répandre
répandre 30초 만에
- Répandre means to spread, scatter, or spill physical substances or abstract ideas.
- It is a regular -re verb with the past participle 'répandu'.
- The reflexive 'se répandre' is essential for saying 'to spread' (intransitive).
- Do not use it for spreading butter; use 'étaler' instead.
The French verb répandre is a versatile and essential term that primarily translates to 'to spread,' 'to scatter,' or 'to spill.' At its core, it describes the movement of something from a concentrated source to a wider area. Whether you are talking about a physical substance like water or a metaphorical concept like a rumor, répandre captures the essence of dispersion. In everyday French life, you might use it when you accidentally tip over a glass of wine, but you will also encounter it in news reports discussing the spread of a virus or the diffusion of a new cultural trend. Understanding this word requires grasping its two main modes: the active act of spreading something and the reflexive state of something spreading itself.
- Physical Spilling
- This is the most literal use. If you drop a bucket of sand or knock over a bottle of perfume, you are 'répandre' that substance. It implies a lack of control or a wide coverage. For example, 'Il a répandu du sel sur la table' (He scattered salt on the table). Unlike 'verser' which is a controlled pour, 'répandre' often suggests the substance is going everywhere.
Attention ! Tu vas répandre de l'eau partout si tu ne fais pas attention avec ce seau.
- Information and Rumors
- In a social context, this verb is the standard way to describe how news, secrets, or gossip travel through a community. When a secret is 'répandu,' it means it is no longer contained. 'Répandre une rumeur' is a very common collocation. It carries a slightly negative connotation often, suggesting the news is moving like a wildfire or a spill that cannot be cleaned up easily.
Furthermore, the reflexive form se répandre is extremely common. It describes the action from the perspective of the thing being spread. A disease 'se répand' (spreads) through a population. A fashion trend 'se répand' across a city. This reflexive usage is vital for CEFR A2 learners to master because it shifts the focus from an actor to the phenomenon itself. Historically, the word comes from the Latin 're-expandere,' which literally means to expand again or to spread out. This lineage helps explain why the word feels so 'expansive' in its application. Whether you are a gardener scattering seeds or a politician spreading a message, you are engaging in the act of 'répandre.'
La nouvelle de sa démission s'est répandue comme une traînée de poudre.
- Emotional and Abstract Use
- You can also spread abstract qualities. One can 'répandre la joie' (spread joy) or 'répandre la terreur' (spread terror). This usage is common in literature and formal speeches. It elevates the word from simple physical spilling to a more profound influence on the environment or the people around you.
Le soleil répand ses rayons sur la plage déserte.
Using répandre correctly involves understanding its transitivity and its conjugation. As a regular '-re' verb (mostly), it follows the pattern of verbs like 'vendre,' though its past participle is 'répandu.' When you use it as a transitive verb (with a direct object), you are the one doing the spreading. For instance, 'J'ai répandu le message.' When used reflexively, 'Le message s'est répandu,' the message is the subject that is spreading. This distinction is crucial for natural-sounding French.
- The Passive and Reflexive Shift
- In English, we often say 'The news spread.' In French, you must use the reflexive 'se répandre' to achieve this. If you just say 'La nouvelle a répandu,' a French speaker will wait for you to say what the news spread. You must say 'La nouvelle s'est répandue.' Note the agreement of the past participle with the feminine subject 'nouvelle' in compound tenses.
Elle a répandu des pétales de fleurs sur le chemin du mariage.
When dealing with liquids, répandre is often synonymous with 'renverser' (to knock over/spill), but it emphasizes the resulting mess or the area covered rather than the act of tipping. If you spill coffee on your shirt, you might say 'J'ai répandu du café sur ma chemise,' highlighting that the coffee is now all over the fabric. In a more technical or agricultural sense, 'répandre de l'engrais' (to spread fertilizer) is a standard term used by farmers.
Les agriculteurs répandent des semences dans les champs au printemps.
- Metaphorical Extensions
- You can use 'répandre' to describe the distribution of light, heat, or sound. 'Le radiateur répand une douce chaleur dans la pièce' (The radiator spreads a gentle heat in the room). This usage is very common in descriptive writing. It suggests a gradual, permeating movement rather than a sudden burst.
L'odeur du pain frais se répand dans toute la boulangerie.
Finally, consider the register. While 'répandre' is neutral, using it for news can sometimes sound more formal or dramatic than 'dire' or 'raconter.' If you say 'Il répand des mensonges,' it sounds more serious and damaging than simply saying 'Il dit des mensonges.' It implies a systematic or wide-scale effort to deceive. This nuance is important for learners moving into B1 and B2 levels where tone becomes as important as meaning.
Il ne faut pas répandre de fausses informations sur les réseaux sociaux.
You will encounter répandre in a variety of real-world French contexts, ranging from the mundane to the highly technical. On the news (le JT - Journal Télévisé), journalists frequently use it to describe the spread of epidemics, social movements, or economic crises. For instance, 'Le virus continue de se répandre dans les zones urbaines' is a sentence you might have heard daily during the pandemic. It provides a sense of scale and movement that other verbs lack.
- In the Kitchen and Home
- In a domestic setting, it's the word for accidents. If a child knocks over a box of cereal, a parent might exclaim, 'Tu as répandu des céréales partout !' It's also used in gardening contexts, such as 'répandre du compost' or 'répandre des graines'. It’s a word that bridges the gap between a simple mistake and a purposeful task.
Le serveur a malencontreusement répandu la sauce sur la nappe blanche.
In literature and cinema, répandre is used to set a mood. Authors use it to describe light (la lumière qui se répand), shadows (l'ombre qui se répand), or even blood in a thriller (le sang répandu). It has a certain gravity to it. In historical documentaries, you will hear about how 'les idées de la Révolution se sont répandues à travers l'Europe,' emphasizing the unstoppable flow of thought and change.
Une rumeur absurde a commencé à se répandre dans le petit village.
- Social Media and Technology
- Today, you'll see this word in discussions about 'fake news' (les infox). Phrases like 'répandre de fausses nouvelles' or 'la vidéo s'est répandue de manière virale' are common. It captures the modern phenomenon of digital sharing, where information 'spills' across platforms uncontrollably.
La lumière de l'aube se répand doucement sur les collines.
In professional environments, particularly in marketing or sociology, you might hear about 'répandre l'usage d'un produit' (spreading the use of a product). It refers to the adoption rate and market penetration. It’s a sophisticated way to say 'make popular' or 'distribute widely.' As you listen to French podcasts or watch French films, pay attention to whether the spreading is physical, informational, or atmospheric.
The most frequent mistake English speakers make with répandre is confusing it with 'répondre' (to answer). Because they share a similar prefix and ending, students often mix them up in both speech and writing. 'Je vais répandre au téléphone' is a common error; it should be 'Je vais répondre.' Conversely, 'Il a répondu du sel' makes no sense; it must be 'Il a répandu du sel.' Always remember the 'a' in 'répandre' connects to the idea of 'scattering' (both have an 'a').
- Misusing 'Spreading' Butter
- English uses 'spread' for everything: spreading butter on toast, spreading a rumor, and spreading a blanket. French is more specific. You cannot 'répandre' butter on toast; you must use étaler. 'Répandre' implies a more chaotic or liquid-like scattering. If you 'répandre' butter, it means you melted it and spilled it everywhere, which is probably not what you meant at breakfast.
Faux: J'ai répandu du beurre sur mon pain.
Juste: J'ai étalé du beurre sur mon pain.
Another trap is the reflexive vs. non-reflexive use. As mentioned before, English allows 'The news spread' (intransitive). French requires the reflexive 'La nouvelle s'est répandue.' Using the active voice without an object ('La nouvelle a répandu') is grammatically incomplete and will confuse native speakers. They will ask, 'Elle a répandu quoi ?' (It spread what?). Always check if the subject is doing the spreading to something else or if the subject itself is what's spreading.
Faux: La grippe répand vite.
Juste: La grippe se répand vite.
- Confusing with 'Distribuer'
- While 'répandre' means to scatter, it shouldn't be used for organized distribution. If you are handing out flyers, use 'distribuer'. If you 'répandre' flyers, it sounds like you threw them out of a window and let the wind take them. Use 'répandre' for things that flow or scatter naturally, and 'distribuer' for things given to specific people.
L'eau s'est répandue sur le carrelage de la cuisine.
French has a rich vocabulary for the concept of 'spreading,' and choosing the right synonym depends entirely on the context and the substance involved. While répandre is a great all-rounder, specialized verbs can make your French sound much more precise and sophisticated. Let's look at the alternatives and how they differ from our main word.
- Propager vs. Répandre
- 'Propager' is often used for things that grow or multiply as they spread, like fire, sound waves, or ideologies. While you can 'répandre une rumeur,' 'propager une rumeur' suggests a more active or biological-like growth. Use 'propager' for fire (propager le feu) or plants (se propager).
- Diffuser vs. Répandre
- 'Diffuser' is the word for technical broadcasting (TV, radio) or the slow permeation of a smell or light in a scientific sense. 'Diffuser un film' (to broadcast a movie) is correct, whereas 'répandre un film' would imply you physically scattered the film reels on the floor. 'Diffuser' feels more controlled and technical.
La radio diffuse les dernières nouvelles, tandis que le vent répand les feuilles mortes.
- Éparpiller vs. Répandre
- 'Éparpiller' means to scatter in a messy, disorganized way, often used for physical objects like toys or papers. If you 'éparpiller' your clothes, they are in separate spots. 'Répandre' implies a more continuous coverage, like a liquid or a fine powder.
- Semer vs. Répandre
- 'Semer' is specifically 'to sow' seeds. Metaphorically, it's used for 'semer la zizanie' (to sow discord) or 'semer le doute' (to sow doubt). While 'répandre le doute' is possible, 'semer' implies that you are planting a seed that will grow later.
Il a éparpillé ses dossiers sur le bureau avant de répandre son café par terre.
수준별 예문
Je répands de l'eau sur les plantes.
I am spreading/spilling water on the plants.
Present tense of a regular -re verb.
Il a répandu son jus d'orange.
He spilled his orange juice.
Passé composé with 'avoir'.
Ne répands pas le sel !
Don't scatter the salt!
Imperative negative form.
L'eau se répand par terre.
The water is spreading on the ground.
Reflexive 'se répandre' in the present tense.
Nous répandons du sable dans l'allée.
We are scattering sand in the driveway.
First person plural present.
Elle va répandre des graines pour les oiseaux.
She is going to scatter seeds for the birds.
Futur proche (aller + infinitive).
Le lait s'est répandu partout.
The milk spread everywhere.
Passé composé of a reflexive verb (uses 'être').
Ils répandent des miettes sur le tapis.
They are scattering crumbs on the carpet.
Third person plural present.
L'odeur du café se répand dans la maison.
The smell of coffee is spreading through the house.
Reflexive use for an abstract sense (smell).
Il répand une bonne nouvelle.
He is spreading good news.
Metaphorical use for information.
Le soleil répand sa lumière.
The sun spreads its light.
Poetic use with a natural subject.
La rumeur se répand vite dans le village.
The rumor is spreading fast in the village.
Reflexive use for gossip.
Elle a répandu ses jouets dans le salon.
She scattered her toys in the living room.
Use for disorganized scattering.
Le vent répand les feuilles mortes.
The wind scatters the dead leaves.
Natural force as the subject.
Nous ne voulons pas répandre de microbes.
We don't want to spread germs.
Negative infinitive after 'vouloir'.
La joie se répandit sur son visage.
Joy spread across his face.
Passé simple (literary) or figurative use.
Cette maladie se répand par le contact physique.
This disease spreads through physical contact.
Scientific/medical context.
L'artiste répand de la peinture sur la toile.
The artist is spreading paint on the canvas.
Artistic context.
Il a répandu la terreur dans la région.
He spread terror in the region.
Abstract noun (terror) as object.
Les idées nouvelles se répandent grâce à internet.
New ideas spread thanks to the internet.
Sociological context.
Elle a répandu son parfum avant de sortir.
She sprayed/spread her perfume before going out.
Use with scents.
Le brouillard se répand sur la vallée ce matin.
The fog is spreading over the valley this morning.
Weather description.
Il faut éviter de répandre des fausses rumeurs.
It is necessary to avoid spreading false rumors.
Infinitive phrase after 'éviter de'.
La chaleur du feu se répand dans la pièce.
The heat of the fire spreads through the room.
Physical sensation context.
Le scandale s'est répandu dans la presse internationale.
The scandal spread through the international press.
Media context.
Il répand son influence sur tout le département.
He is spreading his influence over the whole department.
Abstract concept of power/influence.
La lumière se répandait par les fissures de la porte.
The light was spreading through the cracks in the door.
Imparfait for description.
L'agriculteur répand des engrais chimiques dans ses champs.
The farmer is spreading chemical fertilizers in his fields.
Agricultural technical use.
Elle s'est répandue en excuses après son retard.
She poured out/lavished excuses after being late.
Idiomatic reflexive use: 'se répandre en' (to pour out/be profuse with).
Le venin se répand rapidement dans le sang.
The venom spreads quickly in the blood.
Biological/scientific context.
Il ne faut pas laisser le pessimisme se répandre.
We must not let pessimism spread.
Causative construction 'laisser + infinitive'.
Les cendres furent répandues dans l'océan.
The ashes were scattered in the ocean.
Passive voice with 'être' and 'répandu'.
Le philosophe a répandu les semences du doute dans l'esprit des jeunes.
The philosopher spread the seeds of doubt in the minds of the youth.
Highly metaphorical/literary.
Une atmosphère de méfiance se répandit parmi les alliés.
An atmosphere of mistrust spread among the allies.
Abstract atmosphere in a political context.
Le poète répand ses larmes sur le papier.
The poet sheds/spreads his tears on the paper.
Poetic/dramatic usage.
La doctrine s'est répandue avec une rapidité déconcertante.
The doctrine spread with disconcerting speed.
Formal/academic tone.
Il s'est répandu en invectives contre ses adversaires.
He launched into a stream of insults against his opponents.
Idiomatic 'se répandre en' meaning to burst out with.
La clarté lunaire se répandait sur les flots sombres.
The moonlight was spreading over the dark waves.
Descriptive literary style.
Le bruit de sa victoire s'est répandu aux confins de l'empire.
The news of his victory spread to the far reaches of the empire.
Epic/historical register.
Répandre le savoir est le but premier de l'encyclopédie.
Spreading knowledge is the primary goal of the encyclopedia.
Infinitive as a subject.
L'entropie tend à répandre l'énergie de manière uniforme dans l'univers.
Entropy tends to spread energy uniformly throughout the universe.
Scientific/physics context.
L'auteur se répand longuement sur les détails de sa jeunesse.
The author dwells at length on the details of his youth.
Reflexive 'se répandre sur' meaning to speak/write at length.
Le sang répandu lors de la bataille a marqué les mémoires.
The blood shed during the battle left a mark on memories.
Past participle used as an adjective (shed/spilled).
Il ne convient pas de répandre ainsi son intimité sur la place publique.
It is not appropriate to broadcast one's private life in public like this.
Formal moralizing tone.
La déliquescence morale se répandait insidieusement dans la société.
Moral decay was spreading insidiously through society.
High-level sociological vocabulary.
Le lustre répandait une lumière blafarde sur les convives.
The chandelier cast a wan light over the guests.
Literary description with precise adjectives.
La rumeur, une fois répandue, est impossible à endiguer.
The rumor, once spread, is impossible to stem.
Appositive participle clause.
Elle se répandit en louanges dithyrambiques à l'égard du soliste.
She poured out extravagant praise for the soloist.
Advanced idiomatic expression with rare vocabulary.
자주 쓰는 조합
자주 쓰는 구문
— To start a rumor or spread word that something is happening.
Il répand le bruit qu'il va démissionner.
— To scatter or spill something all over the place.
Tu as répandu tes affaires partout dans la chambre.
— To apologize profusely or excessively.
Il s'est répandu en excuses pour son erreur.
— To spread the good word, often use
Summary
The verb 'répandre' is your go-to word for anything that moves from one point to cover a wide area, whether it's an accidental spill of water or the intentional spreading of a viral video. Example: 'Il a répandu la nouvelle' (He spread the news).
- Répandre means to spread, scatter, or spill physical substances or abstract ideas.
- It is a regular -re verb with the past participle 'répandu'.
- The reflexive 'se répandre' is essential for saying 'to spread' (intransitive).
- Do not use it for spreading butter; use 'étaler' instead.
관련 콘텐츠
관련 문법 규칙
nature 관련 단어
à ciel ouvert
B1Open-air, under the open sky.
à fleur d'eau
B1수면에 닿을 듯 말 듯.
à l'abri de
B1'à l'abri de'라는 표현은 비나 바람과 같이 해롭거나 불쾌한 것으로부터 보호받는 것을 의미합니다. 예를 들어, 지붕 아래에서 비를 피할 수 있습니다.
à l'approche de
B1~이 다가옴에 따라; ~을 앞두고.
à l'aube
B1새벽에; 날이 샐 무렵에.
à l'écart de
B1~에서 떨어져서, ~에서 소외되어라는 뜻입니다.
à l'état sauvage
B1In the wild; in an untamed state.
à l'extérieur de
A2~의 바깥쪽에.
à l'intérieur de
A2Inside of; within.
à pas lents
B1느린 걸음으로. 한 걸음 한 걸음 천천히 움직이는 모양새.