Meaning
To view a film, usually for entertainment.
Cultural Background
The French often stay until the very end of the credits (le générique) out of respect for the 'Seventh Art'. In Quebec, people are very protective of the French language and often prefer 'doublage' (dubbing) done in Quebec rather than in France. Open-air cinemas and community viewing are common, where 'regarder un film' is a loud, interactive social event. Belgium has a strong tradition of surrealist film, and 'regarder un film' often leads to deep philosophical discussions in cafes.
The 'Watch' vs 'See' Rule
If you are paying for a ticket or sitting on a couch intentionally, use 'regarder'.
No 'at'!
Never say 'regarder à un film'. It's a direct object.
Meaning
To view a film, usually for entertainment.
The 'Watch' vs 'See' Rule
If you are paying for a ticket or sitting on a couch intentionally, use 'regarder'.
No 'at'!
Never say 'regarder à un film'. It's a direct object.
Use 'Mater'
Use 'mater' with friends to sound instantly more like a native speaker.
Cinema Etiquette
In France, talking during a film is highly frowned upon. 'Regarder' implies silence!
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'regarder' in the present tense.
Ce soir, nous ________ un film d'action.
The subject is 'nous', so the ending must be '-ons'.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Choose the correct translation for 'I watched a movie'.
The passé composé requires the auxiliary 'avoir' (ai) and the past participle 'regardé'.
Match the French phrase with its English equivalent.
Match the following:
Each variation has a specific register and nuance.
Complete the dialogue with the most natural phrase.
A: Qu'est-ce que tu fais ? B: Je ________ sur mon ordinateur.
'Regarder un film' is the standard way to describe the activity in progress.
Match the register to the sentence.
Which one is slang?
'Mater' is the informal/slang version of 'regarder'.
🎉 Score: /5
Visual Learning Aids
Regarder vs Voir
Practice Bank
5 exercisesCe soir, nous ________ un film d'action.
The subject is 'nous', so the ending must be '-ons'.
Choose the correct translation for 'I watched a movie'.
The passé composé requires the auxiliary 'avoir' (ai) and the past participle 'regardé'.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Each variation has a specific register and nuance.
A: Qu'est-ce que tu fais ? B: Je ________ sur mon ordinateur.
'Regarder un film' is the standard way to describe the activity in progress.
Which one is slang?
'Mater' is the informal/slang version of 'regarder'.
🎉 Score: /5
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsYes, it's the same logic. You are intentionally watching the television.
'Visionner' is more formal and often refers to the technical act of viewing footage or a screening.
It is masculine: 'un film' or 'le film'.
Use the passé composé: 'J'ai regardé un film'.
No, for a play you usually use 'voir' or 'assister à'.
It's not rude, but it is very informal. Don't use it with your boss!
Because 'regarder' is a direct transitive verb in French, unlike 'look' in English which needs 'at'.
It's an idiom meaning to imagine a scenario that isn't real, often out of anxiety or excitement.
Yes, this is the most common modern usage.
Yes, but you can also say 'regarder un documentaire'.
J'aime regarder des films.
Yes, clearly: /film/.
Related Phrases
Aller au cinéma
similarTo go to the movies
Passer un film
builds onTo screen a movie
Un cinéphile
relatedA movie buff
La séance
relatedThe screening/showtime
Le grand écran
relatedThe big screen
