In 15 Seconds
- Getting an outcome after putting in effort or work.
- Commonly used for grades, medical tests, or work projects.
- More formal and precise than simply using the verb 'avoir'.
Meaning
It means reaching an outcome or getting an answer after you have put in some effort or performed a task. Think of it as the 'payoff' or the final answer to a situation.
Key Examples
3 of 6Checking school grades
J'espère obtenir un bon résultat à mon examen de français.
I hope to get a good result on my French exam.
Discussing a work project
Nous devons travailler dur pour obtenir un résultat rapide.
We need to work hard to get a quick result.
Texting a friend about a diet
Après deux semaines de sport, je commence enfin à obtenir un résultat !
After two weeks of exercise, I'm finally starting to see a result!
Cultural Background
In the French education system, the 'résultat' of the Baccalauréat (high school exit exam) is a national event. It is often posted publicly on school walls, making the 'résultat' a shared community experience rather than just a private grade. This phrase reflects the French emphasis on meritocracy and formal validation.
The 'Avoir' Shortcut
In casual speech, French people often just say `avoir un résultat`. `Obtenir` sounds a bit more 'earned' and polished.
Don't 'Obtain' People
Never use `obtenir` for people. You don't 'obtain' a friend or a boyfriend. That sounds like a business transaction!
In 15 Seconds
- Getting an outcome after putting in effort or work.
- Commonly used for grades, medical tests, or work projects.
- More formal and precise than simply using the verb 'avoir'.
What It Means
This phrase is your go-to for talking about outcomes. It is the bridge between effort and reality. You use it when you want to see the fruit of your labor. It isn't just about winning or succeeding. It is about seeing what happened after you tried something. Whether it is a math problem or a job interview, this phrase covers the end point.
How To Use It
You treat this like a standard verb-noun pair. The verb obtenir is a bit more sophisticated than avoir. It conjugates just like the verb tenir. You will often use it in the past tense to report back. For example, J'ai obtenu un résultat means you finally got that answer. You can also use it in the plural if you are waiting for multiple grades or medical tests. Just say les résultats instead.
When To Use It
Use it at the doctor's office for your blood work. Use it at school when your teacher finally hands back your essays. Use it at work for your quarterly sales figures. It even works for personal goals. If you are trying a new workout and finally lose weight, you are obtenir un résultat. It fits perfectly in any scenario where a process leads to a conclusion.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for buying simple things. You don't obtenir un résultat when you buy a croissant at the bakery. You just achètes or prends it. Avoid it for simple gifts too. If there was no process or effort involved, it sounds a bit too heavy. It is for outcomes, not just getting stuff. Don't use it for 'getting' a cold either; that's attraper.
Cultural Background
France is a country that deeply values formal education and certifications. The word résultat carries a lot of weight in French society. It is the ultimate 'proof' of your status or your hard work. Every July, when the national exam results come out, it is a massive cultural moment. The phrase represents the transition from the effort of the 'process' to the reality of the 'status'.
Common Variations
You might hear parvenir à un résultat. This implies you had a bit of a struggle but finally made it. Donner un résultat is used when an object or a test provides the answer. For example, Le test a donné un résultat positif. If you are still working hard, you might say you are en attente d'un résultat. This means you are currently biting your nails waiting for the news.
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral and safe for all contexts. Remember that 'obtenir' requires an effort or a formal process, unlike 'recevoir' which is more passive.
The 'Avoir' Shortcut
In casual speech, French people often just say `avoir un résultat`. `Obtenir` sounds a bit more 'earned' and polished.
Don't 'Obtain' People
Never use `obtenir` for people. You don't 'obtain' a friend or a boyfriend. That sounds like a business transaction!
The 'Bac' Fever
If you are in France in early July, you will hear the word `résultat` everywhere. It's when high schoolers find out if they passed their final exams.
Examples
6J'espère obtenir un bon résultat à mon examen de français.
I hope to get a good result on my French exam.
Standard use for academic achievement.
Nous devons travailler dur pour obtenir un résultat rapide.
We need to work hard to get a quick result.
Professional context focusing on efficiency.
Après deux semaines de sport, je commence enfin à obtenir un résultat !
After two weeks of exercise, I'm finally starting to see a result!
Informal use for personal progress.
L'expérience n'a pas permis d'obtenir un résultat concluant.
The experiment did not allow us to obtain a conclusive result.
Formal scientific context.
J'ai suivi la recette, mais obtenir un résultat mangeable est un miracle.
I followed the recipe, but getting an edible result is a miracle.
Humorous take on cooking skills.
Elle attend avec impatience d'obtenir le résultat de son analyse.
She is anxiously waiting to get the result of her analysis.
Emotional context regarding health.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct verb to complete the phrase about a job interview.
Il veut ___ un résultat positif après son entretien.
You 'obtain' a result; you don't eat or sell one in this context.
Complete the sentence to talk about team efforts.
L'équipe a ___ un excellent résultat cette année.
The past participle 'obtenu' is needed for the passé composé 'a obtenu'.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'Obtenir un résultat'
Using 'avoir un résultat' with friends.
J'ai eu ma note.
Standard everyday use of the phrase.
J'ai obtenu un résultat.
Using 'parvenir à un résultat' in reports.
Nous sommes parvenus à un résultat.
Where to use 'Obtenir un résultat'
At the University
Checking exam scores.
At the Hospital
Getting blood test results.
In the Office
Reviewing sales targets.
At the Gym
Seeing physical changes.
Practice Bank
2 exercisesIl veut ___ un résultat positif après son entretien.
You 'obtain' a result; you don't eat or sell one in this context.
L'équipe a ___ un excellent résultat cette année.
The past participle 'obtenu' is needed for the passé composé 'a obtenu'.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsObtenir implies you worked for it or there was a process involved. Avoir is more general and can be used for anything you possess.
Yes, it is very common. You would say obtenir les résultats de l'analyse to mean getting your lab results.
It is an irregular verb, but it follows the same pattern as tenir and venir. For example: je tiens, j'obtiens.
Use un résultat if it's one of many possible outcomes. Use le résultat if you are talking about a specific, expected answer.
Not at all. It's neutral. You can use it with friends when talking about something important like a driving test.
Yes, but usually in a summary sense. For example, L'équipe a obtenu un bon résultat means they had a good game overall.
It means 'without success' or 'to no avail'. For example, J'ai cherché mes clés sans résultat (I looked for my keys without success).
Not exactly for the whole phrase, but you might hear avoir ses notes (to have one's grades) in a very casual school setting.
Yes, in computer science or math, you can say le programme a obtenu un résultat to describe the output.
You would say J'attends le résultat. You don't need the verb obtenir in that specific sentence.
Related Phrases
aboutir à quelque chose
faire des progrès
réussir un examen
porter ses fruits
