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A2 noun 11 min de lectura

endommager

Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos endommager en 30 segundos

Explicación endommager in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should focus on the basic idea that 'endommager' means something is broken or not perfect anymore. Imagine a child with a toy. If the toy falls and a piece comes off, the toy is 'endommagé'. At this stage, you don't need to worry about complex grammar. Just remember that 'endommager' is a verb you use for things, like your 'téléphone', your 'vélo' (bike), or your 'livre' (book). It is a regular '-er' verb, so it conjugates just like 'parler' or 'manger'. You will mostly use it in the present tense: 'Je n'endommage pas mes affaires' (I do not damage my things). It is a useful word to know when you are shopping or describing your possessions. If you see a scratch on a table, you can say 'La table est endommagée'. This helps you communicate basic problems in a simple way. Always think of it as the opposite of 'réparer' (to fix). If you can't fix it, maybe you endommagé it! Focus on the physical aspect: if you can touch it and it's hurt, you can use this word. Don't use it for people yet, just stick to objects you see every day.

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At the A2 level, you start to use 'endommager' in more varied contexts, such as describing accidents or the weather. You should be able to use the 'passé composé' to talk about things that happened in the past. For example, 'La tempête a endommagé la maison' (The storm damaged the house). You should also begin to recognize the noun form 'dommage', which is often used in the phrase 'C'est dommage !' (That's a pity!), although that has a slightly different meaning. At A2, you are learning to describe your environment in more detail. If you are talking about a car accident, you might say 'La voiture est très endommagée'. You should also be aware of the spelling change in the 'nous' form: 'nous endommageons'. This extra 'e' is important for the pronunciation. You can also start using it with simple adverbs like 'gravement' (seriously) or 'légèrement' (slightly). This adds more detail to your descriptions. For example, 'Il a légèrement endommagé son ordinateur'. This level is about moving from simple 'broken' to 'damaged in a specific way'. You will also see this word in simple news headlines or weather reports, which is a great way to practice seeing it in the real world.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'endommager' in a variety of tenses, including the future and the conditional. You might say, 'Si tu fais cela, tu endommageras l'appareil' (If you do that, you will damage the device). You are also expected to understand the passive voice, which is very common with this verb: 'Les cultures ont été endommagées par la grêle' (The crops were damaged by the hail). At this stage, you can distinguish between 'endommager' and more informal words like 'abîmer'. You know that 'endommager' is better for professional or formal situations, like writing an email to a landlord about a broken window. You can also use it to discuss environmental issues, which is a common topic at B1. For instance, 'La pollution endommage la couche d'ozone'. You should also be able to use it in the subjunctive after expressions of fear or necessity: 'J'ai peur qu'il n'endommage le moteur'. This shows a higher level of grammatical control. You are starting to see how the word fits into broader discussions about cause and effect. You can explain why something was damaged and what the consequences are. This level is about using the word to build more complex and logical arguments in both speaking and writing.

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At the B2 level, you use 'endommager' with precision and nuance. You understand that while it primarily refers to physical objects, it can occasionally be used for abstract concepts like 'une réputation' or 'une relation', though you also know synonyms like 'nuire à' or 'entacher'. You are proficient in using the verb in complex sentence structures, including the 'gérondif' (en endommageant) to describe how something happened. For example, 'Il a ouvert la boîte en endommageant le contenu'. You can also engage in discussions about responsibility and insurance, using 'endommager' to describe liability. You might say, 'La société est responsable d'avoir endommagé les infrastructures publiques'. At B2, you should also be aware of the technical registers where 'endommager' is used, such as in science or law. You can read a technical report about how a chemical might 'endommager les tissus cellulaires' and understand the gravity of the term. Your vocabulary is wide enough to choose 'endommager' when you want to sound objective and 'saccager' when you want to imply intentional, violent destruction. You can also use the noun 'endommagement' in technical contexts, although it is less common than 'dommages'. This level is about mastering the register and the specific professional contexts where the word is most appropriate.

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At the C1 level, you have a deep understanding of the stylistic implications of using 'endommager' versus its synonyms. You can use it in sophisticated literary or academic contexts. You might analyze how a certain historical event 'a durablement endommagé les structures sociales d'un pays'. You are sensitive to the collocations of the word—knowing which adverbs like 'irrémédiablement' or 'considérablement' pair best with it to create a specific impact. You can use the verb in the passive voice with a variety of agents, and you understand the subtle difference between 'être endommagé par' and 'être endommagé de' (though the latter is rare and specific). You can also use the word in rhetorical ways, perhaps in a debate about ethics or technology. For instance, 'L'usage immodéré des réseaux sociaux peut endommager le tissu même de notre démocratie'. Here, you are using the word's physical connotation to give weight to an abstract argument. You are also capable of identifying 'endommager' in historical texts or legal codes where its meaning might have slight variations. Your use of the word is not just about accuracy, but about elegance and the strategic choice of vocabulary to suit a sophisticated audience. You can explain the etymological roots and how they relate to modern usage.

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At the C2 level, you possess a native-like command of 'endommager'. You can use it with total flexibility, including in highly specialized fields like mechanical engineering, law, or environmental science. You understand all the metaphorical possibilities and can even play with the word in creative writing or puns. You might use it in a very formal 'discours' to describe the 'effets endommageants' (damaging effects) of a policy, choosing the participle as an adjective with ease. You are aware of regional variations—how a speaker in Quebec might use 'endommager' compared to someone in Marseille. You can effortlessly switch between the formal 'endommager' and the slang 'bousiller' to match the social context perfectly. You understand the historical evolution of the word from its Old French roots and how it has maintained its core meaning while expanding its reach. In a C2 context, you might use the word to describe the 'endommagement structurel' of a complex system, whether it be a bridge or a global financial network. Your mastery is such that you can use the word to convey irony, sarcasm, or profound gravity. You are no longer just using a word; you are wielding a tool of the French language with absolute precision, understanding every shade of meaning and every possible implication of its use in any given sentence.

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Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos

endommager en 30 segundos

A common French verb meaning to physically damage or harm an object.
Used primarily for property, electronics, and structures rather than people.
More formal than 'abîmer' and often found in news or insurance contexts.
Follows regular -er conjugation but requires an 'e' in the 'nous' form.

The French verb endommager is a crucial term for English speakers to master because it describes the act of causing physical harm, impairment, or loss of value to an object or structure. While it corresponds directly to the English verb 'to damage', its usage in French is often more specific to physical property than to abstract concepts or people. When you use endommager, you are typically talking about something tangible that has been hit, broken, or worn down by an external force.

Physical Context: The most common use involves physical objects like cars, buildings, or electronic devices. For instance, if a hailstone hits your car, it might endommager the hood. It implies a change from a functional or aesthetically pleasing state to one that is broken or flawed.

In everyday life, you will encounter this word in news reports regarding natural disasters, insurance claims, and technical manuals. It is a formal yet common word, sitting higher on the register than the colloquial 'abîmer' (to spoil or ruin), which is used more frequently in casual conversation.

Les vents violents ont fini par endommager la toiture de la vieille grange pendant la tempête nocturne.

Understanding the nuance between endommager and its synonyms is key. While 'casser' means to break completely into pieces, endommager suggests that the object might still exist as a whole but its integrity or function has been compromised.

Legal and Insurance Usage: In legal documents, 'endommager' is the standard term used to describe property damage. Insurance adjusters will use it to quantify the level of destruction to an asset. It is precise and objective.

L'expert a conclu que l'humidité avait réussi à endommager les fondations de la maison de manière irréversible.

Environmental Context: Environmentalists often use the term to describe how pollution or climate change can endommager ecosystems, coral reefs, or the ozone layer. It emphasizes the negative impact of human activity on the natural world.

La pollution plastique continue d'endommager gravement la faune marine dans l'océan Pacifique.

Faites attention à ne pas endommager les câbles électriques lors de l'installation du nouveau système.

Le gel matinal a fini par endommager les bourgeons précoces des arbres fruitiers du verger.

Finally, consider the scale of the damage. For minor scratches, 'rayer' or 'égratigner' might be better, but for anything that affects the integrity of the object, 'endommager' is your go-to verb. It bridges the gap between simple wear and tear and total destruction.

Using endommager correctly requires an understanding of its transitive nature. It always takes a direct object—the thing that is being damaged. In French grammar, it follows the regular pattern of verbs ending in '-er', which makes it relatively simple to conjugate in most tenses. However, because the stem ends in a 'g', you must be careful with the spelling before vowels like 'o' or 'a' to maintain the soft 'j' sound (e.g., 'nous endommageons').

Active Voice Construction: In the active voice, the subject is the cause of the damage. Example: 'Le chat a endommagé le canapé.' (The cat damaged the sofa). This is the most direct way to assign responsibility or identify a cause.

Si vous utilisez le mauvais chargeur, vous risquez d'endommager la batterie de votre téléphone portable.

Passive Voice Usage: The passive voice is very common in technical or news contexts where the cause might be unknown or less important than the result. Example: 'Le colis a été endommagé pendant le transport.' (The package was damaged during transport).

Plusieurs tableaux de valeur ont été endommagés par la fumée lors de l'incendie du musée.

Infinitive Phrases: You will often see 'endommager' used after modal verbs like 'pouvoir' (can), 'vouloir' (want), or 'devoir' (must). Example: 'L'acide peut endommager le métal.' (Acid can damage metal).

Il ne faut pas endommager les preuves avant que la police n'arrive sur les lieux du crime.

La grêle a réussi à endommager les panneaux solaires installés sur le toit de la mairie.

Une mauvaise manipulation du logiciel pourrait endommager les fichiers système de votre ordinateur.

In more complex sentences, you might use it with the gerund form 'en endommageant' (by damaging). Example: 'Il a réparé la fuite, mais en endommageant le mur.' (He fixed the leak, but by damaging the wall). This shows how one action leads to another negative consequence. It is also important to note that 'endommager' is rarely used reflexively ('s'endommager') unless you are talking about something that wears itself out, though 's'abîmer' is much more common for that purpose. For example, you might say 'Le mécanisme s'est endommagé avec le temps', though it sounds slightly technical. Most French speakers would say 'Le mécanisme s'est abîmé'.

In the real world, endommager is a staple of French media and professional life. If you turn on the French news (like BFMTV or France 24) after a storm, you will hear journalists reporting on how the infrastructure was affected. They will use 'endommager' to describe the damage to bridges, roads, and power lines. This gives the word a sense of scale and seriousness.

Professional Environments: In a garage, a mechanic might tell you that a lack of oil has 'endommagé le moteur'. In an office, an IT specialist might warn that a virus has 'endommagé les données'. It is the professional's choice for identifying technical failure.

Monsieur, nous avons remarqué que le transporteur a endommagé le coin de la table lors de la livraison ce matin.

Travel and Public Transport: At train stations (SNCF) or airports, announcements regarding delays often cite 'matériel endommagé' or 'voies endommagées' (damaged tracks). This is a very common phrase that travelers hear when there are technical issues on the line.

Le trafic est interrompu car un camion a endommagé un caténaire sur la ligne à grande vitesse.

Daily Shopping: When buying items in a store, you might see a 'produit endommagé' sold at a discount. If you receive a delivery that is broken, the first thing you will say to customer service is 'Mon colis est arrivé endommagé'.

Ce vêtement est en solde parce que la fermeture éclair a été endommagée par les essayages répétés.

La tempête a réussi à endommager les lignes téléphoniques, coupant ainsi toute communication dans le village.

Il est strictement interdit d'endommager les sites historiques sous peine d'une amende très lourde.

In literature and cinema, it might be used metaphorically to describe a damaged reputation ('endommager une réputation') or a damaged relationship, although 'nuire à' or 'entacher' are often preferred for those specific contexts. However, in a thriller, a detective might talk about how a bullet 'a endommagé l'épaule' (damaged the shoulder) of a victim, though again, medical terms are more common. The ubiquity of 'endommager' in French life stems from its clarity—it tells you exactly what happened without the emotional weight of 'détruire' (to destroy) or the vagueness of 'changer' (to change).

One of the most frequent errors English speakers make with endommager is using it to describe physical injury to a person. In English, we can say 'he damaged his knee playing football', but in French, saying 'il a endommagé son genou' sounds like his knee is a mechanical part rather than a human limb. For people, you must use 'se blesser' (to hurt oneself) or 'se faire mal'.

People vs. Objects: Mistake: 'Il a endommagé sa jambe.' Correct: 'Il s'est blessé à la jambe.' 'Endommager' is strictly for property, equipment, or structures.

Attention ! Ne dites pas que vous avez endommagé votre ami ; dites plutôt que vous l'avez blessé par accident.

Confusion with 'Abîmer': While they are synonyms, using 'endommager' in a very casual context can sound overly formal. If you drop an apple and it gets a bruise, you 'abîmez' the apple. If you say you 'endommagez' the apple, it sounds like you are filing an official report on the fruit's condition.

On utilise souvent 'abîmer' pour les petits objets du quotidien et endommager pour les dégâts plus importants.

Overusing for Abstract Damage: English speakers often say 'to damage a relationship'. In French, while 'endommager une relation' is understood, it is much more natural to say 'nuire à une relation' or 'dégrader une relation'. 'Endommager' likes things you can touch.

Ses mensonges ont fini par dégrader leur amitié, plutôt que de simplement l'endommager physiquement.

L'eau a pu endommager les circuits électroniques, mais elle n'a pas blessé l'utilisateur de l'appareil.

Il est faux de dire que le bruit a endommagé mon humeur ; on dira plutôt que le bruit m'a agacé.

Another mistake is the confusion between the verb 'endommager' and the noun 'dommage'. You cannot 'faire un endommager'. You either 'endommagez' something (verb) or you 'causez des dommages' (noun). This distinction is vital for proper sentence structure. Also, avoid using 'endommager' when you mean 'to waste' (gaspiller). If you waste time, you are not damaging it in the French linguistic sense. Finally, watch out for the preposition. 'Endommager' takes a direct object, so no 'à' or 'de' is needed after the verb. You 'endommagez quelque chose', not 'endommagez à quelque chose'.

French offers a rich palette of words to describe various types of damage, and choosing the right one will make you sound much more like a native speaker. While endommager is the standard 'middle-ground' term, its alternatives range from the extremely casual to the highly technical.

Abîmer vs. Endommager: 'Abîmer' is the most common synonym. It is used for anything from clothes to fruit to cars. It is less formal than 'endommager'. If you scratch a book, you 'abîmez' it. If a flood ruins a library, the water 'endommage' the building.

J'ai peur d'abîmer mes nouvelles chaussures en marchant dans la boue du jardin.

Détériorer and Dégrader: 'Détériorer' often implies a slow process of worsening over time, like weather 'détériorant' a statue. 'Dégrader' is often used for vandalism or environmental damage. You 'dégradez' a wall with graffiti.

Le climat humide a fini par détériorer la qualité du papier des archives nationales.

Slang and Informal Terms: In very informal French, you might hear 'bousiller' or 'esquinter'. 'J'ai bousillé mon téléphone' means 'I trashed/broke my phone'. These are great for emotional emphasis but should be avoided in professional writing.

Il a complètement bousillé son vélo en essayant de descendre cet escalier abrupt.

La grêle a esquinté la carrosserie de toutes les voitures garées dans la rue.

Si vous continuez à crier ainsi, vous allez finir par vous abîmer les cordes vocales.

Comparing 'nuire' and 'endommager' is also helpful. 'Nuire' means to be harmful to something abstract, like 'nuire à la santé' (to harm health) or 'nuire à la réputation'. You don't 'endommager' health usually; you 'nuire' to it. Understanding these boundaries helps in selecting the most precise word for the situation. Lastly, 'saboter' is used when the damage is intentional and aimed at stopping a process or operation. If someone 'endommage' a machine on purpose to stop a factory, they are 'sabotaging' it.

How Formal Is It?

Dato curioso

The word 'damage' in English was actually borrowed from the Old French 'damage' in the 14th century, so 'endommager' and 'damage' are linguistic cousins!

Guía de pronunciación

UK /ɒn.dɒ.mæ.ʒeɪ/

US /ɑn.dɑ.mæ.ʒeɪ/

The stress is evenly distributed, with a slight emphasis on the final syllable 'ger'.

Rima con

partager voyager nager manger changer engager soulager partager

Errores comunes

Pronouncing the final 'r' (it is silent).
Making the 'g' hard like 'get' (it should be soft like 'measure').
Forgetting the nasal sound of the first syllable 'en'.
Pronouncing it like the English 'damage' too closely.
Missing the 'e' sound in the 'nous' form conjugation.

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 2/5

Easy to recognize because it looks like 'damage'.

Escritura 3/5

Need to remember the double 'm' and the 'e' in 'nous endommageons'.

Expresión oral 3/5

Nasal 'en' and soft 'g' can be tricky for beginners.

Escucha 2/5

Common in news and announcements, usually clear.

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

casser abîmer objet réparer faire

Aprende después

détériorer dégrader nuire dommageable dédommagement

Avanzado

sinistre préjudice vétusté usure altérer

Gramática que debes saber

Spelling of -ger verbs

Nous endommageons (add 'e' before 'o')

Passive voice agreement

Les boîtes ont été endommagées (feminine plural)

Direct object vs Indirect

Endommager quelque chose (no preposition)

Passé composé with Avoir

J'ai endommagé mon sac.

Subjunctive after fear

Je crains qu'il n'endommage le meuble.

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Ejemplos por nivel

Le petit garçon a endommagé son jouet préféré.

The little boy damaged his favorite toy.

Simple past tense (passé composé) with 'avoir'.

Fais attention à ne pas endommager le livre.

Be careful not to damage the book.

Negative imperative with 'ne pas' before the infinitive.

La pluie peut endommager le papier.

Rain can damage paper.

Modal verb 'pouvoir' followed by the infinitive.

J'ai endommagé mon vélo hier.

I damaged my bike yesterday.

Passé composé using the auxiliary 'avoir'.

Est-ce que tu as endommagé la table ?

Did you damage the table?

Question form in the passé composé.

Il ne faut pas endommager les fleurs du jardin.

You must not damage the flowers in the garden.

Impersonal expression 'il ne faut pas' + infinitive.

Le chat a endommagé le rideau.

The cat damaged the curtain.

Simple subject-verb-object structure.

Ma sœur a endommagé ma poupée.

My sister damaged my doll.

Possessive adjective 'ma' used with feminine nouns.

L'orage a endommagé plusieurs voitures dans la rue.

The storm damaged several cars in the street.

Use of 'plusieurs' to indicate an indefinite plural.

Nous endommageons souvent nos affaires sans le vouloir.

We often damage our things without meaning to.

Note the 'e' in 'endommageons' to keep the soft 'g' sound.

Si tu tombes, tu vas endommager ton nouveau pantalon.

If you fall, you are going to damage your new pants.

Near future (futur proche) using 'aller' + infinitive.

La chaleur a endommagé les fruits dans le panier.

The heat damaged the fruits in the basket.

The subject 'la chaleur' is an abstract cause of physical damage.

Elle a peur d'endommager son ordinateur avec du café.

She is afraid of damaging her computer with coffee.

Expression 'avoir peur de' followed by the infinitive.

Le vent a endommagé la clôture du voisin.

The wind damaged the neighbor's fence.

Possessive 'du voisin' (of the neighbor).

Vous avez endommagé le mur en déplaçant le meuble.

You damaged the wall while moving the furniture.

Gerund 'en déplaçant' shows the simultaneous action.

La boîte était endommagée à son arrivée.

The box was damaged when it arrived.

Passive voice with 'être' in the imperfect tense; agreement of 'endommagée'.

Il est possible que l'humidité ait endommagé les circuits.

It is possible that the humidity has damaged the circuits.

Subjunctive mood 'ait endommagé' after 'il est possible que'.

Les agriculteurs craignent que le gel n'endommage les récoltes.

Farmers fear that the frost will damage the crops.

Subjunctive with 'ne explétif' after a verb of fearing.

Si nous n'avions pas fait attention, nous aurions endommagé le moteur.

If we hadn't been careful, we would have damaged the engine.

Past conditional (conditionnel passé) used for a hypothetical past.

L'incendie a gravement endommagé la structure du bâtiment.

The fire seriously damaged the building's structure.

Use of the adverb 'gravement' to qualify the damage.

Toute personne qui endommage le matériel devra payer une amende.

Anyone who damages the equipment will have to pay a fine.

Relative clause 'qui endommage' and future tense 'devra'.

Le transporteur a nié avoir endommagé le colis.

The carrier denied having damaged the package.

Infinitive past 'avoir endommagé' after the verb 'nier'.

Les produits chimiques peuvent endommager la peau si on ne porte pas de gants.

Chemicals can damage the skin if one does not wear gloves.

General truth using 'on' and the present tense.

La réputation de l'entreprise a été endommagée par ce scandale.

The company's reputation was damaged by this scandal.

Metaphorical use of 'endommager' in the passive voice.

L'expert doit évaluer à quel point le choc a endommagé le châssis.

The expert must evaluate to what extent the impact damaged the chassis.

Indirect question 'à quel point...'.

Une utilisation intensive risque d'endommager prématurément la machine.

Intensive use risks damaging the machine prematurely.

Adverb 'prématurément' placed after the infinitive.

Bien que la toiture soit endommagée, la maison reste habitable.

Although the roof is damaged, the house remains habitable.

Conjunction 'bien que' followed by the subjunctive 'soit'.

Il a été prouvé que ces ondes peuvent endommager les tissus mous.

It has been proven that these waves can damage soft tissues.

Passive construction 'Il a été prouvé que'.

En endommageant ce câble, vous avez coupé l'électricité dans tout le quartier.

By damaging this cable, you cut the electricity in the whole neighborhood.

Gerund 'En endommageant' expressing cause/manner.

L'acidité de la pluie a fini par endommager les statues en marbre.

The acidity of the rain eventually damaged the marble statues.

Verbal phrase 'finir par' + infinitive.

Il ne faudrait pas que cette dispute endommage durablement leur amitié.

This argument should not permanently damage their friendship.

Conditional 'faudrait' followed by the subjunctive for a wish/suggestion.

Les vibrations constantes ont fini par endommager les fondations.

Constant vibrations eventually damaged the foundations.

Plural subject 'vibrations' with a singular verb 'a fini'.

Toute tentative de modifier le logiciel pourrait en endommager l'intégrité.

Any attempt to modify the software could damage its integrity.

Use of 'en' to replace a possessive 'de l'intégrité de celui-ci'.

Le séisme a irrémédiablement endommagé le patrimoine historique de la ville.

The earthquake irremediably damaged the city's historical heritage.

Strong adverb 'irrémédiablement' for emphasis.

Il est regrettable que de tels propos aient pu endommager la cohésion sociale.

It is regrettable that such remarks could have damaged social cohesion.

Subjunctive past 'aient pu' expressing regret.

La surexploitation des sols finit par en endommager la fertilité naturelle.

Overexploitation of the soil eventually damages its natural fertility.

Technical/Academic context regarding ecology.

L'avocat a soutenu que son client n'avait nullement l'intention d'endommager les lieux.

The lawyer argued that his client had no intention whatsoever of damaging the premises.

Formal negation 'nullement' and noun 'les lieux' for premises.

Des micro-fissures peuvent endommager la coque sans être visibles à l'œil nu.

Micro-cracks can damage the hull without being visible to the naked eye.

Preposition 'sans' followed by the infinitive 'être'.

Le gel et le dégel successifs ont fini par endommager le revêtement routier.

Successive freezing and thawing eventually damaged the road surface.

Compound subject 'le gel et le dégel' with plural verb logic.

On craint que l'introduction de cette espèce n'endommage l'écosystème local.

It is feared that the introduction of this species will damage the local ecosystem.

Impersonal 'on craint' with 'ne explétif' and subjunctive.

L'érosion éolienne a lentement endommagé les strates sédimentaires du canyon.

Wind erosion has slowly damaged the sedimentary layers of the canyon.

Scientific terminology 'érosion éolienne' and 'strates sédimentaires'.

L'usage intempestif de la force risque d'endommager les relations diplomatiques déjà fragiles.

The untimely use of force risks damaging already fragile diplomatic relations.

Sophisticated adjective 'intempestif' and 'déjà fragiles'.

L'humidité stagnante a fini par endommager la fresque du quatorzième siècle.

Stagnant humidity eventually damaged the fourteenth-century fresco.

Precise historical and environmental description.

Il serait fallacieux de croire que cette réforme n'endommagera pas les services publics.

It would be fallacious to believe that this reform will not damage public services.

Sophisticated vocabulary 'fallacieux' and future tense.

La prolifération des algues a fini par endommager l'équilibre biologique du lac.

The proliferation of algae eventually damaged the lake's biological balance.

Complex causal relationship in a natural system.

Le rayonnement ultraviolet est susceptible d'endommager les polymères exposés.

Ultraviolet radiation is likely to damage exposed polymers.

Technical expression 'susceptible de' + infinitive.

Les critiques acerbes ont fini par endommager l'estime de soi de l'artiste.

The harsh criticisms eventually damaged the artist's self-esteem.

Psychological application of the verb.

L'obsolescence programmée vise à ce que l'appareil s'endommage après quelques années.

Planned obsolescence aims for the device to get damaged after a few years.

Reflexive use 's'endommage' in a specific economic context.

Colocaciones comunes

gravement endommagé

légèrement endommagé

matériel endommagé

colis endommagé

structure endommagée

réputation endommagée

cerveau endommagé

environnement endommagé

véhicule endommagé

facilement endommagé

Frases Comunes

C'est endommagé.

— It is damaged. Simple statement of fact.

Regarde, c'est endommagé ici.

Risque d'endommager

— Risk of damaging. Common warning on products.

Risque d'endommager la surface.

Sans endommager

— Without damaging. Used in instructions.

Ouvrez la boîte sans endommager le contenu.

Être endommagé par...

— To be damaged by... Passive construction.

Il a été endommagé par le feu.

Endommager sérieusement

— To seriously damage. Emphasizes the extent.

Cela pourrait endommager sérieusement votre santé.

Endommager la carrosserie

— To damage the car body. Very common car phrase.

La grêle a endommagé la carrosserie.

Endommager les cultures

— To damage crops. Used in agriculture/weather.

La sécheresse endommage les cultures.

Endommager les yeux

— To damage the eyes. Health warning.

Le soleil peut endommager les yeux.

Endommager le climat

— To damage the climate. Ecological context.

Nos actions endommagent le climat.

Endommager involontairement

— To damage unintentionally. Legal/accidental context.

J'ai endommagé involontairement son matériel.

Se confunde a menudo con

endommager vs blesser

'Blesser' is for people (injure), 'endommager' is for things (damage).

endommager vs casser

'Casser' means to break into pieces, 'endommager' means to harm or impair.

endommager vs nuire à

'Nuire à' is for abstract harm (harm a reputation), 'endommager' is for physical harm.

Modismos y expresiones

"dommages et intérêts"

— Damages (money paid as compensation in law). While not using the verb, it's the most important related idiom.

Il a demandé des dommages et intérêts.

legal

"payer les pots cassés"

— To pay for the damage/consequences (literal: to pay for the broken pots).

C'est toujours moi qui paie les pots cassés.

informal

"limiter la casse"

— To limit the damage or minimize losses.

On a essayé de limiter la casse après l'erreur.

neutral

"faire du dégât"

— To cause damage or havoc.

Le vent a fait du dégât cette nuit.

neutral

"en prendre pour son grade"

— To be 'damaged' or 'scolded' severely (metaphorical).

Il en a pris pour son grade après son retard.

informal

"mettre à mal"

— To damage or jeopardize a plan or situation.

Cette décision met à mal notre projet.

formal

"battre en brèche"

— To damage an argument or theory (literal: to make a breach in a wall).

Il a battu en brèche ma théorie.

literary

"avoir du plomb dans l'aile"

— To be damaged or in a bad state (literal: to have lead in the wing).

Leur relation a du plomb dans l'aile.

idiomatic

"réparer les pots cassés"

— To fix the damage done by others.

Je passe mon temps à réparer les pots cassés.

neutral

"être sur le flanc"

— To be out of action due to damage (usually a vehicle or person).

Le navire est sur le flanc.

informal

Fácil de confundir

endommager vs dommage

It is the noun form but often used as an interjection.

'Endommager' is the action of damaging; 'dommage' is the result or a pity.

C'est dommage que tu aies endommagé ton sac.

endommager vs injurier

Sounds like 'injure' in English.

'Injurier' means to insult someone; it is not related to physical damage.

Il l'a injurié devant tout le monde.

endommager vs gâter

Means 'to spoil'.

'Gâter' is used for food rotting or spoiling a child; 'endommager' is for physical objects.

La pluie a gâté les fruits (rotten) vs endommagé les arbres (broken branches).

endommager vs altérer

Means 'to alter' or 'to distort'.

'Altérer' is used for changing the quality of something (like a voice or a chemical); 'endommager' is more about destruction.

Le froid a altéré le goût du vin.

endommager vs préjudicier

Related to 'prejudice' and 'harm'.

'Préjudicier' is a very formal legal term for causing a disadvantage; 'endommager' is physical.

Cette décision préjudicie à ses intérêts.

Patrones de oraciones

S + a endommagé + Object

Il a endommagé le livre.

Object + est endommagé

Le vélo est endommagé.

S + peut endommager + Object

Le soleil peut endommager la peau.

Object + a été endommagé par + Cause

La maison a été endommagée par le feu.

En endommageant + Object, S + V

En endommageant le câble, il a coupé le courant.

S + risque d'en endommager + Noun

Cette action risque d'en endommager l'accès.

Il est possible que + S + ait endommagé

Il est possible que le froid ait endommagé les tuyaux.

Noun + susceptible d'endommager + Noun

Un environnement acide est susceptible d'endommager les métaux.

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

dommage (damage/pity)

endommagement (technical damage/act of damaging)

dédommagement (compensation)

Verbos

endommager (to damage)

dédommager (to compensate)

Adjetivos

endommagé (damaged)

dommageable (damaging/harmful)

Relacionado

dommageable

indemne

indemnité

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Cómo usarlo

frequency

Highly frequent in news, legal, and technical French.

Errores comunes

J'ai endommagé mon bras. → Je me suis blessé au bras.
'Endommager' is for objects. For body parts, use 'se blesser'.
Le tempête a endomagé la maison. → La tempête a endommagé la maison.
Spelling mistake: 'endommager' requires two 'm's.
Nous endommagons le moteur. → Nous endommageons le moteur.
Spelling mistake: missing the 'e' in the 'nous' form of -ger verbs.
C'est un endommager grave. → C'est un dommage grave.
Using the verb as a noun. Use 'dommage' or 'dégât' instead.
Il a endommagé à la voiture. → Il a endommagé la voiture.
'Endommager' is a transitive verb and does not take the preposition 'à'.

Consejos

The 'Nous' Rule

Always remember to add an 'e' before the 'o' in 'nous endommageons'. This is a rule for all verbs ending in -ger (like manger, ranger, voyager) to keep the 'g' sounding soft.

Formal vs Informal

In a job interview or a formal letter, use 'endommager'. When talking to your friends about your broken phone, 'abîmer' or even 'péter' (slang) is more natural.

Car Insurance

If you have an accident in France, you will fill out a 'constat amiable'. You will need the word 'endommagé' to describe the parts of your car that were hit.

Silent R

The 'r' at the end of 'endommager' is always silent. It should sound exactly like 'endommagé' (the past participle).

Double M

Many learners write 'endomager' with one 'm'. It always has two 'm's. Think of 'damage' in English which has one, and then double it for French!

Environmental Harm

When writing about ecology, 'endommager' is a powerful word to describe the impact of pollution on 'la faune et la flore' (wildlife and plants).

Legal Damages

Don't confuse the verb 'endommager' with 'dommages et intérêts'. The latter is a fixed legal phrase for monetary compensation.

SNCF Announcements

If you hear 'matériel endommagé' on a French train, it's time to find a book, because the train is likely to be delayed for a while.

The 'End' Mnemonic

If you 'endommage' something, you might put an 'end' to its use. 'End' + 'damage' = 'endommager'.

Endommager vs Détruire

Remember: 'endommager' is harm, 'détruire' is total destruction. Use 'endommager' if there's still something left to fix!

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Think of 'EN-DO-M-AGE'. If you put an 'END' to an 'AGE' (like the Golden Age of an object), you 'endommage' it. It sounds like 'damage' with 'en-' at the start.

Asociación visual

Imagine a car with a big dent in the side. Inside the dent, the word 'ENDOMMAGER' is written in bright red paint. This associates the word with physical property damage.

Word Web

voiture colis tempête réparer dommage électronique accident fragile

Desafío

Try to find three things in your house that are 'endommagés' (even slightly) and name them in French using the sentence 'Le/La [object] est endommagé(e)'.

Origen de la palabra

From the Old French 'en-' (in/into) and 'dommage' (harm/damage). The root 'dommage' comes from the Vulgar Latin '*damnaticum', derived from 'damnum' (loss/harm).

Significado original: To bring loss or harm upon something.

Romance (Indo-European)

Contexto cultural

Avoid using 'endommager' when discussing sensitive medical conditions of people unless referring to specific organs in a clinical way.

English speakers often use 'damage' for both people and things, but must learn to separate 'endommager' (things) from 'blesser' (people) in French.

The 'Code Civil' of Napoleon (Legal) Reports on the fire of Notre-Dame de Paris (Historical) Environmental campaigns by Nicolas Hulot (Ecological)

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

Accidents

Ma voiture est endommagée.
Le choc a endommagé l'aile.
Constat de dommages.
Véhicule endommagé.

Weather

La grêle a endommagé le toit.
Inondations endommageant les maisons.
Vents violents.
Dégâts des eaux.

Technology

Endommager le disque dur.
Surchauffe endommageant la batterie.
Fichiers endommagés.
Circuit endommagé.

Shopping/Shipping

Le produit est arrivé endommagé.
Emballage endommagé.
Retourner un article endommagé.
Remboursement pour dommage.

Environment

Endommager la couche d'ozone.
Pollution endommageant les rivières.
Impact écologique.
Espèces endommagées.

Inicios de conversación

"Est-ce que ton téléphone a déjà été endommagé par l'eau ?"

"Qu'est-ce qui peut endommager une voiture selon toi ?"

"As-tu déjà reçu un colis endommagé par la poste ?"

"Penses-tu que le tourisme peut endommager les sites historiques ?"

"Comment peut-on réparer un vêtement endommagé ?"

Temas para diario

Décrivez une fois où vous avez accidentellement endommagé quelque chose d'important.

Pourquoi est-il important de ne pas endommager l'environnement ?

Si vous étiez un expert en assurance, comment décririez-vous une maison endommagée par une tempête ?

Imaginez un futur où la technologie ne peut plus être endommagée.

Racontez l'histoire d'un objet endommagé qui a une grande valeur sentimentale.

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

Generally, no. For health, French speakers use 'nuire à la santé' or 'abîmer la santé'. 'Endommager' is reserved for physical objects. However, in medical contexts, you might hear about 'tissus endommagés' (damaged tissues).

'Abîmer' is more casual and used for everyday small things (like a scratched book). 'Endommager' is more formal and used for significant damage (like a car crash or a broken roof).

Yes, it is a regular -er verb. The only thing to watch for is the 'e' in 'nous endommageons' to keep the 'g' soft.

You use the noun form: 'dommages matériels'. If you want to use the verb, you say 'endommager des biens'.

Yes, 'endommager une réputation' is possible and understood, but 'nuire à une réputation' or 'entacher une réputation' is more common.

Not necessarily. It just means harm has been done. Some things that are 'endommagés' can be repaired, while others are 'irrémédiablement endommagés' (beyond repair).

It exists but is rare. Usually, we say 's'abîmer' if something gets damaged on its own over time. 'La machine s'est endommagée' sounds very technical.

The best opposite is 'réparer' (to fix) or 'protéger' (to protect).

Yes, 'endommager un logiciel' or 'endommager des données' is very common in IT contexts.

Yes, it is used throughout the French-speaking world in the same way.

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