood and how your opinions have changed over time.
Furthermore, you might start encountering the reflexive form s'admirer. While it can mean 'to admire oneself' (sometimes in a negative, vain way), it can also be used in the plural to mean 'to admire each other'. 'Ils s'admirent mutuellement' (They admire each other) is a great phrase to describe a strong friendship or a professional partnership. At B1, you are learning to use the language to describe relationships and social dynamics with more nuance.
By B2, you are expected to use admirer with more sophisticated grammar, such as the Subjunctive or complex relative clauses. For example, 'Il est rare que l'on admire autant de talent chez un si jeune artiste.' (It is rare that one admires so much talent in such a young artist). You are also able to use the verb in more formal contexts, like business presentations or academic writing.
At this level, you should distinguish between admirer and its synonyms like contempler, priser, or estimer. You understand that 'admirer' has an emotional component that 'estimer' (which is more about professional judgment) might lack. You can also use the passive voice: 'Cette œuvre est admirée dans le monde entier.' (This work is admired throughout the world).
You can also use 'admirer' to express irony or sarcasm. 'J'admire ton optimisme...' said with a certain tone, might mean you think the person is being naive. Understanding these social cues and the 'second layer' of meaning is a hallmark of the B2 level. You are not just using the word; you are playing with its weight and cultural significance in the French-speaking world.
At the C1 level, your use of admirer should be precise and stylistically varied. You might use it in the Passé Simple in literary analysis or formal writing: 'Il admira la structure complexe de l'argumentation.' You also understand the historical and philosophical baggage of the word—how it relates to the concept of the 'Sublime' in 18th-century French literature.
You can use admirer to discuss complex social phenomena. For example, you might analyze how society 'admire' certain traits over others, using the verb to critique cultural values. Your vocabulary around the word expands to include derivatives like 'admirablement' (admirably) or 'admiratif' (admiring/full of admiration). Instead of saying 'He looked at her with admiration,' you say 'Il lui jeta un regard admiratif.'
Moreover, you can handle the verb in complex structures involving the 'ne' littéraire or other formal flourishes. You can discuss the nuances between 'l'admiration' as a fleeting emotion versus a lasting state of mind. At C1, admirer is no longer just a verb you use; it's a concept you can deconstruct and apply to high-level discourse in art, politics, and philosophy.
At the C2 level, you possess a near-native command of admirer. You can use it with absolute precision in any context, from a casual 'Tu admires ?' while showing a friend a new gadget, to a profound philosophical treatise on the nature of beauty. You are aware of the rarest idioms and the most subtle connotations. For instance, you know how to use 'se faire admirer' to describe someone seeking attention or 'rester en admiration devant' to describe a state of total paralysis caused by beauty.
Your use of the word is integrated with a deep understanding of French culture. You know which French figures are universally 'admirés' and why, and you can use this cultural knowledge to make your speech more authentic. You can use the verb in rhetorical devices, such as paradoxes: 'Il faut parfois cesser d'admirer pour commencer à comprendre.' (Sometimes one must stop admiring to start understanding).
In C2, you also master the rhythm and prosody of the word within long, complex sentences. You know where to place it for maximum impact. You can use it to express the finest shades of human emotion—that specific blend of awe, respect, and humility that 'admirer' encapsulates. You are not just a learner of the language; you are a master of its emotional and intellectual range.
admirer en 30 segundos
- Admirer is a regular -er verb meaning 'to admire'. It is used for aesthetic beauty, moral respect, and professional esteem.
- It is a direct transitive verb, meaning it does not require a preposition like 'at' or 'of' (e.g., J'admire le tableau).
- The reflexive form 's'admirer' can mean to admire oneself (vanity) or to admire each other (reciprocity).
- It is distinct from 'aimer' (to love) as it implies a more objective or intellectualized form of high regard.
The French verb admirer is a cornerstone of expressing positive regard, aesthetic appreciation, and moral respect. At its core, it translates to 'to admire' in English, but its usage in French carries a specific weight of contemplation and sincere approval that often goes beyond mere liking. When you admire something in French, you are not just acknowledging its existence; you are actively finding value, beauty, or excellence within it. This verb belongs to the first group of regular verbs ending in -er, making it one of the most accessible yet profound words for a learner to master early in their journey. Whether you are standing before a masterpiece at the Louvre, watching a sunset over the Mediterranean, or observing a person's courageous actions, admirer is the precise tool for the job. It bridges the gap between simple observation and deep emotional or intellectual engagement.
- Aesthetic Appreciation
- Used primarily when viewing art, nature, or architecture. It implies a moment of stillness where the observer is captivated by visual beauty. For instance, 'admirer un paysage' suggests taking the time to soak in the view, not just glancing at it.
Nous passons des heures à admirer les vitraux de la cathédrale.
- Moral and Intellectual Respect
- When applied to people, it signifies a deep respect for their character, achievements, or resilience. It is common to admire a mentor, a historical figure, or a friend who has overcome significant challenges. It carries a connotation of 'looking up to' someone.
In social contexts, admirer is often used to compliment someone’s work or style. In a professional setting, a manager might admire a subordinate’s dedication. In a romantic context, it can be a powerful way to express devotion that is based on more than just physical attraction. The versatility of the word allows it to function in formal speeches, casual conversations about travel, and intimate letters. It is a 'clean' verb, meaning it doesn't usually carry hidden negative connotations, though it can be used sarcastically in very specific, tone-dependent situations (e.g., 'J'admire ton culot' - I admire your nerve/audacity). However, for the most part, it remains a word of light, positivity, and high regard.
Le public s'est levé pour admirer la performance de la jeune pianiste.
- The Reflexive Form: S'admirer
- When used reflexively, 's'admirer' (to admire oneself), it can sometimes lean toward vanity or narcissism. For example, 'Il s'admire dans le miroir' (He admires himself in the mirror). Use this form carefully unless you intend to comment on someone's self-centeredness.
Ultimately, mastering 'admirer' involves understanding the balance between the heart and the mind. It is an intellectualized form of affection. By using it, you signal that you have evaluated something and found it worthy of your highest esteem. It is a word that enriches your vocabulary by providing a more specific alternative to generic verbs of liking.
Using admirer correctly involves understanding its grammatical structure as a transitive verb, meaning it almost always takes a direct object. You admire *something* or *someone*. Because it is a regular -er verb, its conjugation is predictable, which is a relief for many learners. However, the nuance lies in the prepositions and the context of the sentence. Let's explore the various ways this verb manifests in daily and formal French syntax.
- Direct Object Construction
- The most common structure is: [Subject] + [Conjugated Form of Admirer] + [Direct Object]. There is no preposition (like 'at' or 'of') between the verb and the object. You don't 'admirer de' or 'admirer à'; you simply 'admirer' the thing.
J' admire ton courage face à cette situation difficile.
When discussing actions rather than things or people, admirer can be followed by a noun phrase that describes the action. For instance, 'J'admire sa façon de cuisiner' (I admire her way of cooking). It is less common to follow 'admirer' directly with an infinitive verb; instead, we usually use a noun or a relative clause ('J'admire le fait qu'il travaille dur').
- Tense Variations
- In the past tense (Passé Composé), it uses the auxiliary 'avoir'. Example: 'J'ai admiré'. In the Imperfait, it describes a continuous state of admiration: 'J'admirais mon grand-père'. The distinction is important: 'J'ai admiré le tableau' means I looked at it and admired it once; 'J'admirais le tableau' suggests I was in the middle of admiring it when something else happened.
Admirez la vue depuis le sommet de la colline !
- Passive Voice Usage
- While less common in spoken French, the passive voice 'être admiré par' (to be admired by) is used in formal writing to emphasize the person receiving the admiration. Example: 'Il est admiré par tous ses collègues' (He is admired by all his colleagues).
One subtle point for English speakers: in English, we often say 'I admire you for doing that.' In French, we typically say 'J'admire le fait que tu fasses cela' or 'J'admire ton geste'. The preposition 'pour' can be used ('Je t'admire pour ton courage'), but focusing on the quality itself as the direct object is often more natural. Remember to match the endings in the Passé Composé if you are using a preceding direct object pronoun (e.g., 'Cette actrice, je l'ai admirée').
Ils sont restés silencieux pour mieux admirer le spectacle.
The word admirer is ubiquitous in French life, appearing in high-brow cultural critiques as often as it does in casual weekend strolls. Understanding where you will encounter it helps in grasping its various registers and social functions. It is a word that feels 'correct' in almost any setting, from a dusty museum to a modern tech office.
- Museums and Galleries
- This is the natural habitat of 'admirer'. Audioguides will frequently say, 'Prenez un moment pour admirer les détails de cette sculpture.' Tour guides use it to direct the gaze of tourists toward architectural marvels or historical artifacts. It implies a slow, respectful looking.
On peut admirer la Joconde au musée du Louvre.
- Media and Journalism
- In sports journalism or political commentary, 'admirer' is used to describe exceptional talent or strategy. A commentator might say, 'Il faut admirer la technique du joueur,' highlighting a specific skill that stands out from the rest. It is also used in obituaries or tributes to honor a deceased person's legacy.
In everyday life, you will hear it during social gatherings. If a friend shows you their newly renovated apartment, you might say, 'C'est magnifique, j'admire vraiment ton goût pour la décoration.' Here, it acts as a high-level compliment. It's also common in travel contexts; when someone returns from a trip, they might describe 'admirant les couchers de soleil' (admiring the sunsets) as a highlight of their journey.
Viens admirer mon nouveau jardin, les fleurs commencent à pousser.
- Professional Environment
- In a 'lettre de motivation' (cover letter) or an interview, a candidate might mention that they 'admirent la vision de l'entreprise'. It shows that they have done their research and hold the company's goals in high esteem. It is a formal way to show alignment with values.
Finally, in literature and poetry, admirer is a staple. French writers from Victor Hugo to Marcel Proust have used the verb to describe the overwhelming feeling of being in the presence of greatness or beauty. When you read French classics, you'll see it used to describe everything from a woman's face to the vastness of the ocean. It is a word that carries the weight of French romanticism and intellectual history.
Even though admirer seems straightforward, English speakers often stumble over its specific French nuances and grammatical requirements. Avoiding these common pitfalls will make your French sound much more natural and precise.
- Mistake 1: Using Prepositions
- In English, we sometimes say 'I admire at' something (though rare) or 'I am in admiration of'. In French, you must NOT use a preposition. It is 'admirer [quelque chose]', not 'admirer de' or 'admirer à'. INCORRECT: 'J'admire de la peinture.' CORRECT: 'J'admire la peinture.'
Il ne faut pas dire 'admirer à lui', mais simplement l' admirer.
- Mistake 2: Confusing with 'Regarder'
- While both involve looking, 'regarder' is the physical act of seeing, whereas 'admirer' involves an emotional or intellectual judgment. If you say 'Je regarde le tableau,' you are just looking at it. If you say 'J'admire le tableau,' you are saying it is beautiful or impressive. Using 'regarder' when you mean 'admirer' makes you sound indifferent.
- Mistake 3: Overusing the Reflexive Form
- Beginning learners sometimes use 'se' with verbs unnecessarily. 'Je m'admire' means 'I admire myself.' Unless you are talking about looking in a mirror or being very conceited, you should just use 'J'admire'.
Elle passe trop de temps à s' admirer au lieu de travailler.
- Mistake 4: Misplacing Adverbs
- In French, adverbs like 'beaucoup' or 'vraiment' usually come after the conjugated verb. Learners often say 'J'ai beaucoup admiré' (which is correct) but might incorrectly say 'J'admire beaucoup' in a way that sounds clunky if the object is too far away. Keep the adverb close to the verb: 'J'admire énormément son travail.'
Finally, be careful with the word 'admirateur' (admirer/fan). While 'admirer' is a verb, the noun 'admirateur' is often used for fans of celebrities or 'secret admirers'. If you want to say you are a fan of a sports team, 'supporter' is more common than 'admirateur'. Use 'admirateur' for art, beauty, or romantic interests.
French is a language of precision, and while admirer is a fantastic general-purpose word, there are many synonyms and related terms that can help you express exactly *how* you admire something. Choosing the right alternative depends on whether you are focused on the visual aspect, the emotional impact, or the intellectual respect you feel.
- Contempler vs. Admirer
- 'Contempler' is more passive and meditative. It suggests looking at something for a long time, often in silence. You 'contemple' a landscape or a starry sky. 'Admirer' adds a layer of active approval or wonder. You can contemplate something without necessarily admiring it, but usually, in French, the two go hand-in-hand for beautiful things.
Il reste là à contempler l'horizon sans dire un mot.
- Apprécier vs. Admirer
- 'Apprécier' is less intense. It means to value or enjoy something. You 'apprécie' a good meal or a kind gesture. 'Admirer' is stronger and implies that the thing is exceptional. If you 'admirer' a meal, it must be a work of art!
- Vénérer and Idolâtrer
- These are extreme versions of admiration. 'Vénérer' (to venerate) has religious or sacred overtones. 'Idolâtrer' (to idolize) can sometimes be negative, suggesting a blind or excessive admiration that ignores flaws.
Les fans ont tendance à idolâtrer leurs stars préférées.
- Louer (to praise)
- While 'admirer' is the feeling, 'louer' is the action of speaking that admiration aloud. If you admire someone's work, you might 'louer' (praise) their efforts in a speech.
When comparing these words, remember that admirer sits in the perfect middle ground: it is more powerful than 'aimer', more respectful than 'regarder', and more grounded than 'idolâtrer'. It is the ideal word for expressing sincere, high-level appreciation in almost any context.
How Formal Is It?
Dato curioso
In Old French, 'admirer' could sometimes mean to be astonished by something negative, but over centuries, it evolved to be almost exclusively positive.
Guía de pronunciación
- Pronouncing the 'r' as an English 'r' (it should be in the throat).
- Pronouncing the 'd' too harshly or omitting it.
- Pronouncing the final 'er' as 'er' (it should be 'ay').
- Confusing the 'i' sound with 'ih' (it should be a sharp 'ee').
- Nasalizing the first syllable (it is not nasal).
Nivel de dificultad
Very easy to recognize because it is an English cognate.
Easy regular -er verb conjugation, but don't forget the 'd'.
The French 'r' and the silent endings require practice.
Easy to hear, but can be confused with 'amuser' if not paying attention.
Qué aprender después
Requisitos previos
Aprende después
Avanzado
Gramática que debes saber
Regular -er verb conjugation in the present tense.
J'admire, tu admires, il admire...
Direct object pronouns (le, la, les) placement.
Je l'admire (I admire it/him).
Passé composé with 'avoir'.
J'ai admiré la statue.
Use of 'que' + Subjunctive after expressions of emotion.
J'admire qu'il soit si gentil.
Reflexive verbs for reciprocal actions.
Ils s'admirent l'un l'autre.
Ejemplos por nivel
J'admire le beau jardin de ma voisine.
I admire my neighbor's beautiful garden.
Present tense, 1st person singular. Note the direct object 'le beau jardin'.
Tu admires cette photo ?
Do you admire this photo?
Simple question in the present tense.
Il admire la tour Eiffel le soir.
He admires the Eiffel Tower in the evening.
3rd person singular. Use of the definite article 'la'.
Nous admirons les fleurs rouges.
We admire the red flowers.
1st person plural ending -ons.
Vous admirez le monument ?
Do you admire the monument?
Formal 'you' or plural 'you' with -ez ending.
Elles admirent la mer bleue.
They admire the blue sea.
3rd person plural feminine. Ending -ent is silent.
J'admire mon nouveau vélo.
I admire my new bike.
Possessive adjective 'mon' used with the direct object.
Regarde et admire !
Look and admire!
Imperative mood (command) for 'tu'.
J'ai admiré le coucher de soleil hier soir.
I admired the sunset yesterday evening.
Passé composé with auxiliary 'avoir'.
Elle admire beaucoup son grand-père.
She admires her grandfather a lot.
Adverb 'beaucoup' placed after the verb.
Nous admirons le courage des pompiers.
We admire the courage of the firefighters.
Abstract noun 'le courage' as the direct object.
Est-ce que tu l'admires ?
Do you admire him/her?
Use of the direct object pronoun 'l'' before the verb.
Ils ont admiré les vieux châteaux en France.
They admired the old castles in France.
Passé composé with a plural direct object.
Vous admiriez la vue depuis la fenêtre.
You were admiring the view from the window.
Imparfait tense used for description.
Je vais admirer le feu d'artifice ce soir.
I am going to admire the fireworks tonight.
Futur proche using 'aller' + infinitive.
On admire tous son talent pour le piano.
We all admire his talent for the piano.
Use of 'on' as a collective 'we'.
J'admire la façon dont elle gère son entreprise.
I admire the way she manages her business.
Complex object 'la façon dont...' (the way in which).
Il s'admirait souvent dans le miroir avant de sortir.
He often admired himself in the mirror before going out.
Reflexive verb 's'admirer' in the imparfait.
Nous admirons votre patience avec les enfants.
We admire your patience with the children.
Possessive adjective 'votre' with an abstract noun.
Bien que je ne l'admire pas, je respecte son travail.
Even though I don't admire him, I respect his work.
Subjunctive mood triggered by 'Bien que' (although).
Elle a toujours admiré les écrivains classiques.
She has always admired classical writers.
Adverb 'toujours' placed between auxiliary and participle.
Ils s'admirent l'un l'autre depuis des années.
They have admired each other for years.
Reciprocal reflexive usage 'l'un l'autre'.
Vous devriez admirer la précision de ce mécanisme.
You should admire the precision of this mechanism.
Conditional mood 'devriez' + infinitive.
J'admire qu'il ait pu rester calme dans cette situation.
I admire that he was able to stay calm in this situation.
Admirer + que + subjunctive mood.
On ne peut qu'admirer la maîtrise technique de ce chef.
One can only admire the technical mastery of this chef.
Restrictive construction 'ne... que' (only).
J'admire chez lui cette capacité à rester positif.
I admire in him this ability to stay positive.
Prepositional phrase 'chez lui' used to specify where the trait is found.
Le public était en train d'admirer la fresque quand l'alarme a sonné.
The public was admiring the fresco when the alarm went off.
Progressive action using 'être en train de'.
Il est essentiel d'admirer le travail des autres pour progresser.
It is essential to admire the work of others to progress.
Infinitive as part of an impersonal expression 'Il est... de'.
Elle s'est fait admirer lors de la soirée de gala.
She made herself admired (showed off) during the gala evening.
Causative construction 'se faire' + infinitive.
J'admire son honnêteté, même si elle est parfois brutale.
I admire his honesty, even if it is sometimes brutal.
Contrast using 'même si'.
Ils admiraient la structure sans en comprendre la complexité.
They admired the structure without understanding its complexity.
Use of 'en' to replace 'de la structure'.
Il faut admirer l'effort, indépendamment du résultat final.
One must admire the effort, regardless of the final result.
Use of the adverb 'indépendamment'.
On admire volontiers l'éloquence, mais on se méfie de la rhétorique.
We readily admire eloquence, but we are wary of rhetoric.
Comparison of two abstract nouns with 'mais'.
J'admire le brio avec lequel il a résolu ce dilemme éthique.
I admire the brilliance with which he resolved this ethical dilemma.
Relative pronoun 'lequel' after a preposition.
Tout en admirant son génie, on ne peut ignorer ses défauts.
While admiring his genius, one cannot ignore his flaws.
Gerund 'en admirant' used to show simultaneity/concession.
Elle fut admirée pour sa contribution inestimable à la science.
She was admired for her invaluable contribution to science.
Passive voice in the Passé Simple (literary).
Il y a fort à admirer dans la sobriété de cette prose.
There is much to admire in the sobriety of this prose.
Idiomatic expression 'Il y a fort à...' (There is much to...).
J'admire la ténacité dont ils font preuve malgré l'adversité.
I admire the tenacity they show despite adversity.
Relative clause with 'dont' linked to 'faire preuve de'.
Nul ne peut s'empêcher d'admirer la splendeur de Versailles.
No one can help but admire the splendor of Versailles.
Negative subject 'Nul' and the phrase 's'empêcher de'.
L'admiration que je lui porte n'a d'égale que ma gratitude.
The admiration I have for him is equaled only by my gratitude.
Complex noun phrase with the verb 'porter' used for feelings.
L'esthète passe sa vie à admirer l'éphémère beauté du monde.
The aesthete spends his life admiring the ephemeral beauty of the world.
Subject 'L'esthète' and the use of the adjective 'éphémère'.
On pourrait admirer la finesse de l'analyse si elle n'était pas si biaisée.
One could admire the fineness of the analysis if it were not so biased.
Hypothetical 'si' clause with conditional and imperfect.
Le poète nous invite à admirer l'invisible à travers le visible.
The poet invites us to admire the invisible through the visible.
Philosophical use of 'l'invisible' as a noun.
Elle admirait, non sans une pointe d'envie, la liberté de son amie.
She admired, not without a touch of envy, her friend's freedom.
Litotes 'non sans' (not without) to add nuance.
Il est de bon ton d'admirer cette œuvre, bien que peu la comprennent.
It is fashionable to admire this work, although few understand it.
Idiom 'être de bon ton' (to be fashionable/proper).
J'admire la rigueur dialectique qui sous-tend votre argumentation.
I admire the dialectical rigor that underlies your argument.
Academic vocabulary 'rigueur dialectique' and 'sous-tendre'.
L'œuvre, bien qu'inachevée, suscite une admiration quasi religieuse.
The work, although unfinished, arouses an almost religious admiration.
Use of 'suscite' and the adjective 'quasi'.
S'admirer soi-même est le premier pas vers la solitude absolue.
Admiring oneself is the first step toward absolute solitude.
Reflexive infinitive as the subject of the sentence.
Colocaciones comunes
Frases Comunes
— It is something worthy of admiration or looking at.
Leur persévérance est vraiment à admirer.
— To act in a way that attracts attention or praise.
Elle aime se faire admirer lors des soirées.
— To remain staring at something in awe.
Il est resté en admiration devant la statue.
— Without necessarily admiring it/them despite other factors.
Je reconnais son succès, sans l'admirer pour autant.
— To appreciate the intention or the act itself.
Même si le cadeau est petit, j'admire le geste.
— To respect or like something without being involved.
Je préfère admirer ce sport de loin.
— To pause one's activity to look at something.
S'arrêter pour admirer les fleurs du printemps.
— To enjoy the peacefulness of a quiet moment.
Après la tempête, on admire le silence.
— To be impressed by a difficult feat or achievement.
Le public admire la prouesse technique de l'acrobate.
Se confunde a menudo con
Aimer is more about personal liking/love; admirer is about respect/awe.
Regarder is just the physical act of looking; admirer includes a positive judgment.
S'étonner means to be surprised (can be negative); admirer is always positive.
Modismos y expresiones
— To be open-mouthed with wonder.
Il est resté bouche bée d'admiration devant le spectacle.
common— To reject or destroy what one used to admire intensely.
En changeant de parti, il a brûlé ce qu'il a adoré.
literary— To have eyes sparkling with admiration.
L'enfant avait les yeux qui pétillaient d'admiration devant le sapin.
informal— To suddenly start feeling great admiration.
Elle est tombée en admiration devant ce petit chat.
common— Proverb suggesting we only admire what we don't understand.
Comme on dit, l'admiration est souvent la fille de l'ignorance.
literary— To be so impressed you can't believe it.
Je n'en reviens pas d'admiration pour sa réussite.
informal— To praise someone to the skies (extreme admiration).
Les critiques ont porté ce jeune auteur aux nues.
formal— Relates to 's'admirer' (to think one is the center of the world).
Il s'admire tellement qu'il se croit le nombril du monde.
informal— To put someone on a pedestal.
Elle a mis son frère sur un piédestal et l'admire sans fin.
common— Slang for looking at something with pleasure (less respectful than admirer).
Il admire la voiture de sport pour se rincer l'œil.
slangFácil de confundir
Similar sound.
Amuser means to amuse or entertain. Admirer means to respect/awe.
Ce film m'amuse (entertains me) vs J'admire ce film (I respect its quality).
Both start with 'A' and end in '-er'.
Améliorer means to improve. Admirer means to look at with pleasure.
Il veut améliorer son français.
Similar prefix 'Ad-'.
Admettre means to admit or confess. Admirer means to praise visually/mentally.
J'admets mon erreur.
Similar vowel structure.
Aspirer means to aspire to or to vacuum. Admirer is about looking.
J'aspire à devenir riche.
Common -er verb.
Achever means to finish or complete.
J'achève mon travail.
Patrones de oraciones
J'admire + [Article] + [Noun]
J'admire le chat.
J'ai admiré + [Noun]
J'ai admiré le film.
J'admire + [Possessive] + [Abstract Noun]
J'admire sa patience.
[Pronoun] + s'admirer
Nous nous admirons.
On ne peut qu'admirer + [Noun]
On ne peut qu'admirer son talent.
Admirer + le fait que + [Subjunctive]
J'admire le fait qu'il vienne.
[Noun] + que je lui porte
L'admiration que je lui porte.
S'admirer soi-même + [Verb]
S'admirer soi-même est dangereux.
Familia de palabras
Sustantivos
Verbos
Adjetivos
Relacionado
Cómo usarlo
High in literature and tourism; moderate in daily speech.
-
J'admire de la musique.
→
J'admire la musique.
Admirer is a direct transitive verb. No preposition 'de' is needed.
-
Je l'ai admiré hier (referring to a woman).
→
Je l'ai admirée hier.
In Passé Composé, if the direct object pronoun (l') comes before the verb and refers to a female, you must add an 'e' to the participle.
-
J'admire à ton courage.
→
J'admire ton courage.
Do not use 'à'. Just say the object directly after the verb.
-
Ils s'admirer.
→
Ils s'admirent.
Don't forget to conjugate the verb in the present tense for the 'ils' form.
-
Je suis admiration de toi.
→
Je suis en admiration devant toi.
The phrase 'to be in admiration of' translates to 'être en admiration devant'.
Consejos
No Prepositions
Never put 'de' or 'à' after admirer. It's always 'admirer [something]' directly. This is a common mistake for English speakers who think of 'admiration of'.
Use for Art
When you are at a museum, 'admirer' is the most natural word to use. It shows you are engaged with the art, not just walking past it.
The Final 'E'
In the present tense 'J'admire', the final 'e' is silent. In the infinitive 'Admirer', the 'er' sounds like 'ay'. Don't mix them up!
Compliments
Using 'admirer' to compliment someone's character ('J'admire ta force') is much more powerful and meaningful than just saying 'Tu es fort'.
Admirer vs Aimer
Remember that you can admire someone you don't like. Admirer is about the head and high standards, while aimer is about the heart and personal connection.
Daily Practice
Try to find one thing every day to 'admirer'. Say it out loud in French: 'J'admire ce ciel' or 'J'admire ce café'.
Mirror Work
Use 's'admirer' when talking about someone looking in a mirror. It's the classic way to describe someone getting ready for a date.
Business Letters
In a professional context, use 'J'admire la vision de votre entreprise' to show you are serious and impressed by their goals.
Audio Clues
In movies, 'Je t'admire' is often a turning point in a relationship. It signifies deep, lasting respect.
French Pride
French people love it when foreigners 'admirent' their culture. Don't be shy to use this word when talking about French landmarks!
Memorízalo
Mnemotecnia
Think of 'Add Mirrors'. When you admire something, you want to 'add mirrors' to see it from every angle because it is so beautiful.
Asociación visual
Imagine someone standing in front of the Mona Lisa with their hands clasped and a smile, looking intensely at the painting.
Word Web
Desafío
Write three sentences: one about a person you admire, one about a place you admire, and one about a skill you admire.
Origen de la palabra
From the Latin 'admirari', composed of 'ad-' (at/to) and 'mirari' (to wonder).
Significado original: In Latin, it meant 'to wonder at' or 'to be surprised by', often with a sense of religious or mystical awe.
Romance (Latin-based).Contexto cultural
Generally safe, but be careful with 's'admirer' (reflexive) as it can sound insulting (calling someone a narcissist).
English speakers often use 'love' or 'like' where French speakers might use 'admirer' to show more specific respect.
Practica en la vida real
Contextos reales
Art Gallery
- Quelle œuvre admirable !
- J'admire la technique.
- On peut admirer les détails.
- C'est à admirer.
Nature/Hiking
- Admire la vue !
- J'admire le paysage.
- On s'arrête pour admirer ?
- Quel beau coucher de soleil à admirer.
Professional
- J'admire votre rigueur.
- Votre travail est admiré.
- J'admire votre parcours.
- Une réussite à admirer.
Personal Relationships
- Je t'admire beaucoup.
- J'admire ton honnêteté.
- Il admire son père.
- Elles s'admirent.
Travel/Tourism
- Admirez ce monument.
- Un lieu à admirer.
- Nous avons admiré la ville.
- Prenez le temps d'admirer.
Inicios de conversación
"Quelle personnalité française admires-tu le plus and pourquoi ?"
"Est-ce que tu préfères admirer un paysage de montagne ou de mer ?"
"Qu'est-ce que tu admires chez ton meilleur ami ?"
"Est-ce que tu passes beaucoup de temps à admirer l'art dans les musées ?"
"Quelle prouesse technique admires-tu dans le monde moderne ?"
Temas para diario
Décris un moment où tu es resté sans voix en admirant quelque chose de beau.
Pourquoi est-il important d'admirer les autres dans la vie professionnelle ?
Fais la liste de trois qualités que tu admires chez toi-même.
Si tu pouvais voyager n'importe où pour admirer un monument, où irais-tu ?
Comment l'admiration peut-elle nous aider à devenir de meilleures personnes ?
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasYes, it is very common to admire people for their qualities, talents, or achievements. For example: 'J'admire ma mère' (I admire my mother).
No, 'admirer' is a direct verb. You should say 'Je t'admire'.
'Contempler' focuses on the long, silent act of looking. 'Admirer' focuses on the feeling of wonder and approval while looking.
Yes, it follows the standard pattern for all verbs ending in -er (Group 1).
Usually only if the food looks like a work of art. For the taste, you would use 'apprécier' or 'aimer'.
It means to admire oneself (often in a mirror) or for two people to admire each other.
It is neutral. It's perfectly fine in both a casual conversation and a formal speech.
Un admirateur secret (masculine) or une admiratrice secrète (feminine).
It can if it's used in a phrase like 'J'admire que tu sois là', though using 'le fait que' is more common.
No, the 'd' is always pronounced in 'admirer'.
Ponte a prueba 200 preguntas
Translate: 'I admire your courage.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'We admired the sunset.'
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Write a sentence using 's'admirer'.
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Translate: 'She admires her teacher.'
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Write a sentence using 'admirer' in the future tense.
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Translate: 'They (fem) admire the museum.'
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Use 'admirer' in a question.
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Translate: 'I used to admire the stars.'
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Write a formal sentence about admiring a company.
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Translate: 'One can only admire his talent.'
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Write a sentence using 'admirablement'.
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Translate: 'Don't admire him too much.'
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Use 'admirer' with the subjunctive.
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Translate: 'The painting I admired is here.'
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Write a sentence about admiring a landscape.
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Translate: 'They admire each other.'
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Use the imperative 'Admirez'.
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Translate: 'I admire the way you speak.'
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Write a sentence using 'admirateur'.
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Translate: 'She was admired by everyone.'
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Say 'I admire the mountains' in French.
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Say 'She admires her father' in French.
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Say 'We admire the view' in French.
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Say 'I admired the painting' (Past) in French.
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Say 'Look at the moon!' (using admirer) in French.
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Say 'They admire each other' in French.
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Say 'I admire your patience' in French.
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Dijiste:
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Say 'Do you admire this artist?' in French.
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Say 'I admire him a lot' in French.
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Say 'It's admirable' in French.
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Say 'I admire her work' in French.
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Say 'We were admiring the stars' in French.
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Say 'You (formal) admire the garden' in French.
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Say 'I admire your honesty' in French.
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Say 'They (fem) admire the ocean' in French.
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Say 'I admire the way she sings' in French.
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Say 'He admires himself too much' in French.
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Say 'I admire your courage' in French.
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Say 'Everyone admires him' in French.
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Say 'I admire that' in French.
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Dijiste:
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Listen and identify the verb: 'J'admire le ciel.'
Listen and identify the subject: 'Nous admirons la mer.'
Listen and identify the tense: 'J'ai admiré la vue.'
Listen and identify the object: 'Elle admire son frère.'
Listen and identify the adverb: 'Je l'admire énormément.'
Listen and identify the mood: 'Admirez ce paysage.'
Listen and identify the person: 'Tu admires cette photo ?'
Listen and identify the feminine form: 'Elle est admirée.'
Listen and identify the reflexive: 'Il s'admire.'
Listen and identify the plural: 'Ils admirent l'art.'
Listen and identify the quality: 'J'admire ta force.'
Listen and identify the location: 'On admire la vue au sommet.'
Listen and identify the negation: 'Je ne l'admire pas.'
Listen and identify the time: 'Hier, j'ai admiré le parc.'
Listen and identify the pronoun: 'Nous l'admirons.'
/ 200 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
Admirer is the essential French verb for expressing high regard and aesthetic wonder. Use it directly with an object to show you find something impressive, such as 'J'admire ton travail' (I admire your work).
- Admirer is a regular -er verb meaning 'to admire'. It is used for aesthetic beauty, moral respect, and professional esteem.
- It is a direct transitive verb, meaning it does not require a preposition like 'at' or 'of' (e.g., J'admire le tableau).
- The reflexive form 's'admirer' can mean to admire oneself (vanity) or to admire each other (reciprocity).
- It is distinct from 'aimer' (to love) as it implies a more objective or intellectualized form of high regard.
No Prepositions
Never put 'de' or 'à' after admirer. It's always 'admirer [something]' directly. This is a common mistake for English speakers who think of 'admiration of'.
Use for Art
When you are at a museum, 'admirer' is the most natural word to use. It shows you are engaged with the art, not just walking past it.
The Final 'E'
In the present tense 'J'admire', the final 'e' is silent. In the infinitive 'Admirer', the 'er' sounds like 'ay'. Don't mix them up!
Compliments
Using 'admirer' to compliment someone's character ('J'admire ta force') is much more powerful and meaningful than just saying 'Tu es fort'.
Ejemplo
J'admire sa détermination et son courage.
Contenido relacionado
Frases relacionadas
Más palabras de emotions
à contrecœur
B1Hacer algo a regañadientes o de mala gana.
à fleur de peau
B1Oversensitive; easily affected emotionally.
à la fois
B1Significa a la vez o al mismo tiempo.
à l'aise
A2Sentirse cómodo, relajado y sin vergüenza o preocupación.
à regret
B1With regret; reluctantly.
abandon
B1La acción de dejar a alguien o algo de forma permanente.
abasourdi
B1Stunned, dumbfounded, greatly astonished or shocked.
abattement
A2Estado de profunda tristeza o falta de fuerzas morales.
abattu
A2Abatido; desanimado; decaído.
abominable
B1Causing moral revulsion; detestable.
