In 15 Seconds
- To lead and organize a professional company or business.
- Common in professional contexts, job interviews, and networking.
- Implies responsibility for staff, finances, and daily operations.
Meaning
This phrase is all about being the boss and running the show. It describes the act of overseeing everything from finances to staff in a professional company.
Key Examples
3 of 6Explaining a family member's job
Mon père gère une entreprise de textile depuis vingt ans.
My father has been managing a textile business for twenty years.
Discussing future goals
Mon rêve est de gérer une entreprise respectueuse de l'environnement.
My dream is to manage an environmentally friendly business.
In a formal job interview
J'ai appris à gérer une entreprise dans un contexte de crise.
I learned to manage a business during a crisis context.
Cultural Background
Business management is highly valued and often requires formal education.
Use it in interviews
It sounds very professional.
In 15 Seconds
- To lead and organize a professional company or business.
- Common in professional contexts, job interviews, and networking.
- Implies responsibility for staff, finances, and daily operations.
What It Means
Running a business in France is about more than just profit. When you say gérer une entreprise, you are talking about the daily grind of leadership. It covers everything from hiring people to making sure the taxes are paid. It implies responsibility, organization, and a bit of stress. Think of it as being the captain of a ship in sometimes choppy waters.
How To Use It
You use the verb gérer just like any regular -er verb. It is very versatile. You can say je gère, tu gères, or nous gérons. It is usually followed by une entreprise or sa propre entreprise (one's own business). If you want to sound more modern, you might swap entreprise for boîte. Just remember that gérer is the engine that makes the sentence move.
When To Use It
This is your go-to phrase for professional settings. Use it during a job interview to describe your experience. Use it at a networking cocktail party while holding a glass of wine. It also works when you are telling your parents about your big career goals. It sounds serious, capable, and very 'adult.'
When NOT To Use It
Avoid using this for tiny, personal tasks unless you are being funny. If you are just organizing your sock drawer, don't say you are gérer une entreprise. It sounds a bit too grand. Also, if you are just a low-level employee with no decision-making power, saying je gère l'entreprise might get you some weird looks from the actual boss.
Cultural Background
France has a deep respect for the 'Chef d'entreprise.' Small and medium businesses, known as PME, are the backbone of the French economy. There is a certain prestige attached to managing one. However, the French also love their bureaucracy. So, gérer often implies navigating a sea of paperwork and complex labor laws. It is a badge of honor to do it well.
Common Variations
You will often hear diriger une entreprise, which feels a bit more 'top-down' and authoritative. For a more casual vibe, people say gérer sa boîte. In slang, je gère on its own means 'I've got this' or 'I'm handling it.' If someone asks if you can handle a difficult task, a confident je gère is the perfect response.
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral and safe for all contexts. Be mindful of the accent grave (è) in the 'je/tu/il/ils' forms of the verb `gérer`.
Use it in interviews
It sounds very professional.
Examples
6Mon père gère une entreprise de textile depuis vingt ans.
My father has been managing a textile business for twenty years.
A standard way to describe someone's career path.
Mon rêve est de gérer une entreprise respectueuse de l'environnement.
My dream is to manage an environmentally friendly business.
Shows ambition and personal values.
J'ai appris à gérer une entreprise dans un contexte de crise.
I learned to manage a business during a crisis context.
Highlights specific management skills under pressure.
Désolé, c'est chaud en ce moment, gérer une boîte n'est pas facile !
Sorry, it's crazy right now, managing a business isn't easy!
Uses 'boîte' for a more casual, relatable tone.
Tu ne peux même pas gérer ton agenda, alors gérer une entreprise...
You can't even manage your calendar, so managing a business...
A playful jab at someone's lack of organization.
Gérer une entreprise demande beaucoup de sacrifices personnels.
Managing a business requires a lot of personal sacrifices.
Reflects the emotional and physical toll of leadership.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence.
Il veut _____ une entreprise de mode.
Gérer is the correct verb for managing a business.
🎉 Score: /1
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
1 exercisesIl veut _____ une entreprise de mode.
Gérer is the correct verb for managing a business.
🎉 Score: /1
Frequently Asked Questions
1 questionsYes, it works for any business size.
Related Phrases
Diriger une société
synonymTo lead a company
