Meaning
Place footwear on one's feet.
Cultural Background
In many French households, it's polite to ask if you should remove your shoes. If you do, you might be offered 'des chaussons' (slippers). Due to heavy snow, it is strictly required to remove boots at the entrance. Most people have a 'garde-robe' or a mat specifically for this. In many homes, shoes are removed at the door as a sign of cleanliness and respect, especially if there are carpets or rugs for prayer. Sandals and flip-flops (tongs) are very common. The phrase 'mettre ses chaussures' might refer to putting on sandals before going out into the heat.
Use 'Enfiler' for speed
If you're in a rush, say 'J'enfile mes chaussures' to sound more like a native speaker.
Watch the 'Mis'
Remember the past participle is 'mis', not 'metté'. This is a very common A2 error.
Meaning
Place footwear on one's feet.
Use 'Enfiler' for speed
If you're in a rush, say 'J'enfile mes chaussures' to sound more like a native speaker.
Watch the 'Mis'
Remember the past participle is 'mis', not 'metté'. This is a very common A2 error.
The Slipper Rule
If you take off your shoes at a French person's house, don't be surprised if they offer you 'des chaussons' (slippers). It's a sign of hospitality!
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'mettre' in the present tense.
Chaque matin, je ___ mes chaussures avant de partir au travail.
The subject is 'je', so the correct form is 'mets'.
Which sentence is in the past tense (passé composé)?
Select the correct past tense sentence:
'J'ai mis' is the passé composé of 'mettre'.
Fill in the missing word in this dialogue.
Maman : 'Dépêche-toi ! ___ tes chaussures !' Enfant : 'Oui, maman !'
This is an informal command (imperative) addressed to one person.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Match 'Enfiler ses baskets' to the best context:
'Enfiler' implies speed and 'baskets' are sneakers.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Mettre vs Porter
Practice Bank
4 exercisesChaque matin, je ___ mes chaussures avant de partir au travail.
The subject is 'je', so the correct form is 'mets'.
Select the correct past tense sentence:
'J'ai mis' is the passé composé of 'mettre'.
Maman : 'Dépêche-toi ! ___ tes chaussures !' Enfant : 'Oui, maman !'
This is an informal command (imperative) addressed to one person.
Match 'Enfiler ses baskets' to the best context:
'Enfiler' implies speed and 'baskets' are sneakers.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes! Use 'mes' for my, 'tes' for your, etc. 'Ses' is just the dictionary form.
Yes, it is always 'une chaussure' or 'la chaussure'.
'Mettre ses chaussures' is everyday language. 'Se chausser' is more formal or technical.
Use the verb 'lacer': 'Je lace mes chaussures'.
Yes! 'Mettre ses chaussettes' is perfectly correct.
Usually 'ses' (possessive) is more natural when talking about your own shoes.
It's an idiom meaning to feel comfortable or confident in oneself.
It depends on the family, but it's becoming more common in cities.
Des chaussures à scratch.
Yes, 'mettre' is the universal verb for putting on any piece of clothing.
Related Phrases
Enfiler ses chaussures
similarTo slip on shoes quickly
Enlever ses chaussures
contrastTo take off shoes
Lacer ses chaussures
specialized formTo tie shoe laces
Se chausser
synonymTo put on footwear
Mettre ses pompes
informalTo put on your 'kicks'
