At the A1 level, you should recognize 'se parfumer' as a verb about personal care. You might see it in simple lists of morning activities. You should know that 'parfum' means perfume and that 'se' means the person is doing it to themselves. At this stage, just focus on the present tense: 'Je me parfume.' Think of it as part of a daily routine like 'je me lave' (I wash myself) or 'je m'habille' (I get dressed). It is a good way to practice your first reflexive verbs. You don't need to know the complex rules yet, just the basic idea of putting on a nice smell. Imagine you are in a French class and the teacher asks what you do in the morning. You can say 'Je me douche et je me parfume.' This level is about basic identification and very simple usage in the first person singular.
At the A2 level, you begin to use 'se parfumer' in more complete sentences and start to understand its conjugation with other subjects like 'tu' or 'nous'. You should be able to say 'Nous nous parfumons avant la fête' (We perfume ourselves before the party). You also start to learn the passé composé. Remember that reflexive verbs always use 'être'. So, you would say 'Je me suis parfumé' if you are a man, or 'Je me suis parfumée' if you are a woman. You can also start adding simple adverbs like 'beaucoup' (a lot) or 'un peu' (a little). You might use this word when talking about shopping or your habits. For example, 'J'aime me parfumer le matin.' You are building the foundation of reflexive verb mechanics which are essential for describing personal care in French.
At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'se parfumer' in various tenses, including the future (je vais me parfumer) and the imperfect (je me parfumais). You understand the social context better—that it's a common part of French culture. You can use it to describe sequences of events and give advice. For instance, 'Tu devrais te parfumer moins fort.' You also understand the difference between 'se parfumer' and 'parfumer' (without the reflexive pronoun), such as 'parfumer une pièce' (to scent a room). You can participate in conversations about beauty products and personal preferences. Your vocabulary is expanding to include related nouns like 'une fragrance' or 'une odeur'. You are starting to sound more natural by using the verb in more complex sentence structures with conjunctions like 'parce que' or 'quand'.
At the B2 level, which is where this word is categorized, you understand the nuances of 'se parfumer'. You know it's not just a physical action but a cultural statement. You can use it fluently in the subjunctive (Il faut que je me parfume) and the conditional (Je me parfurmerais si j'avais mon flacon). You are aware of the 'sillage' (the scent trail) and can discuss the ethics and etiquette of scent in public spaces. You can distinguish between 'se parfumer' and its synonyms like 's'asperger' or 's'embaumer' based on the situation. You use the verb with body parts correctly, using definite articles ('se parfumer le cou'). You can read articles about the perfume industry in Grasse and understand the professional and artistic use of the verb. Your ability to use the verb reflects an understanding of French 'art de vivre'.
At the C1 level, you use 'se parfumer' with total ease and can appreciate its use in high literature and sophisticated marketing. You understand the historical weight of the verb in French culture, perhaps linking it to the court of Louis XIV (the 'perfumed court'). You can use the verb in complex rhetorical structures and identify its use in metaphors. You might discuss the chemistry of how a perfume interacts with the skin when one 'se parfume'. You are also familiar with rare or archaic forms and can use the verb to describe sensory experiences in great detail. Your vocabulary surrounding the act is vast, including terms like 'notes de tête', 'notes de cœur', and 'notes de fond'. You can write a critique of a fragrance and describe the experience of the person who 'se parfume' with it.
At the C2 level, 'se parfumer' is a tool for poetic and philosophical expression. You can analyze the socio-economic implications of the perfume industry and how the act of 'se parfumer' serves as a marker of class or identity throughout history. You can use the verb in any literary tense, including the passé simple or the subjonctif imparfait, though they are rare. You understand the deepest nuances of the verb in the context of French 'patrimoine' (heritage). You can engage in professional-level debates about olfactory science or the art of the 'nose' (le nez). For you, the verb is part of a rich tapestry of language that connects the physical act of grooming to the abstract concepts of memory, desire, and presence. You can effortlessly switch between technical, casual, and highly formal registers involving this word.

se parfumer 30초 만에

  • A reflexive verb meaning to apply perfume to oneself, essential for describing grooming routines.
  • Commonly used in daily life, beauty contexts, and fashion discussions in French culture.
  • Requires the auxiliary verb 'être' in compound tenses and reflexive pronoun agreement.
  • Carries connotations of elegance and personal identity beyond simple functionality.

The French verb se parfumer is a reflexive verb that transcends the simple English translation of 'to wear perfume.' In the French linguistic and cultural landscape, it describes the deliberate and often ritualistic act of applying scent to one's body. Unlike the English 'to put on perfume,' which can feel purely functional, se parfumer carries connotations of grooming, elegance, and personal identity. It belongs to the first group of verbs (ending in -er) and is used primarily in daily routines, fashion contexts, and social preparations.

Daily Routine
It is most commonly used when describing one's morning preparations or getting ready for an evening out. It implies a final touch of sophistication.

Avant de partir au travail, elle aime toujours se parfumer avec sa fragrance préférée.

In France, the cradle of the modern perfume industry, particularly in regions like Grasse, the act of se parfumer is viewed as an art. It is not merely about masking odors but about creating an 'aura' or a 'sillage' (the trail left by a perfume). When someone says they are 'en train de se parfumer,' they are engaged in a moment of self-care. It is a reflexive action, meaning the subject is performing the action on themselves.

Social Context
Using this verb in a social context often suggests a level of refinement. It is frequently heard in department stores or during conversations about fashion and beauty.

Il est impoli de trop se parfumer avant d'aller au restaurant.

Furthermore, the verb can be used metaphorically or in more poetic senses to describe being enveloped in a scent, though its primary use remains the literal application of fragrance. In marketing and advertising for luxury brands like Chanel or Dior, you will see this verb used to invite consumers into a sensory experience. It is a B2 level word because it requires an understanding of reflexive structures and the cultural nuances of French 'art de vivre'.

Elle s'est parfumée avec parcimonie pour ne pas incommoder ses collègues.

Formal Usage
In formal writing or literature, 'se parfumer' might be replaced by more evocative verbs like 's'embaumer', but 'se parfumer' remains the standard, elegant choice.

Les invités commençaient à se parfumer dès que le soleil se couchait.

Using se parfumer correctly requires attention to the reflexive pronoun, which must agree with the subject. As a regular -er verb, its conjugation is straightforward in the present tense: je me parfume, tu te parfumes, il/elle se parfume, nous nous parfumons, vous vous parfumez, ils/elles se parfument. However, the complexity arises in compound tenses where the auxiliary verb être is mandatory.

Passé Composé
In the past tense, the past participle 'parfumé' must agree in gender and number with the subject, provided the reflexive pronoun is the direct object. For example: 'Elle s'est parfumée' (She perfumed herself).

Après sa douche, elle s'est parfumée généreusement avant de sortir.

When using the verb with specific body parts, the construction changes slightly. You might say 'se parfumer le cou' (to perfume one's neck) or 'se parfumer les poignets' (to perfume one's wrists). In these cases, the reflexive pronoun still exists, but the body part is introduced with a definite article (le, la, les), never a possessive adjective (mon, ton, son) in standard French.

Imperative Mood
When giving a command or suggestion, the pronoun moves after the verb: 'Parfume-toi !' (Perfume yourself!) or 'Parfumons-nous !' (Let's perfume ourselves!).

Ne te parfume pas trop, l'odeur pourrait être trop forte dans l'ascenseur.

In the future tense or when using modal verbs like 'vouloir' or 'devoir', the reflexive pronoun stays with the infinitive: 'Je vais me parfumer' or 'Je dois me parfumer'. This is a common area where learners make mistakes, often placing the pronoun before the auxiliary verb instead of the infinitive.

Est-ce que tu vas te parfumer pour le mariage de ce soir ?

Adverbial Modification
You can modify how someone perfumes themselves using adverbs like 'légèrement' (lightly), 'abondamment' (abundantly), or 'discrètement' (discreetly).

Elle préfère se parfumer discrètement avec une eau de Cologne fraîche.

You will encounter se parfumer in a variety of real-life settings in French-speaking countries. One of the most common places is within the home, specifically in the bathroom or dressing room, where family members might discuss their morning routines. It is also a staple verb in the beauty and cosmetics industry.

Beauty Retail
In stores like Sephora or niche perfumeries, sales assistants will use this verb to explain how to apply a scent or to ask if you'd like to try a sample on your skin.

Souhaitez-vous vous parfumer avec cette nouvelle essence de rose ?

Media and advertising are another major source. Television commercials for fragrances, which are ubiquitous in France (especially around Christmas and Mother's Day), often use this verb to evoke a sense of luxury and desire. Magazines like 'Vogue France' or 'Elle' will feature articles on 'l'art de se parfumer' (the art of perfuming oneself), providing tips on where to apply scent for the longest-lasting effect.

Literature and Cinema
French literature often uses scent as a powerful narrative device. Characters 'se parfument' to signal a change in status, a romantic intention, or a memory.

Dans le film, on voit l'héroïne se parfumer avant son rendez-vous secret.

You might also hear it in casual conversation among friends. If someone is taking too long to get ready, a friend might ask, 'Tu as fini de te parfumer ?' (Have you finished putting on your perfume?). It is also used in the context of etiquette; for example, a mother might tell her teenager not to 'se parfumer' too heavily before school.

Il est rare de voir un homme français ne pas se parfumer le matin.

Professional Grooming
In high-end service industries, like luxury hotels or fine dining, 'se parfumer' is part of the professional grooming standards for staff.

Les hôtesses doivent se parfumer de manière très subtile.

One of the most frequent errors English speakers make with se parfumer is omitting the reflexive pronoun. In English, we say 'I perfume myself' rarely; we usually say 'I put on perfume.' Learners often try to translate this literally as 'Je mets parfum,' which is incorrect. If you say 'Je parfume,' you are leaving the sentence incomplete—you are perfuming something, but we don't know what.

The Missing Pronoun
Incorrect: 'Je parfume avant de sortir.' Correct: 'Je me parfume avant de sortir.'

N'oubliez pas de vous parfumer (correct) vs N'oubliez pas de parfumer (incorrect unless you mean the room).

Another common pitfall is the confusion between 'se parfumer' and 'sentir'. 'Sentir' means 'to smell.' If you say 'Je sens bon,' it means 'I smell good.' If you say 'Je me parfume,' it means 'I am applying perfume.' Learners sometimes say 'Je me sens du parfum,' which is a nonsensical mix of 'se sentir' (to feel) and the idea of smelling perfume.

Auxiliary Verb Error
In the passé composé, learners often use 'avoir' instead of 'être'. Incorrect: 'J'ai me parfumé.' Correct: 'Je me suis parfumé.'

Elle s'est parfumée trop fort; toute la pièce sent maintenant.

A more subtle mistake involves the use of possessive adjectives with body parts. In English, we say 'I perfume my neck.' In French, you must use the definite article because the reflexive pronoun already indicates whose neck it is. 'Je me parfume le cou' is correct; 'Je me parfume mon cou' is redundant and sounds unnatural to native speakers.

Il se parfume les poignets tous les matins sans exception.

Over-application
Culturally, 'trop se parfumer' is a faux pas in France. Learners should be aware of the adverbial balance when using the verb in conversation.

On dit qu'il ne faut pas se parfumer juste avant une dégustation de vin.

While se parfumer is the standard term, French offers several synonyms and related expressions that vary in register and intensity. Understanding these alternatives will help you sound more like a native speaker and allow you to describe the action with greater precision.

Mettre du parfum
This is the most common colloquial alternative. It is less formal than 'se parfumer' and is used in everyday conversation. 'Je vais mettre du parfum' sounds very natural.

Attends une minute, je dois juste mettre du parfum et je suis prêt.

For a more intense or perhaps excessive application, you might use s'asperger (to spray oneself/splash oneself). This verb suggests a large quantity of liquid and can be used humorously or critically. 'S'embaumer' is another alternative, often used in a literary or poetic sense to describe someone who has perfumed themselves so much they smell like a bouquet or an embalmed figure (though in a pleasant, fragrant way).

Se pomponner
This is an informal, charming verb that means 'to doll oneself up.' It includes 'se parfumer' as part of a larger process of getting ready and looking pretty.

Elle passe des heures à se pomponner dans la salle de bain.

In technical or professional contexts, you might hear se vaporiser (to spray oneself), specifically referring to the use of an atomizer or spray bottle. If you are talking about the result rather than the action, you would use 'sentir' (to smell) or 'exhaler' (to exhale/give off a scent).

Comparison Table
  • Se parfumer: Standard, elegant, reflexive.
  • Mettre du parfum: Common, casual, functional.
  • S'asperger: Excessive, literal spraying.
  • S'embaumer: Poetic, intense fragrance.

Il s'est aspergé d'eau de Cologne après le sport.

How Formal Is It?

재미있는 사실

The term 'per fumum' refers to the ancient practice of burning incense and aromatic herbs to create a scented smoke for religious rituals. Thus, 'se parfumer' is historically linked to the act of being enveloped in smoke.

발음 가이드

UK /sə paʁ.fy.me/
US /sə paʁ.fju.me/
The stress in French is generally on the last syllable: 'me'.
라임이 맞는 단어
allumer fumer accoutumer résumer consumer présumer enrhumer plumer
자주 하는 실수
  • Pronouncing 'u' like 'oo' (par-foo-may instead of par-fy-may).
  • Failing to pronounce the French 'r' in the back of the throat.
  • Pronouncing the 's' in 'se' like a 'z'.
  • Making the 'e' in 'se' too long.
  • Stressing the first syllable instead of the last.

난이도

독해 3/5

Easy to recognize if you know the word 'parfum'.

쓰기 6/5

Requires knowledge of reflexive verb conjugation and 'être' in past tense.

말하기 7/5

The 'u' sound and the reflexive pronouns can be tricky for beginners.

듣기 4/5

Clear pronunciation usually, but 'se' can be elided in fast speech.

다음에 무엇을 배울까

선수 학습

le parfum se laver s'habiller sentir bon

다음에 배울 것

s'embaumer la fragrance l'odorat vaporiser le sillage

고급

olfactif effluve essence notes de tête musqué

알아야 할 문법

Reflexive verbs in Passé Composé

Elle s'est parfumée.

Reflexive pronouns with body parts

Je me parfume le cou (not 'mon cou').

Reflexive pronouns in the Imperative

Parfume-toi !

Negation of reflexive verbs

Je ne me parfume pas.

Reflexive pronoun placement with infinitives

Je vais me parfumer.

수준별 예문

1

Je me parfume tous les jours.

I perfume myself every day.

Present tense, 1st person singular reflexive.

2

Tu te parfumes ?

Are you putting on perfume?

Question form, 2nd person singular.

3

Elle se parfume avant l'école.

She perfumes herself before school.

3rd person singular.

4

Nous nous parfumons.

We are putting on perfume.

1st person plural reflexive.

5

Il se parfume avec du savon.

He perfumes himself with soap (uses a scented soap).

Using 'avec' to indicate the means.

6

Vous vous parfumez ?

Are you (plural/formal) putting on perfume?

2nd person plural.

7

Le bébé ne se parfume pas.

The baby does not perfume itself.

Negative form.

8

Elles se parfument.

They (feminine) are putting on perfume.

3rd person plural feminine.

1

Je me suis parfumé ce matin.

I perfumed myself this morning.

Passé composé with 'être'.

2

Elle s'est parfumée pour le dîner.

She perfumed herself for dinner.

Agreement of the past participle with feminine subject.

3

Est-ce que tu vas te parfumer ?

Are you going to perfume yourself?

Futur proche construction.

4

Nous ne nous sommes pas parfumés.

We did not perfume ourselves.

Negative passé composé.

5

Il aime se parfumer le cou.

He likes to perfume his neck.

Reflexive with a body part (definite article).

6

Ma mère se parfume toujours avant de sortir.

My mother always perfumes herself before going out.

Frequency adverb 'toujours'.

7

Voulez-vous vous parfumer ?

Do you want to perfume yourself?

Modal verb 'vouloir' + infinitive.

8

Ils se sont parfumés avant le bal.

They perfumed themselves before the ball.

Plural agreement in passé composé.

1

Quand j'étais jeune, je me parfumais avec de l'eau de Cologne.

When I was young, I used to perfume myself with eau de Cologne.

Imperfect tense for habits.

2

Il faut que tu te parfumes pour cet entretien.

You must perfume yourself for this interview.

Present subjunctive.

3

Elle se parfumerait si elle n'était pas allergique.

She would perfume herself if she weren't allergic.

Conditional mood.

4

Je me suis parfumée trop fort ce matin.

I perfumed myself too strongly this morning.

Adverbial modification 'trop fort'.

5

Nous nous parfumerons après le sport.

We will perfume ourselves after sports.

Future tense.

6

Il s'est parfumé discrètement pour ne pas déranger.

He perfumed himself discreetly so as not to disturb.

Adverb 'discrètement'.

7

Elle a oublié de se parfumer aujourd'hui.

She forgot to perfume herself today.

Infinitive after 'oublier de'.

8

Se parfumer est un plaisir quotidien pour beaucoup de Français.

Perfuming oneself is a daily pleasure for many French people.

Infinitive as a subject.

1

Elle s'est parfumée les poignets avec une essence rare.

She perfumed her wrists with a rare essence.

Reflexive with body parts in passé composé.

2

Il est déconseillé de se parfumer avant d'aller au soleil.

It is not recommended to perfume oneself before going into the sun.

Impersonal construction 'Il est déconseillé de'.

3

Bien qu'elle se parfume peu, elle sent toujours très bon.

Although she perfumes herself little, she always smells very good.

Subjunctive after 'bien que'.

4

S'étant parfumée à l'excès, elle a incommodé ses voisins de table.

Having perfumed herself to excess, she bothered her table neighbors.

Present participle in a causal clause.

5

Je me parfume uniquement pour mon propre plaisir.

I perfume myself solely for my own pleasure.

Use of 'uniquement' for emphasis.

6

Elle se parfume depuis qu'elle est toute petite.

She has been perfuming herself since she was very small.

Present tense with 'depuis' for ongoing actions.

7

On ne se parfume pas de la même manière en été qu'en hiver.

One doesn't perfume oneself the same way in summer as in winter.

Comparison 'de la même manière... que'.

8

Il s'était parfumé avant même de s'habiller.

He had perfumed himself even before getting dressed.

Plus-que-parfait tense.

1

L'art de se parfumer requiert une certaine connaissance des notes olfactives.

The art of perfuming oneself requires a certain knowledge of olfactory notes.

Complex noun phrase as subject.

2

Elle se parfuma avec une élégance qui laissait tout le monde pantois.

She perfumed herself with an elegance that left everyone stunned.

Passé simple (literary).

3

Se parfumer, c'est avant tout affirmer sa présence au monde.

To perfume oneself is, above all, to assert one's presence in the world.

Philosophical use of the infinitive.

4

Il s'est parfumé de telle sorte que l'odeur persistait longtemps après son départ.

He perfumed himself in such a way that the smell persisted long after his departure.

Consecutive clause 'de telle sorte que'.

5

Qu'elle se parfume ou non, son charisme reste intact.

Whether she perfumes herself or not, her charisma remains intact.

Alternative subjunctive 'Qu'elle... ou non'.

6

Le rituel de se parfumer chaque matin lui apportait une paix intérieure.

The ritual of perfuming himself every morning brought him inner peace.

Noun + de + infinitive.

7

Elle craignait de trop se parfumer et de paraître vulgaire.

She feared perfuming herself too much and appearing vulgar.

Infinitive after 'craindre de'.

8

Il s'est parfumé les tempes pour soulager sa migraine.

He perfumed his temples to relieve his migraine (using scented oils).

Specific body part 'les tempes'.

1

L'acte de se parfumer s'apparente à une quête d'immatérialité.

The act of perfuming oneself is akin to a quest for immateriality.

High-level vocabulary 's'apparenter à'.

2

Pût-elle se parfumer de nouveau, elle retrouverait sa jeunesse perdue.

Could she perfume herself again, she would find her lost youth.

Inverted imperfect subjunctive (highly literary).

3

Se parfumer n'est point un luxe, mais une nécessité de l'âme.

Perfuming oneself is not at all a luxury, but a necessity of the soul.

Formal negation 'ne... point'.

4

Elle s'est parfumée d'un effluve dont le nom même évoquait l'Orient.

She perfumed herself with a fragrance whose very name evoked the Orient.

Relative pronoun 'dont'.

5

À force de se parfumer, elle avait fini par saturer ses propres récepteurs.

By dint of perfuming herself, she had ended up saturating her own receptors.

Expression 'À force de'.

6

Il s'est parfumé avec une parcimonie qui frise l'avarice.

He perfumed himself with a parsimony that borders on stinginess.

Metaphorical language 'frise l'avarice'.

7

Que l'on se parfume par habitude ou par défi, l'intention demeure.

Whether one perfumes oneself out of habit or defiance, the intention remains.

Subjunctive used for concession.

8

Elle s'est parfumée comme on revêt une armure avant le combat.

She perfumed herself as one puts on armor before battle.

Simile with 'comme'.

자주 쓰는 조합

se parfumer légèrement
se parfumer à l'excès
se parfumer le cou
se parfumer les poignets
l'habitude de se parfumer
se parfumer avec soin
inviter à se parfumer
se parfumer discrètement
cesser de se parfumer
se parfumer généreusement

자주 쓰는 구문

C'est l'heure de se parfumer.

— It is time to put on perfume. Often said during a morning routine.

Allez, c'est l'heure de se parfumer et de partir !

Elle adore se parfumer.

— She loves putting on perfume. Describes a person's hobby or habit.

Depuis qu'elle est petite, elle adore se parfumer.

Se parfumer les cheveux.

— To apply perfume to one's hair. A specific beauty tip.

Certaines femmes aiment se parfumer les cheveux.

Ne pas se parfumer.

— To not put on perfume. Often a requirement in certain jobs.

Les cuisiniers ne doivent pas se parfumer.

Trop se parfumer.

— To put on too much perfume. A common social criticism.

Il a tendance à trop se parfumer.

Se parfumer pour quelqu'un.

— To put on perfume for someone else's benefit (e.g., a date).

Elle se parfume pour son mari.

Apprendre à se parfumer.

— To learn how to apply perfume correctly.

Il faut apprendre à se parfumer sans excès.

Se parfumer après la douche.

— To apply perfume after showering. The standard routine.

Je me parfume toujours juste après la douche.

Se parfumer à nouveau.

— To reapply perfume later in the day.

Elle s'est parfumée à nouveau avant la soirée.

Vouloir se parfumer.

— Wanting to put on perfume.

L'enfant voulait se parfumer comme sa maman.

자주 혼동되는 단어

se parfumer vs parfumer

Without 'se', it means to scent something else (a room, food).

se parfumer vs se sentir

Means 'to feel' (emotionally/physically), not to smell oneself.

se parfumer vs sentir

Means 'to smell' (active or passive), like 'I smell a rose' or 'I smell good'.

관용어 및 표현

"se parfumer de gloire"

— To bask in glory. A metaphorical use of the verb.

Après sa victoire, il se parfumait de gloire.

literary
"sentir le sapin"

— To have one foot in the grave (literally: to smell like pine/coffins). Related to scent.

Pour ce vieux projet, ça sent le sapin.

informal
"ne pas pouvoir sentir quelqu'un"

— To not be able to stand someone (literally: to not be able to smell them).

Je ne peux pas le sentir, il est trop arrogant.

neutral
"mener quelqu'un par le bout du nez"

— To lead someone by the nose (to control them completely).

Elle mène son mari par le bout du nez.

neutral
"avoir quelqu'un dans le nez"

— To dislike someone intensely.

Le prof m'a dans le nez depuis le début de l'année.

informal
"mettre son nez partout"

— To stick one's nose into everything (to be nosy).

Elle met son nez partout, c'est agaçant.

neutral
"avoir du nez"

— To have a good intuition or flair for something.

Il a eu du nez en investissant dans cette entreprise.

neutral
"au nez et à la barbe de quelqu'un"

— Right under someone's nose (defiantly).

Il est parti au nez et à la barbe du gardien.

neutral
"puer au nez"

— To be very obvious or suspicious.

Cette affaire me pue au nez.

informal
"se piquer le nez"

— To get drunk (literally: to sting one's nose).

Ils se sont piqué le nez hier soir.

slang

혼동하기 쉬운

se parfumer vs sentir

Both involve smells.

'Se parfumer' is the action of applying scent. 'Sentir' is the state of having a scent or the act of perceiving a scent.

Je me parfume (action) donc je sens bon (result).

se parfumer vs se sentir

Sounds similar because of the reflexive pronoun.

'Se sentir' is about internal feelings. 'Se parfumer' is about external scent application.

Je me sens bien quand je me parfume.

se parfumer vs baigner

Both can involve liquids and the body.

'Baigner' is to bathe. 'Se parfumer' is a specific, smaller action of applying fragrance.

Après s'être baignée, elle se parfume.

se parfumer vs aromatiser

Both mean adding a smell.

'Aromatiser' is usually for food or drinks. 'Se parfumer' is for people.

On aromatise un gâteau, mais on se parfume le corps.

se parfumer vs vaporiser

Refers to the method of application.

'Vaporiser' is the mechanical action of spraying. 'Se parfumer' is the purposeful act of grooming.

Elle vaporise du parfum pour se parfumer.

문장 패턴

A1

Je me parfume.

Je me parfume.

A2

Je me suis parfumé(e).

Je me suis parfumée.

B1

Je vais me parfumer.

Je vais me parfumer.

B1

Il faut que je me parfume.

Il faut que je me parfume.

B2

Se parfumer le [body part].

Elle se parfume le cou.

B2

Cesser de se parfumer.

Il a cessé de se parfumer.

C1

L'art de se parfumer.

L'art de se parfumer est complexe.

C2

S'étant parfumé(e)...

S'étant parfumée, elle sortit.

어휘 가족

명사

le parfum (perfume)
la parfumerie (perfumery/perfume shop)
le parfumeur (perfumer/scent maker)
le parfumage (the act of scenting something)

동사

parfumer (to scent something)
déparfumer (to remove scent)

형용사

parfumé (scented/perfumed)
parfumant (scenting)

관련

l'odeur
la fragrance
la senteur
l'arôme
l'effluve

사용법

frequency

High in contexts of grooming and fashion.

자주 하는 실수
  • Je parfume tous les matins. Je me parfume tous les matins.

    You must use the reflexive pronoun 'me' because you are perfuming yourself.

  • J'ai me parfumé. Je me suis parfumé.

    Reflexive verbs always use 'être' in the passé composé.

  • Elle s'est parfumée son cou. Elle s'est parfumé le cou.

    Use the definite article 'le' instead of 'son' when referring to body parts with reflexive verbs. Also, the participle doesn't agree when followed by a direct object.

  • Je me sens du parfum. Je me parfume.

    'Se sentir' means 'to feel'. To say you are applying perfume, use 'se parfumer'.

  • Il veut se parfumer avec son propre parfum. Il veut se parfumer avec son propre parfum. (Correct, but watch pronoun placement)

    Learners often put the pronoun before the modal verb: 'Il se veut parfumer' is wrong.

Reflexive Agreement

Remember to agree the past participle in gender and number in the passé composé: 'Elle s'est parfumée', 'Ils se sont parfumés'.

Less is More

In France, 'se parfumer' is an art of subtlety. Avoid 's'asperger' too much as it is considered impolite in many social settings.

Body Parts

Use 'le cou' (neck) or 'les poignets' (wrists) with 'se parfumer' to sound like a native speaker.

The 'U' Sound

The 'u' in 'parfumer' is unique. Practice by whistling and then trying to say 'ee'.

Routine

Group 'se parfumer' with other reflexive verbs like 'se doucher' and 'se raser' to memorize it as part of a routine.

Adverbs

Enhance your descriptions with adverbs: 'discrètement', 'légèrement', 'abondamment'.

In the Store

If you want to try a perfume, ask: 'Puis-je me parfumer avec ce testeur ?'

Reflexive Sounds

Train your ear to catch the 'me', 'te', 'se' sounds which distinguish 'se parfumer' from 'parfumer'.

Latin Roots

Remembering 'per fumum' (through smoke) helps you remember the 'fume' part of the word.

Register

Use 'mettre du parfum' for friends and 'se parfumer' for more formal writing or polite company.

암기하기

기억법

Think of 'Scent-Self'. The 'se' is for yourself, and 'parfumer' sounds like 'perfume'. So, 'se parfumer' = scenting yourself.

시각적 연상

Imagine a person standing in a cloud of spray in front of a mirror. The 'se' reflects the person back to themselves in the mirror.

Word Web

parfum odeur fleur toilette beauté élégance vaporisateur Grasse

챌린지

Try to describe your morning routine in French using 'se parfumer' and three other reflexive verbs like 'se laver' or 's'habiller'.

어원

The verb 'parfumer' comes from the noun 'parfum', which is derived from the Old French 'parfumer'. This itself comes from the Italian 'profumare'.

원래 의미: The root is the Latin 'per fumum', meaning 'through smoke'.

Romance (Latin root).

문화적 맥락

Be aware that some people have chemical sensitivities; 'se parfumer' should be done with consideration for others.

In English-speaking cultures, perfume is often reserved for special occasions or seen as more of a luxury than a daily necessity compared to France.

Patrick Süskind's novel 'Le Parfum' (The Perfume). Chanel No. 5, the most famous French perfume. The city of Grasse, featured in many films about scent.

실생활에서 연습하기

실제 사용 상황

Morning Routine

  • Se parfumer après la douche.
  • Se parfumer devant le miroir.
  • Prendre le temps de se parfumer.
  • Se parfumer avant de s'habiller.

Shopping

  • Puis-je me parfumer avec ce testeur ?
  • Comment se parfumer avec cette huile ?
  • Elle s'est parfumée avec plusieurs échantillons.
  • Voulez-vous vous parfumer ?

Dating

  • Se parfumer pour un premier rendez-vous.
  • Elle s'est parfumée pour lui plaire.
  • Il s'est parfumé pour l'occasion.
  • Se parfumer discrètement pour un dîner.

Health/Allergies

  • Il ne peut plus se parfumer.
  • Se parfumer cause des allergies.
  • Interdiction de se parfumer ici.
  • Elle a arrêté de se parfumer.

Professional

  • Se parfumer pour un entretien.
  • Il est interdit de trop se parfumer au bureau.
  • Se parfumer fait partie de la présentation.
  • Une hôtesse doit se parfumer légèrement.

대화 시작하기

"Quel parfum utilises-tu quand tu te parfumes le matin ?"

"Est-ce que tu te parfumes différemment pour une soirée ?"

"À quel âge as-tu commencé à te parfumer ?"

"Penses-tu qu'il est possible de trop se parfumer ?"

"Préfères-tu te parfumer le cou ou les poignets ?"

일기 주제

Décrivez votre rituel matinal : est-ce que vous vous parfumez ? Pourquoi ou pourquoi pas ?

Racontez un souvenir lié à une personne qui se parfumait d'une manière particulière.

Imaginez que vous créez votre propre parfum. Comment aimeriez-vous vous parfumer avec ?

Discutez de l'importance de l'odorat dans votre vie quotidienne et du rôle de se parfumer.

Écrivez sur une situation où quelqu'un s'était trop parfumé et comment vous avez réagi.

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

Usually, yes, but it can also refer to using scented oils or solid perfumes. The essence is applying a fragrance to oneself.

No, you should say 'Je me parfume le cou'. In French, reflexive verbs with body parts use the definite article.

Absolutely. It is a gender-neutral verb used by anyone who applies scent.

In the passé composé, it is 'je me suis parfumé' (masculine) or 'je me suis parfumée' (feminine).

It is neutral to slightly formal. 'Mettre du parfum' is more casual.

Yes, if you are applying the perfume to your clothes while they are on you, it still falls under 'se parfumer'.

You can say 'Je ne me parfume pas'.

'Parfumer' is to scent something else (like a candle or a room). 'Se parfumer' is to scent yourself.

Not usually. 'Se mettre du déodorant' is more specific. 'Se parfumer' implies a fragrance.

Yes, it is a very common part of the daily hygiene and grooming routine for many French people.

셀프 테스트 182 질문

writing

Write 'I perfume myself every morning' in French.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

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writing

Write 'She perfumed herself for the party' in the past tense.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

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writing

Write a sentence using 'se parfumer' and 'parce que'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Describe where you apply perfume using 'se parfumer' and body parts.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

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writing

Write 'Do you perfume yourself?' as a question.

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writing

Write 'We are going to perfume ourselves' in the future.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

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writing

Give a command: 'Perfume yourself!' (informal).

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

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writing

Explain why you shouldn't perfume yourself too much.

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writing

Write 'He does not perfume himself'.

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writing

Write 'They (fem) perfumed themselves' in the past tense.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

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writing

Use the conditional: 'If I had perfume, I would perfume myself.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

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writing

Write a sentence about the city of Grasse and 'se parfumer'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

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writing

Write 'My mother perfumes herself'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

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writing

Write 'Did you perfume yourself?' (informal, past tense).

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

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writing

Write a sentence using 'toujours' and 'se parfumer'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a sentence about perfume etiquette in a restaurant.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

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writing

Write 'I like to perfume myself'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

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writing

Write 'We did not perfume ourselves' in the past.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

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writing

Write 'It is necessary that I perfume myself' (subjunctive).

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Compare 'se parfumer' and 's'asperger'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Pronounce: 'Je me parfume.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'I perfumed myself' (feminine).

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'Don't perfume yourself too much.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Explain your favorite way to 'se parfumer'.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Pronounce: 'Se parfumer.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'We perfume ourselves every day.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'I'm going to perfume myself.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Ask a salesperson if you can try a perfume on yourself.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say: 'She perfumes herself.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'Did you perfume yourself?' (informal).

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'I used to perfume myself when I was young.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Discuss if men should 'se parfumer'.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say: 'They perfume themselves.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'You (plural) perfumed yourselves.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'I would perfume myself if I had time.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Give a tip on how to 'se parfumer' elegantly.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'I don't perfume myself.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'He perfumed himself for the interview.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'It's time to perfume ourselves.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Describe the scent of someone who 'se parfume' with lavender.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write: 'Je me parfume.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write: 'Elle s'est parfumée.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write: 'Ne te parfume pas trop.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write: 'Il se parfume toujours le cou.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen: 'Tu te parfumes ?' Is it a question?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen: 'Nous nous sommes parfumés.' How many people are referred to?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen: 'Je vais me parfumer.' When is the action happening?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen: 'Elle a oublié de se parfumer.' Did she apply perfume?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write: 'Maman se parfume.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen: 'Ils se sont parfumés.' Masculine or feminine?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen: 'Parfumons-nous !' Is this a command?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen: 'Il est interdit de se parfumer ici.' Can you wear perfume there?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen: 'Je ne me parfume pas.' Is the sentence positive or negative?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write: 'Vous vous parfumez.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen: 'Si je pouvais, je me parfurmerais.' Which mood is used?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:

/ 182 correct

Perfect score!

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