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A2 verb #7,000 most common 12 min read

avertir

Top 7,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips avertir in 30 Seconds

Explanation avertir in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should recognize 'avertir' as a word used for simple warnings or notices. You might see it in short sentences like 'Avertis-moi' (Tell me/Warn me). At this stage, learners mostly use 'dire' (to say) for everything, but adding 'avertir' allows you to express the idea of 'giving a heads up.' You should focus on the present tense for 'tu' and 'vous' forms, as these are common in basic commands. For example, if you are playing a game and want someone to tell you when it is your turn, you might say 'Avertis-moi quand c'est mon tour.' It is important to understand that 'avertir' is a regular -ir verb, so it follows the same pattern as 'finir.' You don't need to know complex nuances yet; just think of it as a slightly more specific way of saying 'tell someone something important.' Practice identifying the word on signs or in simple instructions. Remember that the person you are telling is the direct object. Even at A1, knowing that 'avertir' means to warn can help you understand safety signs in French-speaking countries.

At the A2 level, you begin to use 'avertir' in more complete sentences, specifically using the structure 'avertir quelqu'un de quelque chose.' You should be comfortable using it in the passé composé ('J'ai averti') and the future simple ('J'avertirai'). This is the level where you distinguish 'avertir' from 'informer.' You use 'avertir' when there is a change of plans or a minor risk. For instance, 'Je dois avertir mon patron que je suis malade' (I must notify my boss that I am sick). You also start to encounter the noun 'avertissement' (a warning). You should understand that this verb is useful for daily logistics, like letting friends know about a change in meeting time. You should also be aware of the 'nous' and 'vous' plural forms in the present tense, which include the '-iss-' syllable: 'nous avertissons.' This is a key grammatical feature of second-group verbs that A2 students must master. Practice writing short emails or messages where you 'avertissez' someone about an event. This will help you internalize the direct object structure and the preposition 'de.'

At the B1 level, you should be able to use 'avertir' with more sophisticated grammar, such as the conditional and the subjunctive. You will often use 'avertir' in subordinate clauses: 'Il est important que tu m'avertisses si tu as un problème.' At this stage, you should also understand the nuance between 'avertir' and 'prévenir.' While they are often interchangeable, you should know that 'avertir' is slightly more formal and specific to the act of communication. You will encounter 'avertir' in professional contexts, such as receiving a notification from a service provider or a formal warning at work. You should also be familiar with the passive voice: 'Le client a été averti.' B1 learners should be able to use 'avertir' to discuss social responsibilities and safety. You might use it in a conversation about travel: 'On nous a avertis des pickpockets dans le métro.' You should also start using the adjective 'averti' to describe someone who is well-informed. For example, 'C'est un consommateur averti' (He is an informed consumer). This shows a deeper grasp of how the verb functions as a root for other parts of speech.

At the B2 level, you should have a nuanced understanding of 'avertir' in various registers. You can use it in formal letters, academic writing, and complex debates. You understand the legal weight of the word in terms of 'notifying' parties of a decision. You should also be aware of the idiomatic expression 'Un homme averti en vaut deux' and be able to explain its meaning in context. At B2, you are expected to handle the agreement of the past participle with preceding direct objects effortlessly: 'Les erreurs dont je vous ai avertis.' You also recognize 'avertir' in literary texts where it might be used to foreshadow events or create a sense of impending danger. You should be able to compare 'avertir' with 'notifier' and 'aviser,' choosing the most appropriate verb for the level of formality required. In discussions about media and society, you might use 'avertir' to talk about how the government warns the public about health risks or economic changes. Your use of the verb should be precise, reflecting the specific intent of the warning or notification.

At the C1 level, your use of 'avertir' is precise and stylistically varied. You understand the historical roots of the word and how it relates to English cognates without falling into 'false friend' traps. You can use 'avertir' to express subtle shades of meaning in complex sentences, perhaps using the literary 'passé simple' or 'imparfait du subjonctif' in written compositions. You are comfortable using 'avertir' in professional legal or business contexts where specific notification periods are discussed. You can also use the word in an abstract sense, such as 'avertir l'opinion publique' (to alert public opinion). At this level, you should be able to analyze the use of 'avertir' in classical French literature (like Molière or Racine) and understand how its usage has evolved. You use the verb to construct sophisticated arguments, perhaps discussing the ethics of 'avertir' (whistleblowing) in corporate environments. Your vocabulary includes related terms like 'avertisseur' (a warning device or buzzer) and you can use them correctly in technical descriptions.

At the C2 level, you possess a native-like mastery of 'avertir.' You can use it with absolute precision in any context, from highly technical legal documents to colloquial speech and poetic writing. You understand the most obscure nuances of the verb, including its use in specialized fields like maritime law or ancient military strategy. You can play with the word's connotations and use it ironically or metaphorically. In a high-level academic thesis, you might use 'avertir' to describe the cautionary role of a philosopher in society. You are also fully aware of the historical evolution of the verb from its Latin origin 'advertere' (to turn towards) and how this influences its modern semantic range. You can effortlessly switch between 'avertir,' 'prévenir,' 'aviser,' and 'notifier' to achieve specific rhetorical effects. Your mastery extends to the most complex grammatical structures involving the verb, and you can identify and correct even the most subtle errors in its usage. At this level, 'avertir' is not just a vocabulary word but a versatile tool for precise and evocative communication.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

avertir in 30 Seconds

Avertir is a common French verb meaning to warn or notify, following the regular -ir conjugation pattern like 'finir'.
It is primarily used with the structure 'avertir quelqu'un de quelque chose' or 'avertir quelqu'un que...'.
While it looks like 'advertise', it is a false friend; it never refers to marketing or promotion.
It is essential for daily logistics, safety, and professional communication in French-speaking environments.

The French verb avertir is a fundamental second-group verb (ending in -ir) that primarily translates to "to warn" or "to notify" in English. While it might look like the English word "advertise," its meaning is strictly focused on the act of giving notice or alerting someone about a potential situation, a danger, or an upcoming event. In the hierarchy of French communication verbs, avertir sits in a position of moderate formality; it is more official than dire (to say) but slightly more direct than informer (to inform). When you use avertir, there is often an underlying sense of importance or urgency—you are not just sharing gossip; you are providing information that the recipient needs to act upon or be aware of for their own benefit or safety.

The Core Meaning: To give notice of something, typically something that requires attention or caution. It implies a transfer of knowledge from one person to another to prevent a surprise or a mistake.

In everyday life, you will encounter avertir in numerous contexts. For instance, if a company is planning to shut down its services for maintenance, they will avertir their clients. If a storm is approaching, the weather service will avertir the population. In a more personal setting, if you are going to be late for a dinner party, you should avertir your host so they don't start without you. It is a verb of responsibility and foresight.

Il est essentiel d'avertir les autorités en cas d'accident sur la route.

The Nuance of Danger: When used in the context of safety, avertir functions as a warning. It signals that a risk exists and that the person being warned should take precautions. This is often seen on signs: Avertissement (Warning).

Je t'avais averti que le sol était glissant, mais tu n'as pas écouté.

Beyond physical danger, avertir is used in professional settings to describe formal notifications. If a contract is being terminated, the party must avertir the other within a specific timeframe. This usage highlights the legal and administrative weight the word can carry. It is about the formal transmission of facts that have consequences.

Social Etiquette: In social interactions, avertir is a mark of politeness. It shows that you respect the other person's time and planning. If you cannot attend an event, you avertissez the organizer early to allow them to adjust.

N'oubliez pas d'avertir vos parents si vous rentrez tard ce soir.

Culturally, the French value clear communication regarding expectations. Using avertir implies that you are acting as a responsible adult who provides necessary information. It is a verb that bridges the gap between simple speech and formal declaration. Whether it is a teacher avertissant a student about their grades or a pilot avertissant passengers of turbulence, the verb maintains its core mission: to ensure the listener is no longer in the dark about a specific fact or risk.

Le témoin a averti la police dès qu'il a vu l'individu suspect.

Les pancartes avertissent les randonneurs du danger de chute de pierres.

Using avertir correctly requires understanding its grammatical construction. The most common pattern is avertir quelqu'un de quelque chose (to warn/notify someone of something). Unlike some English verbs where the object might be the danger itself, in French, the direct object is almost always the person receiving the information. You warn the person about the thing.

Structure: Avertir + Person + De + Noun: This is the standard way to mention the topic of the warning. Example: "Je l'ai averti du changement" (I warned him of the change). Note that 'de' contracts with 'le' to become 'du'.

Another frequent construction involves a subordinate clause: avertir quelqu'un que... (to warn someone that...). This allows you to provide more detailed information or describe an action. For example, "Elle m'a averti qu'elle serait en retard" (She warned me that she would be late). This structure is incredibly versatile and used in both casual and formal French.

Nous vous avertissons que le magasin fermera exceptionnellement à seize heures.

The Passive Voice: In formal reports, you might see the passive: être averti. "Le public a été averti des risques" (The public was warned of the risks). This shifts the focus to the recipients of the warning.

When using pronouns, remember that the person being warned is the direct object (COD). Therefore, you use le, la, les. "Je l'avertis" (I warn him/her), not "Je lui avertis". This is a common point of confusion for English speakers who might think of the person as an indirect object. If you are warning multiple people, it becomes "Je les avertis".

Si tu vois un problème, avertis-moi immédiatement.

The verb can also be used with an infinitive: avertir quelqu'un de ne pas faire quelque chose (to warn someone not to do something). This is specifically for prohibitions or advice against an action. "Le médecin l'a averti de ne pas fumer" (The doctor warned him not to smoke). Here, the 'de' acts as a linker to the negative infinitive.

On m'a averti de ne pas m'approcher de la clôture électrique.

Tense Nuances: In the passé composé, avertir uses avoir. "J'ai averti". In the future, it is regular: "J'avertirai". The conditional "J'avertirais" is often used for polite suggestions or hypothetical warnings.

Si j'avais su, je vous aurais avertis plus tôt.

Finally, consider the adjective derived from the past participle: averti. An "homme averti" is an informed or forewarned man. There is a famous French proverb: "Un homme averti en vaut deux" (A forewarned man is worth two), meaning that being prepared gives you a significant advantage. This shows how the verb transitions into a state of being—being knowledgeable or alert.

Elle est très avertie des enjeux politiques actuels.

If you spend a day in a French-speaking country, you are likely to hear or see the word avertir or its noun form avertissement in several key environments. One of the most common places is on public transport. Announcements on the SNCF (trains) or the RATP (Paris metro) frequently use this verb to notify passengers of delays, platform changes, or safety instructions. "Nous vous avertissons d'un retard possible" is a phrase many commuters know all too well.

Public Safety & Signage: You will see it on yellow warning signs in construction zones or near hazardous materials. The imperative "Avertissez les secours" (Notify emergency services) is a standard instruction in first-aid manuals and safety posters in public buildings.

In the digital world, your computer or smartphone uses this concept constantly. When you are about to delete a file permanently, a pop-up window avertit the user of the consequences. "Voulez-vous vraiment supprimer ce fichier ?" is a form of digital avertissement. Software updates often come with a note to avertir users about changes in privacy settings or features.

L'application m'a averti que ma batterie était faible.

The Workplace: In a French office, avertir is the professional way to communicate changes. If a meeting is moved, the secretary will avertir the participants. In more serious HR contexts, a "blâme" or a "mise en demeure" is a formal avertissement to an employee who has violated company policy.

News broadcasts are another major source. Journalists use avertir when reporting on government statements or international relations. "Le Premier ministre a averti que de nouvelles mesures pourraient être prises" (The Prime Minister warned that new measures could be taken). It adds a layer of gravity to the reporting, signaling that the statement is a formal caution to the public.

La météo nous avertit d'une tempête de neige imminente.

In educational settings, teachers use avertir to manage the classroom. "Je vous avertis : si le bruit continue, nous ferons une interrogation surprise." This usage is common in schools across the Francophone world, establishing a clear link between behavior and consequences. It is also used on report cards to avertir parents of a drop in a student's performance.

Le professeur a averti les élèves du danger de plagier leurs devoirs.

Literature and Film: In thrillers or dramas, a character might receive an anonymous call l'avertissant of a plot against them. This creates tension and drives the narrative forward. The word itself carries a weight of foreboding in these contexts.

Dans le film, un mystérieux inconnu avertit le héros du piège qui l'attend.

For English speakers, the most frequent mistake when using avertir is the "false friend" trap. Because it looks like "advertise," learners often try to use it to mean promoting a product. In French, "to advertise" is faire de la publicité or promouvoir. If you say "J'ai averti ma voiture," a French person will think you gave your car a stern talking-to or warned it about a pothole, rather than trying to sell it.

Mistake 1: Confusing Avertir with Advertise: Incorrect: "Ils avertissent leur nouveau produit à la télé." Correct: "Ils font de la publicité pour leur nouveau produit." Remember: Avertir = Warning/Notification, not Marketing.

Another common error involves the preposition and object placement. English speakers often say "I warned him" and translate it as "Je lui ai averti." However, avertir takes a direct object (COD). You warn someone, not to someone. The correct form is "Je l'ai averti." If you use "lui," you are treating it like the verb dire, which is grammatically incorrect for avertir.

Incorrect: Je lui ai averti. Correct: Je l'ai averti.

Mistake 2: Using the wrong preposition: Learners sometimes use sur (on/about) instead of de. While "warn about" is natural in English, in French it is always "avertir de." Incorrect: "Je t'avertis sur le danger." Correct: "Je t'avertis du danger."

A third mistake is using avertir when prévenir or informer would be more natural. While avertir is correct, using it for very trivial matters can sound a bit dramatic. If you are just telling a friend that you bought milk, informer or simply dire is better. Save avertir for when the information is a notice that requires the other person's awareness or change in behavior.

N'utilisez pas avertir pour de simples banalités ; gardez-le pour les notifications importantes.

Mistake 3: Over-complicating the Negative: When warning someone NOT to do something, the structure is avertir de ne pas + infinitive. Sometimes students omit the 'de'. Incorrect: "Je l'ai averti ne pas venir." Correct: "Je l'ai averti de ne pas venir."

Il faut avertir les passagers de ne pas descendre avant l'arrêt complet.

Lastly, watch the agreement of the past participle when using avertir in the passé composé with a preceding direct object. "La femme que j'ai avertie" (The woman I warned). Because the COD (la femme) comes before the verb, the past participle averti must agree in gender and number. This is a subtle rule that even advanced learners often overlook.

Les personnes que nous avons averties sont déjà parties.

French has several verbs that overlap with avertir, and choosing the right one depends on the level of formality and the nature of the information being shared. The most frequent alternative is prévenir. In many contexts, they are interchangeable, but prévenir often has a broader meaning, including "to anticipate" or "to prevent." If you say "Il faut prévenir les problèmes," you mean preventing them from happening. Avertir cannot be used this way; it only refers to the act of informing someone about the problem.

Avertir vs. Prévenir: Avertir is more focused on the *message* and the *warning*. Prévenir is more focused on the *anticipation* and *precaution*. In daily life, "Je te préviens" and "Je t'avertis" both mean "I'm warning you," but "Je te préviens" is slightly more common in spoken French.

Another close relative is informer. This is a neutral, professional verb. It lacks the "warning" or "danger" connotation of avertir. If you are simply giving someone data or facts without any sense of caution, informer is the better choice. For example, a bank informe you of your balance, but avertit you if your account is overdrawn.

Informer : Fournir des données. Avertir : Signaler un point d'attention ou un risque.

Formal Alternatives: In administrative or legal contexts, you might see notifier. This is very formal and usually involves a written document. A court notifie a judgment. Another option is aviser, which is also formal and means to officially give notice. "Veuillez nous aviser de tout changement d'adresse."

For more urgent or alarming situations, you might use alerter. This verb implies a higher level of danger or an emergency. You alerte the fire department or alerte the neighbors if there is a fire. While avertir is a warning, alerter is a call to immediate action or a signal of an active crisis.

Elle a alerté les secours dès qu'elle a vu la fumée.

Finally, consider signaler. This means to point out or draw attention to something. It is often used for technical issues or observations. "Il a signalé une erreur dans le texte." While avertir focuses on the person being told, signaler focuses more on the object or the fact being identified.

Comparison Summary

Avertir: To warn/notify (person-focused).
Prévenir: To warn/prevent (action-focused).
Informer: To give information (neutral).
Alerter: To sound an alarm (urgent).
Signaler: To point out (fact-focused).

Le panneau signale un virage dangereux pour avertir les conducteurs.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

The English word 'advertise' shares the same Latin root 'advertere'. In English, it evolved toward 'calling public attention to', while in French, it stayed closer to 'turning someone's attention to a specific notice'.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /a.vɛʁ.tiʁ/

US /a.vɛɹ.tiɹ/

Stress is typically on the final syllable 'tir'.

Rhymes With

finir partir sortir mentir sentir servir dormir ouvrir

Common Errors

Pronouncing it like 'advertise'.
Forgetting to pronounce the final 'r'.
Pronouncing the 'e' like a closed 'ay' instead of an open 'eh'.
Making the 't' sound like 'sh' as in 'action'.
Over-emphasizing the first syllable.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize in text, though sometimes confused with 'advertise'.

Writing 3/5

Requires memory of the -ir conjugation and the correct preposition 'de'.

Speaking 3/5

The -iss- sounds in plural forms can be tricky for beginners.

Listening 2/5

Clear pronunciation, usually easy to distinguish in conversation.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

dire finir danger important personne

Learn Next

prévenir informer aviser conseiller menacer

Advanced

notifier conjoncture préavis subjonctif passé simple

Grammar to Know

Second group verbs (-ir)

Nous avertissons (like nous finissons).

Direct Object Pronouns

Je l'avertis (I warn him/her).

Preposition 'de' with verbs of communication

Avertir de quelque chose.

Past Participle Agreement

La lettre que j'ai écrite pour les avertir.

Imperative Mood

Avertis ! Avertissons ! Avertissez !

Examples by Level

Avertis-moi quand tu arrives.

Warn/Tell me when you arrive.

Imperative 'tu' form of a regular -ir verb.

Il faut avertir maman.

We must warn/tell mom.

Infinitive after 'il faut'.

Je vous avertis : c'est chaud !

I'm warning you (plural/formal): it's hot!

Present tense 'vous' form.

Avertis ton frère.

Warn your brother.

Direct object 'ton frère'.

Elle avertit son amie.

She warns her friend.

Present tense 3rd person singular.

Nous avertissons le professeur.

We are notifying the teacher.

Present tense 'nous' form with -iss-.

Avertissez la police !

Notify the police!

Imperative 'vous' form.

Tu m'avertis ?

Are you warning me?

Question with present tense.

J'ai averti mes parents de mon retard.

I warned my parents about my lateness.

Passé composé with 'avoir'.

Il va avertir la direction demain.

He is going to notify the management tomorrow.

Futur proche (aller + infinitive).

Nous vous avertirons par e-mail.

We will notify you by email.

Future simple 'nous' form.

Elle m'a averti que le train était annulé.

She warned me that the train was cancelled.

Avertir + person + que clause.

Avertis-les du danger.

Warn them of the danger.

Imperative with direct object pronoun 'les'.

Ils ne m'ont pas averti du changement.

They didn't warn me of the change.

Negative passé composé.

Pense à avertir ton voisin.

Remember to notify your neighbor.

Infinitive after 'pense à'.

Le panneau avertit les conducteurs.

The sign warns drivers.

Present tense 3rd person singular.

Je t'avertis que si tu continues, je partirai.

I'm warning you that if you continue, I'll leave.

Conditional 'je partirai' following a warning.

Il est nécessaire que nous les avertissions.

It is necessary that we warn them.

Subjunctive present 'nous' form.

L'entreprise a été avertie des nouveaux règlements.

The company was notified of the new regulations.

Passive voice with past participle agreement.

Je vous aurais avertis si j'avais eu l'information.

I would have warned you if I had had the information.

Conditionnel passé with 'si' clause.

Elle nous a avertis de ne pas faire de bruit.

She warned us not to make noise.

Avertir de + ne pas + infinitive.

Un témoin a averti la police à temps.

A witness warned the police in time.

Passé composé with adverbial phrase 'à temps'.

Voulez-vous que je l'avertisse tout de suite ?

Do you want me to warn him right away?

Subjunctive present 'je' form.

Les randonneurs sont avertis des risques d'avalanche.

Hikers are warned of avalanche risks.

Passive voice in the present tense.

Un homme averti en vaut deux.

A forewarned man is worth two.

Common French proverb using 'averti' as an adjective.

Nous vous saurions gré de nous avertir de votre décision.

We would be grateful if you would notify us of your decision.

Very formal 'savoir gré' construction.

Elle a pris soin d'avertir toutes les parties prenantes.

She took care to notify all stakeholders.

Avertir used in a professional context.

Bien qu'il ait été averti, il a commis la même erreur.

Although he had been warned, he made the same mistake.

Subjunctive past in a concessive clause.

Les autorités avertissent contre la consommation d'eau non traitée.

Authorities warn against consuming untreated water.

Avertir used with 'contre' for prohibition.

Le public doit être averti des conséquences potentielles.

The public must be warned of the potential consequences.

Modal verb 'doit' followed by passive infinitive.

Je l'ai avertie, mais elle n'en a fait qu'à sa tête.

I warned her, but she did as she pleased.

Past participle agreement with preceding direct object 'l'' (feminine).

Il convient d'avertir les usagers en cas de travaux.

It is appropriate to notify users in case of construction.

Formal impersonal construction 'il convient de'.

Le lanceur d'alerte a averti l'opinion des dérives de l'entreprise.

The whistleblower warned the public of the company's abuses.

Avertir used for whistleblowing context.

Faute d'avoir été averti à temps, il a perdu son droit de recours.

For lack of being warned in time, he lost his right of appeal.

Complex 'faute de' construction with passive past infinitive.

La tragédie grecque avertit souvent l'homme contre son propre orgueil.

Greek tragedy often warns man against his own pride.

Metaphorical/Literary use of avertir.

On ne saurait trop avertir les jeunes des dangers du cyberharcèlement.

One cannot warn young people enough about the dangers of cyberbullying.

Formal 'on ne saurait trop' construction.

Le texte avertit le lecteur de l'ironie sous-jacente du récit.

The text warns the reader of the underlying irony of the narrative.

Analytical use of avertir in literary criticism.

Ils furent avertis par un courrier recommandé avec accusé de réception.

They were notified by registered mail with acknowledgment of receipt.

Passé simple (passive) used in formal writing.

Le philosophe nous avertit : la liberté est une conquête permanente.

The philosopher warns us: freedom is a permanent conquest.

Avertir used to introduce a philosophical quote.

L'histoire nous a pourtant avertis des dangers du populisme.

History has nonetheless warned us of the dangers of populism.

Abstract subject 'l'histoire'.

L'augure avait averti le consul, mais celui-ci fit fi de l'avertissement.

The augur had warned the consul, but the latter ignored the warning.

Pluperfect tense with classical vocabulary.

Il est impératif que les services de renseignement s'avertissent mutuellement.

It is imperative that intelligence services warn each other.

Pronominal use of avertir in the subjunctive.

La clause de résiliation prévoit d'avertir le bailleur trois mois à l'avance.

The termination clause provides for notifying the landlord three months in advance.

Legal/Contractual usage.

Sans vouloir vous avertir outre mesure, la situation reste précaire.

Without wishing to warn you excessively, the situation remains precarious.

Nuanced phrase 'outre mesure' (excessively).

Les signaux faibles auraient dû nous avertir de l'imminence de la crise.

The weak signals should have warned us of the impending crisis.

Past conditional with 'devoir'.

L'auteur s'ingénie à avertir son public des faux-semblants de la cour.

The author strives to warn his audience about the pretenses of the court.

Sophisticated verb 's'ingénier à'.

Quiconque omettrait d'avertir les autorités s'exposerait à des poursuites.

Anyone who fails to notify the authorities would expose themselves to prosecution.

Conditional used for hypothetical legal consequence.

Sa conscience l'avertit du caractère immoral de son entreprise.

His conscience warns him of the immoral nature of his undertaking.

Personification of 'conscience' as the subject.

Common Collocations

avertir à temps

avertir par écrit

avertir du danger

avertir les autorités

avertir le public

avertir d'avance

avertir sans tarder

avertir formellement

avertir verbalement

avertir discrètement

Common Phrases

Avertis-moi !

— Tell me / Let me know / Warn me. Used in casual settings.

Avertis-moi quand le film commence.

Je t'avais averti.

— I told you so / I warned you. Often used after something goes wrong.

Tu es tombé ? Je t'avais averti que c'était glissant.

Sans m'avertir

— Without telling me / Without warning. Expresses surprise or annoyance.

Il est parti sans m'avertir.

Avertir quelqu'un par e-mail

— To notify someone via electronic mail. Standard professional phrase.

Je vais vous avertir par e-mail dès que j'ai la réponse.

Avertir d'un changement

— To notify of a change. Very common for logistics.

N'oubliez pas d'avertir vos clients d'un changement de tarif.

Être dûment averti

— To be properly or formally warned. Used in legal contexts.

Le locataire a été dûment averti de son expulsion.

Avertir les secours

— To call for help / Notify emergency services. Critical safety phrase.

En cas d'incendie, avertissez les secours immédiatement.

Avertir de son arrivée

— To let someone know you are coming. Common social etiquette.

Il a téléphoné pour avertir de son arrivée imminente.

Avertir la presse

— To notify the media. Used in public relations or scandals.

L'avocat a décidé d'avertir la presse.

Avertir du contraire

— To notify otherwise. Used when plans might change.

Rendez-vous à midi, sauf si je vous avertis du contraire.

Often Confused With

avertir vs advertise

English speakers think 'avertir' means to sell or promote. It doesn't.

avertir vs prévenir

They are close, but 'prévenir' can also mean to prevent a situation.

avertir vs aviser

Aviser is more formal and often used for 'official notice'.

Idioms & Expressions

"Un homme averti en vaut deux"

— A person who is warned or prepared has a double advantage. Forewarned is forearmed.

N'oublie pas ton parapluie, la météo prévoit de la pluie. Un homme averti en vaut deux !

common/proverb

"Avertir pour la forme"

— To warn someone just as a formality, without expecting them to listen or change.

Je l'ai averti pour la forme, mais je sais qu'il n'écoutera pas.

neutral

"Lecteur averti"

— An informed or savvy reader who understands nuances and subtext.

Ce livre s'adresse à un lecteur averti.

literary

"Public averti"

— An audience that is knowledgeable about the subject or warned about sensitive content.

Ce film est réservé à un public averti.

media

"Consommateur averti"

— A smart shopper who knows their rights and the market.

Un consommateur averti compare toujours les prix.

economic

"Avertir à cor et à cri"

— To warn loudly and repeatedly (metaphorical use of a hunting term).

Il a averti tout le monde à cor et à cri du danger.

literary/expressive

"Se tenir pour averti"

— To consider oneself warned or notified, often after a subtle hint or threat.

Tu devrais te tenir pour averti : le patron n'est pas content.

neutral/formal

"Avertir de la main"

— To signal a warning with a hand gesture.

Le policier m'a averti de la main de m'arrêter.

descriptive

"Avertir d'un clin d'œil"

— To warn someone with a secret wink.

Elle m'a averti d'un clin d'œil que son mari arrivait.

informal

"Mise en demeure"

— A formal, legal warning to fulfill an obligation (related to 'avertissement').

Il a reçu une mise en demeure de payer son loyer.

legal

Easily Confused

avertir vs Publicité

Sounds like 'publicity' but means 'advertising'.

Avertir is a warning; Publicité is marketing.

Il fait de la publicité (marketing), mais il avertit (warning) du danger.

avertir vs Prévenir

Often used as a synonym.

Prévenir is more common in speech; Avertir is more specific to the message.

Je te préviens (I'm warning you) vs Je t'avertis (I'm notifying you).

avertir vs Informer

Both involve giving information.

Informer is neutral; Avertir implies importance or caution.

Je l'informe de la date, mais je l'avertis du retard.

avertir vs Alerter

Both involve warnings.

Alerter is for emergencies; Avertir is for general notice or caution.

Alertez les pompiers ! vs Avertissez les voisins du bruit.

avertir vs Signaler

Both point something out.

Signaler focuses on the object/fact; Avertir focuses on the person.

Il signale un trou dans la route pour avertir les cyclistes.

Sentence Patterns

Avertis-moi + [time/condition]

Avertis-moi quand tu es prêt.

J'ai averti + [person] + de + [noun]

J'ai averti Paul de mon départ.

Il faut que je + [avertisse] + [person]

Il faut que je l'avertisse du problème.

Être averti + des + [risks/consequences]

Ils ont été avertis des risques financiers.

On ne saurait trop + avertir + [group] + de + [danger]

On ne saurait trop avertir les citoyens du danger.

[Abstract Subject] + avertit + [person] + de + [fact]

L'expérience nous avertit de la fragilité de la paix.

Avertir + [person] + que + [clause]

Elle m'a averti qu'elle arrivait.

Avertir + [person] + de ne pas + [infinitive]

Le policier l'a averti de ne pas courir.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

High in safety, logistics, and professional contexts.

Common Mistakes

Using 'avertir' for advertising. → Faire de la publicité.
This is a classic false friend. 'Avertir' is for warnings, not for selling products.
Saying 'Je lui ai averti'. → Je l'ai averti.
'Avertir' takes a direct object, not an indirect one. Use 'le/la/l'' pronouns.
Saying 'avertir sur le danger'. → Avertir du danger.
The correct preposition is 'de'. 'De' + 'le' becomes 'du'.
Forgetting the -iss- in 'nous avertissons'. → Nous avertissons.
It's a second-group verb. The -iss- is mandatory in the plural present tense.
Using 'avertir' to mean 'prevent'. → Prévenir.
While they overlap, 'avertir' is only the communication. 'Prévenir' can mean the action of stopping something.

Tips

The -ir Pattern

Remember that 'avertir' is like 'finir'. If you know how to conjugate 'finir', you know 'avertir'. Practice saying 'nous avertissons' to get used to the -iss- sound.

False Friend Alert

Never use 'avertir' for marketing. It's only for warnings and notices. Think of 'Avert' = 'Avoid' (danger).

Social Politeness

Use 'avertir' to show you are responsible. If you can't make it to a dinner, 'avertissez' your host early. It's a sign of respect.

Professional Emails

In a work email, 'avertir' sounds precise. 'Je vous avertis que le dossier est prêt' is very clear and professional.

Direct Object

Always warn 'someone' (COD). Use 'Je l'avertis' (I warn him) or 'Je les avertis' (I warn them). Don't use 'lui' or 'leur'.

The 'Avert' Sign

Visualize a sign that says 'AVERTIR'. It's there to help you 'avert' a problem. This connects the French word to a useful English concept.

Reading Signs

When you see 'Avertissement' on a label or sign, stop and read. It's a warning about safety or proper use.

Passé Composé

Don't forget the 'i' at the end of the past participle: 'J'ai averti'. It doesn't change unless there's a preceding direct object.

The Proverb

Learn 'Un homme averti en vaut deux'. It's a great way to sound more like a native speaker and shows you understand French wisdom.

Listen for 'Que'

Often, 'avertir' is followed by 'que'. This tells you that a piece of information (a clause) is coming next.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of an 'AVERT' sign. You want to AVERT a disaster by AVERTIR-ing someone about it. The 'IR' at the end reminds you it's an -ir verb like FINIR.

Visual Association

Imagine a yellow 'CAUTION' sign with the word 'AVERTIR' written on it in bold black letters. Every time you see a warning sign, say 'avertir'.

Word Web

Attention Danger Notification Prévenir Avertissement Sifflet Alarme Conseil

Challenge

Try to use 'avertir' three times today: once for a friend, once in a formal imaginary email, and once when you see a safety sign.

Word Origin

From the Old French 'avertir', derived from the Vulgar Latin 'advertire', which comes from the classical Latin 'advertere'.

Original meaning: In Latin, 'advertere' meant 'to turn towards' (ad- + vertere). It later evolved to mean 'to turn the mind towards' something, hence 'to notice' or 'to warn'.

Indo-European > Italic > Romance > Gallo-Romance > French.

Cultural Context

In professional settings, giving an 'avertissement' is a disciplinary action. Use the verb carefully in HR contexts to avoid sounding like you are initiating a firing process.

English speakers often use 'tell' or 'let know' where French speakers specifically use 'avertir' to emphasize the importance of the info.

The proverb 'Un homme averti en vaut deux' is one of the most common in the French language. In Molière's plays, servants often 'avertissent' their masters of incoming trouble. French safety manuals and 'Code de la Route' (Driving Code) use 'avertir' constantly.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Transportation

Avertir d'un retard
Avertir d'un changement de voie
Avertir les passagers
Avertisseur sonore

Professional/Work

Avertir son supérieur
Recevoir un avertissement
Avertir de son absence
Avertir par mail

Safety/Danger

Avertir du danger
Avertir les secours
Panneau d'avertissement
Avertir d'un risque

Social/Friends

Avertis-moi quand tu pars
Je t'avais averti
Sans m'avertir
Avertir de son arrivée

Technology

Avertir d'une mise à jour
Avertir d'un virus
Fenêtre d'avertissement
L'appli m'a averti

Conversation Starters

"Est-ce que tu m'avertiras si tu décides de partir en voyage cet été ?"

"Comment est-ce que les autorités t'avertissent en cas de tempête dans ton pays ?"

"Est-ce que tu as déjà dû avertir la police pour quelque chose de grave ?"

"Si un ami fait une erreur, est-ce que tu préfères l'avertir ou le laisser apprendre seul ?"

"Penses-tu qu'il est poli d'avertir ses voisins avant de faire une fête ?"

Journal Prompts

Décrivez une situation où quelqu'un vous a averti d'un danger. Qu'avez-vous fait ?

Écrivez un e-mail formel pour avertir votre patron que vous serez absent demain.

Pourquoi le proverbe 'Un homme averti en vaut deux' est-il important pour vous ?

Imaginez que vous êtes un super-héros. De quoi voudriez-vous avertir le monde ?

Racontez une fois où vous avez oublié d'avertir quelqu'un d'un changement important.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, 'avertir' is a regular second-group verb ending in -ir. This means it follows the same conjugation pattern as 'finir' or 'choisir'. For example, in the present tense, it is: j'avertis, tu avertis, il avertit, nous avertissons, vous avertissez, ils avertissent. The '-iss-' segment is characteristic of this group in the plural forms.

No, this is a common 'false friend' for English speakers. 'Avertir' means to warn or notify. If you want to say 'to advertise,' you should use 'faire de la publicité' or 'promouvoir.' For example, 'I am advertising my car' would be 'Je fais de la publicité pour ma voiture,' not 'J'avertis ma voiture.'

In many cases, they are synonyms meaning 'to warn.' However, 'prévenir' is more common in spoken, everyday French and can also mean 'to prevent' (e.g., prévenir une maladie). 'Avertir' is slightly more formal and focuses specifically on the act of giving notice or a warning about a specific fact.

The most common preposition is 'de.' You say 'avertir quelqu'un de quelque chose' (to warn someone of something). You can also use 'que' followed by a clause: 'avertir quelqu'un que...' (to warn someone that...). Avoid using 'sur' or 'à' as they are grammatically incorrect in this context.

You say 'Je l'ai averti.' Note that 'avertir' takes a direct object (COD). You warn 'someone,' not 'to someone.' Therefore, you use 'le/la/l'' instead of 'lui.' If you were warning her, it would still be 'Je l'ai avertie' (adding an 'e' in writing if the 'l'' refers to a woman).

This is a famous French proverb that literally translates to 'a forewarned man is worth two.' It means that someone who is prepared or has been warned about a potential problem is in a much better position to handle it, effectively doubling their capability or safety.

Yes, it is very common in professional settings. It is used to notify colleagues of meetings, changes in policy, or official warnings. For example, 'Veuillez avertir le personnel de la réunion' (Please notify the staff about the meeting). It sounds professional and clear.

Yes, the noun is 'un avertissement.' It means 'a warning' or 'a notification.' In sports, it's a yellow card. In school or work, it's a formal disciplinary warning. In books or movies, it's a disclaimer or a cautionary note at the beginning.

In the present subjunctive, it is: que j'avertisse, que tu avertisses, qu'il avertisse, que nous avertissions, que vous avertissiez, qu'ils avertissent. Notice that the '-iss-' stem is used throughout all forms in the subjunctive, making it consistent with other second-group verbs.

Use 'alerter' for emergencies or when you need to sound an alarm. 'Avertir' is a general warning or notification, while 'alerter' implies that there is an active crisis that requires immediate attention, such as a fire, a crime, or a sudden accident.