détourner
détourner 30초 만에
- Détourner: To divert a path, attention, or resources; to make a detour.
- Key meanings: Rerouting, distraction, misappropriation.
- Used for traffic diversions, changing focus, and financial impropriety.
- Context is crucial to understand if it's a neutral detour or a negative misappropriation.
Understanding "Détourner"
The French verb "détourner" is a versatile word with several important meanings, primarily revolving around the idea of changing direction, purpose, or attention. At its core, it means to divert, to turn aside, or to make a detour. This can apply to physical paths, abstract concepts, or even people's attention.
- Physical Diversion
- When referring to a physical path or route, "détourner" signifies making a detour or rerouting. This is common in situations of road construction, accidents, or when trying to avoid a particular area. For example, "La police a dû détourner la circulation à cause de l'accident." (The police had to divert traffic because of the accident.)
- Abstract Diversion
- Beyond physical movement, "détourner" can also mean to divert something abstract, such as attention, funds, or a conversation. If someone is trying to avoid a difficult topic, they might "détourner la conversation." (divert the conversation). Similarly, "détourner des fonds" means to embezzle or misappropriate funds, indicating a change in the intended use of money.
- Misdirection of Attention
- In a more psychological sense, "détourner" can mean to distract or divert someone's attention. A magician might "détourner l'attention du public" (divert the audience's attention) to perform a trick. This implies a deliberate act to shift focus away from something else.
- Ethical and Legal Implications
- The act of diverting can have ethical or legal connotations. "Détourner l'argent" (to divert money) often implies illegal activity, such as embezzlement or fraud. Similarly, "détourner un avion" (to hijack a plane) is a serious criminal act. The context is crucial in understanding the severity of the action.
Le chemin habituel étant bloqué, nous avons dû détourner par les champs.
Il a essayé de détourner mon attention avec une histoire drôle.
Understanding the nuances of "détourner" is key to grasping its usage in various contexts, from everyday travel to more serious financial or criminal situations. It's a verb that implies a change in the normal or intended course of things.
Putting "Détourner" into Practice
Mastering "détourner" involves seeing how it's used in a variety of sentence structures. It often appears with prepositions like "par" (by/through) when indicating a detour route, or directly with its object when referring to diverting attention or funds. The conjugation of "détourner" follows the regular -er verb pattern, making it relatively straightforward to use once you understand its meanings.
- Detouring from a Path
- In the context of travel or movement, "détourner" is frequently used to describe taking an alternative route. This often involves specifying the new path. For instance:
Nous avons dû détourner par la vieille route car l'autoroute était fermée. (We had to detour via the old road because the highway was closed.)
Le GPS nous a suggéré de détourner pour éviter le trafic. (The GPS suggested we detour to avoid the traffic.) - Diverting Attention or Focus
- When the object is abstract, "détourner" implies a redirection of mental focus or interest.
L'orateur a habilement détourné l'attention de la question difficile. (The speaker skillfully diverted attention from the difficult question.)
Les enfants essaient souvent de détourner l'attention de leurs devoirs en jouant. (Children often try to divert attention from their homework by playing.) - Misappropriating Resources
- In financial or resource management contexts, "détourner" carries a negative connotation of misuse.
Le trésorier a été accusé d'avoir détourné les fonds de l'association. (The treasurer was accused of having misappropriated the association's funds.)
Il est illégal de détourner l'eau d'une rivière pour un usage privé. (It is illegal to divert river water for private use.) - Changing the Course of Events
- "Détourner" can also refer to altering the intended direction of a discussion or a plan.
Ne me laissez pas détourner de mon objectif principal. (Don't let me be diverted from my main objective.)
Le scandale a détourné l'opinion publique des vrais problèmes. (The scandal diverted public opinion from the real issues.)
Pour éviter les manifestants, le bus a dû détourner son itinéraire.
Le réalisateur a utilisé des effets spéciaux pour détourner l'attention du public.
Practice constructing sentences with different objects and contexts to solidify your understanding of "détourner." This will help you use it accurately and effectively in your French communication.
Real-World Encounters with "Détourner"
The verb "détourner" is quite common in French, and you'll likely encounter it in a variety of everyday and formal situations. Its versatility ensures it pops up in different contexts, from news reports to casual conversations.
- News and Current Events
- In news broadcasts and articles, "détourner" is frequently used to report on traffic diversions due to accidents, construction, or public events. You'll also hear it in reports about financial crimes, such as embezzlement or fraud, where funds have been "détournés." For example:
"Des manifestations ont entraîné le détournement du trafic dans le centre-ville." (Demonstrations led to the diversion of traffic in the city center.)
"L'enquête porte sur un possible détournement de fonds publics." (The investigation concerns a possible embezzlement of public funds.) - Travel and Navigation
- When discussing travel plans or encountering unexpected road closures, "détourner" is the natural choice. GPS systems and travel apps might suggest you "détourner" to save time or avoid congestion.
"Le GPS m'a demandé de détourner pour éviter un embouteillage." (The GPS asked me to detour to avoid a traffic jam.)
"En raison des travaux, la route principale est fermée et il faut détourner par la commune voisine." (Due to works, the main road is closed and one must detour via the neighboring town.) - Discussions about Attention and Focus
- In everyday conversations about concentration, distractions, or even persuasive tactics, "détourner" is used to describe shifting someone's focus.
"Il est difficile de détourner son attention quand il est absorbé par son jeu." (It's difficult to divert his attention when he's absorbed in his game.)
"Le vendeur a essayé de détourner ma question sur le prix." (The salesperson tried to divert my question about the price.) - Legal and Financial Contexts
- In more formal settings, such as legal proceedings or business discussions, "détourner" is used to denote the illegal or improper redirection of assets or responsibilities.
"Le procureur a présenté des preuves du détournement de fonds par l'accusé." (The prosecutor presented evidence of the defendant's embezzlement.)
"Il est important de ne pas détourner votre attention des objectifs à long terme." (It is important not to divert your attention from the long-term objectives.) - Literature and Storytelling
- In literature, "détourner" can be used to describe a character who skillfully avoids a direct confrontation, misleads others, or changes the narrative's direction.
"Le héros a réussi à détourner le regard du gardien pour s'échapper." (The hero managed to divert the guard's gaze to escape.)
Les informations sur le trafic indiquent un détournement de la circulation sur la N12.
L'avocat a tenté de détourner l'attention du jury.
By listening to French media, observing traffic signs, or engaging in conversations about various topics, you will naturally become more familiar with the various applications of "détourner."
Avoiding Pitfalls with "Détourner"
While "détourner" is a useful verb, learners can sometimes make mistakes due to its multiple meanings and potential overlap with similar concepts. Being aware of these common errors can significantly improve your accuracy.
- Confusing "Détourner" with "Éviter"
- While both verbs can involve avoiding something, they are not interchangeable. "Éviter" (to avoid) is more general and can refer to avoiding a person, a situation, or an object. "Détourner" implies a more active redirection, usually of a path, attention, or resource. For example, you "évitez" a pothole by steering around it, but you "détournez" traffic *around* a road closure. Using "éviter" when you mean to actively reroute something can sound unnatural.
- Incorrectly Using "Détourner" for Simple Avoidance
- Don't use "détourner" when you simply mean to avoid a person or a direct confrontation. For instance, if you want to avoid seeing a neighbor, you might "éviter" them, not "détourner" them. Using "détourner" in such a case would imply you are actively trying to make them go another way or change their path, which is usually not the intended meaning.
- Overlooking the Negative Connotation of Misappropriation
- When "détourner" is used with abstract nouns like "fonds" (funds), "argent" (money), or "ressources" (resources), it very often carries a strong negative, often illegal, implication of embezzlement or misappropriation. Learners might mistakenly use it in a neutral sense, as if simply redirecting money for a different project. For example, saying "J'ai détourné l'argent de mon budget vacances pour acheter une nouvelle voiture" might sound like you've stolen the money, rather than just reallocated it from your personal budget.
- Incorrect Prepositional Usage
- When "détourner" refers to changing a route, it's often followed by "par" (by/through) to indicate the new path. Forgetting this preposition or using an incorrect one can lead to awkward phrasing. For example, instead of "Nous avons dû détourner la vieille route," the correct phrasing would be "Nous avons dû détourner par la vieille route." Similarly, when diverting attention, it's often "détourner l'attention de quelqu'un de quelque chose."
- Using it for "Turning" Objects
- "Détourner" is not used for the simple physical act of turning an object, like turning a doorknob or turning a page. For those actions, verbs like "tourner" are used. "Détourner" implies a more significant change in direction or purpose.
Incorrect: J'ai évité le problème en détournant la conversation.
Correct: J'ai évité le problème en détournant la conversation.
Incorrect: Il a détourné l'argent de son compte pour payer ses impôts.
Correct: Il a transféré l'argent de son compte pour payer ses impôts.
By being mindful of these common mistakes, you can ensure your use of "détourner" is precise and natural-sounding.
Synonyms and Related Terms for "Détourner"
Understanding "détourner" is enhanced by knowing words that share similar meanings or can be used as alternatives in specific contexts. This allows for greater flexibility and precision in your French expression.
- "Changer de direction" (To change direction)
- This phrase is a more literal and general way to say "change direction." It can apply to physical paths or abstract concepts. While "détourner" often implies a specific act of redirection, "changer de direction" is broader.
Example: Le cycliste a dû changer de direction pour éviter la flaque d'eau. (The cyclist had to change direction to avoid the puddle.) This is less about a planned detour and more about an immediate change. - "Dérouter" (To reroute, to misdirect)
- "Dérouter" is very close in meaning to "détourner" when referring to physical paths or routes, especially in official contexts like traffic management or navigation systems. It can also mean to misdirect someone or something.
Example: Les panneaux indiquent comment dérouter le trafic. (The signs indicate how to reroute traffic.)
Il a essayé de me dérouter avec de fausses informations. (He tried to misdirect me with false information.) - "Éviter" (To avoid)
- As discussed in common mistakes, "éviter" is used for general avoidance. You avoid a person, a problem, or a situation. You don't typically "détourner" a person unless you are actively making them go a different way.
Example: Je vais éviter cette rue car elle est souvent encombrée. (I will avoid this street because it is often congested.) - "Détourner l'attention" vs. "Distraire" (To distract)
- While "détourner l'attention" is a common phrase, "distraire" is a direct synonym for "to distract." "Distraire" often implies a more temporary or less deliberate shift in focus, whereas "détourner" can suggest a more intentional redirection.
Example: La musique a distrait les enfants pendant qu'ils faisaient leurs devoirs. (The music distracted the children while they were doing their homework.) This is a more general distraction than actively trying to redirect their focus. - "Détourner des fonds" vs. "Malverser" or "Détourner l'argent"
- For the illicit act of misappropriating funds, "malverser" is a more formal and specific term for financial misconduct. "Détourner l'argent" is also commonly used and understood in this negative context.
Example: Il a été condamné pour malversations financières. (He was convicted of financial misconduct.)
Le comptable a été surpris en train de détourner l'argent de l'entreprise. (The accountant was caught embezzling company money.) - "S'écarter" (To deviate, to stray)
- This verb implies moving away from a path, a norm, or an expected behavior. It's often used for straying from a subject or a moral line.
Example: Le débat a commencé à s'écarter du sujet principal. (The debate started to stray from the main topic.) This is less about actively redirecting and more about a gradual departure.
The road was closed, so we had to take a detour (détourner) via the village.
The magician diverted the audience's attention (détourner l'attention).
By understanding these distinctions, you can select the most appropriate French word for each specific situation, leading to clearer and more nuanced communication.
수준별 예문
Le bus doit détourner.
The bus must detour.
Simple present tense of 'détourner' with a subject.
On détourne ici.
We are detouring here.
Using 'on' for an indefinite 'we' or 'people'.
Il détourne son regard.
He diverts his gaze.
Direct object 'son regard' (his gaze).
Elle détourne la voiture.
She turns the car.
Simple past tense (passé composé) with 'avoir'.
Je détourne le chemin.
I divert the path.
Using the verb with a direct object 'le chemin'.
Le chemin est détourné.
The path is diverted.
Past participle used as an adjective.
Ils détournent la musique.
They divert the music.
Example of abstract diversion.
Il faut détourner.
It is necessary to detour.
Impersonal construction 'il faut'.
Nous avons dû détourner par la route secondaire.
We had to detour via the secondary road.
Past tense (passé composé) with preposition 'par'.
Le guide a détourné notre attention vers le monument.
The guide diverted our attention towards the monument.
Direct object 'notre attention' and preposition 'vers'.
La construction nous oblige à détourner.
The construction forces us to detour.
Present tense with causative verb 'obliger'.
Il essaie de détourner la conversation.
He is trying to divert the conversation.
Present continuous implied by 'essaie de'.
Le détournement des fonds est un crime.
The misappropriation of funds is a crime.
Using the noun form 'détournement'.
Pouvons-nous détourner le trajet ?
Can we divert the route?
Modal verb 'pouvoir' in a question.
Il a détourné son regard de l'accident.
He averted his gaze from the accident.
Preposition 'de' after 'regard'.
Le détournement de l'avion a été évité.
The hijacking of the plane was avoided.
Noun form 'détournement' with specific context.
Les autorités ont dû détourner la circulation à cause de l'inondation.
The authorities had to divert traffic because of the flood.
Past tense (passé composé) with a clear reason ('à cause de').
Il est facile de détourner l'attention des enfants avec un jouet.
It is easy to divert children's attention with a toy.
Impersonal construction 'il est facile de' + infinitive.
Le suspect a été accusé de détourner des fonds publics.
The suspect was accused of embezzling public funds.
Using 'de' after 'accusé de' + infinitive.
Ne laissez pas les petites distractions vous détourner de votre objectif.
Don't let small distractions divert you from your goal.
Imperative mood, negative form.
Le détournement de l'itinéraire a causé des retards importants.
The diversion of the route caused significant delays.
Noun form 'détournement' as the subject.
L'artiste cherche à détourner le regard du spectateur vers les détails.
The artist seeks to divert the viewer's gaze towards the details.
Verb 'chercher à' + infinitive.
Le gouvernement a pris des mesures pour prévenir le détournement de ressources naturelles.
The government has taken measures to prevent the diversion of natural resources.
Noun 'détournement' with a specific context.
Il a réussi à détourner la police pendant plusieurs heures.
He managed to evade the police for several hours.
Using 'réussir à' + infinitive.
Les travaux routiers imposent un détournement de la circulation jusqu'à nouvel ordre.
Roadworks necessitate a diversion of traffic until further notice.
Formal phrasing with 'imposer un détournement'.
L'enquête financière a révélé un schéma complexe de détournement de fonds par l'intermédiaire de sociétés écrans.
The financial investigation revealed a complex scheme of embezzlement through shell companies.
Advanced vocabulary and complex sentence structure.
Il est crucial de ne pas laisser les controverses secondaires détourner l'opinion publique des enjeux fondamentaux.
It is crucial not to let secondary controversies divert public opinion from the fundamental issues.
Subjunctive mood implied by 'ne pas laisser... détourner'.
Le réalisateur a utilisé des techniques narratives pour détourner subtilement l'attention du spectateur.
The director used narrative techniques to subtly divert the viewer's attention.
Adverb 'subtilement' modifying the verb.
Le détournement des eaux du fleuve a un impact écologique significatif.
The diversion of the river's waters has a significant ecological impact.
Specific context of environmental impact.
L'entreprise a mis en place des contrôles stricts pour prévenir tout détournement de ses actifs.
The company has implemented strict controls to prevent any misappropriation of its assets.
Formal context of asset management.
Elle a tenté de détourner le débat vers des sujets moins conflictuels.
She attempted to divert the debate towards less contentious topics.
Using 'tenter de' + infinitive.
Le détournement de l'avion a finalement été déjoué par les forces de sécurité.
The hijacking of the plane was ultimately thwarted by security forces.
Passive voice with 'être' + past participle.
La réorganisation administrative a entraîné un détournement des ressources initialement allouées à la recherche fondamentale.
The administrative reorganization led to a diversion of resources initially allocated to fundamental research.
Complex sentence structure, formal vocabulary.
Les théoriciens de la conspiration cherchent souvent à détourner l'attention des faits établis en introduisant des narratifs alternatifs.
Conspiracy theorists often seek to divert attention from established facts by introducing alternative narratives.
Use of 'chercher à' and abstract concepts.
Le scandale a mis en lumière des pratiques de détournement systématique de fonds au sein de l'organisation.
The scandal highlighted practices of systematic embezzlement within the organization.
Adverb 'systématique' and formal context.
La stratégie de communication visait à détourner le public des aspects négatifs de la réforme.
The communication strategy aimed to divert the public from the negative aspects of the reform.
Formal verb 'viser à' + infinitive.
Le détournement de la rivière, bien qu'initialement justifié par des besoins agricoles, a eu des conséquences écologiques désastreuses.
The diversion of the river, though initially justified by agricultural needs, had disastrous ecological consequences.
Complex sentence with concessive clause ('bien que').
Il est impératif de déjouer toute tentative de détournement de l'opinion publique par des manipulations médiatiques.
It is imperative to thwart any attempt to divert public opinion through media manipulation.
Formal vocabulary and strong imperative.
L'enquête a révélé que le détournement de l'héritage avait été orchestré sur plusieurs années.
The investigation revealed that the misappropriation of the inheritance had been orchestrated over several years.
Past perfect passive voice.
Le gouvernement a été critiqué pour avoir détourné des fonds destinés à l'éducation vers des projets militaires.
The government was criticized for having diverted funds intended for education towards military projects.
Past participle used in a passive construction.
La manœuvre politique visait à détourner l'attention du public des véritables enjeux économiques.
The political maneuver aimed to divert public attention from the real economic stakes.
Sophisticated vocabulary and abstract concepts.
Les allégations de détournement de fonds émanant de hautes sphères gouvernementales ont secoué le pays.
The allegations of embezzlement emanating from high government circles have shaken the country.
Formal and complex sentence structure.
Il convient de se prémunir contre toute tentative de détournement de la vérité par des récits biaisés.
It is advisable to guard against any attempt to divert the truth through biased narratives.
Formal register and nuanced meaning.
La stratégie de l'opposition consistait à détourner le débat vers des questions périphériques.
The opposition's strategy consisted of diverting the debate towards peripheral issues.
Abstract noun subject and specific strategy.
Le détournement des ressources hydriques a entraîné une crise écologique sans précédent dans la région.
The diversion of water resources has led to an unprecedented ecological crisis in the region.
Strong adjectives and impact description.
Les investigations ont révélé un détournement sophistiqué des fonds par le biais d'un réseau international.
The investigations revealed a sophisticated misappropriation of funds through an international network.
Adverb 'sophistiqué' and complex network description.
Il est essentiel de ne pas permettre aux intérêts particuliers de détourner les politiques publiques de leur objectif social.
It is essential not to allow private interests to divert public policies from their social objective.
Formal phrasing and abstract policy concepts.
Le détournement de l'attention médiatique lors de l'événement a été une tactique délibérée.
The diversion of media attention during the event was a deliberate tactic.
Noun phrase as subject, formal adjective.
동의어
반의어
자주 쓰는 조합
자주 쓰는 구문
— To make a detour; to take a different route.
Nous avons dû faire un petit détour pour éviter la route principale qui était bloquée.
— To divert someone's attention from something.
Il a essayé de détourner mon attention de ma tâche en me racontant une histoire.
— To change the subject of a conversation.
Quand le sujet est devenu trop sensible, elle a rapidement détourné la conversation.
— To embezzle or misappropriate funds.
Le comptable a été arrêté pour avoir détourné des fonds de l'entreprise.
— To look away, to avert one's gaze.
Il a détourné son regard quand il a entendu la mauvaise nouvelle.
— To make someone change their path or route.
La manifestation a détourné les passants de leur chemin habituel.
— To not look away, to keep one's eyes fixed on something.
Elle n'a pas détourné les yeux de l'écran pendant tout le film.
— To change the course of something (literal or figurative).
Il est difficile de détourner le cours de l'histoire.
— To hijack a mode of transport (e.g., a plane, a bus).
La police est en alerte suite à une tentative de détourner un bus.
— To lead someone astray, to corrupt their mind.
Il faut se méfier des influences qui cherchent à détourner l'esprit des jeunes.
관용어 및 표현
— To look away, to avert one's eyes, often to hide something or avoid confrontation.
Quand on lui a posé la question difficile, il a détourné le regard.
Neutral— To change the subject of a conversation, often to avoid an uncomfortable topic.
Elle est très douée pour détourner la conversation quand elle ne veut pas parler de ses problèmes.
Neutral— To embezzle or misappropriate money, typically from an organization or public funds.
L'enquête a révélé un détournement de fonds massif.
Formal/Legal— To dissuade someone from their goal or objective.
Les obstacles ne doivent pas nous détourner de notre but final.
Neutral— To deliberately ignore or pretend not to see something.
Il est facile de détourner les yeux des problèmes sociaux.
Neutral— To divert water from its natural course, often for irrigatio
Summary
The French verb "détourner" is multifaceted, encompassing the physical act of taking a detour or rerouting, the abstract redirection of attention or conversation, and the illicit misappropriation of funds or resources. The specific meaning is heavily dependent on the context in which it is used.
- Détourner: To divert a path, attention, or resources; to make a detour.
- Key meanings: Rerouting, distraction, misappropriation.
- Used for traffic diversions, changing focus, and financial impropriety.
- Context is crucial to understand if it's a neutral detour or a negative misappropriation.
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