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A2 verb #2,000 most common 6 min read

décrire

Top 2,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips décrire in 30 Seconds

Explanation décrire in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'décrire' is a high-frequency verb used for basic communication. Learners use it to provide simple information about themselves, their family, and their immediate environment. At this stage, the focus is on physical descriptions using basic adjectives (colors, sizes, simple qualities). For example, a student might say 'Je peux décrire ma maison' (I can describe my house) or 'Décris ton ami' (Describe your friend). The conjugation is often limited to the present tense, and the vocabulary used alongside it is concrete. Understanding 'décrire' at A1 means being able to follow a simple instruction to provide details about a known object or person. It's the first step in moving beyond simple naming (e.g., 'C'est un chat') to providing attributes (e.g., 'C'est un petit chat noir'). The goal is functional communication: can you give enough detail for someone to identify what you are talking about? This involves mastering the present tense forms: je décris, tu décris, il décrit. Plural forms might still be challenging, but the concept of 'giving details' is established here.

At the A2 level, learners expand their use of 'décrire' to include more varied contexts and slightly more complex grammar. They can describe not just people and objects, but also their daily routines, past experiences, and living conditions. The use of 'décrire' in the Passé Composé ('J'ai décrit') becomes important for recounting past events. Learners at this level should be able to describe a job, a holiday, or a simple event in a chronological or organized way. They start using more specific adjectives and adverbs to refine their descriptions. For instance, instead of just 'un grand bâtiment', they might say 'un bâtiment moderne et très haut'. The verb 'décrire' also appears in more formal instructions, such as in language exams where they are asked to 'décrire une image' (describe a picture). They begin to understand that 'décrire' requires a certain level of detail and organization. They are also introduced to the plural forms 'nous décrivons' and 'vous décrivez', noticing the 'v' that distinguishes it from the singular forms. This level is about building the descriptive 'toolkit'—more adjectives, more tenses, and better structure.

At the B1 level, 'décrire' is used to express more abstract thoughts and opinions. Learners can describe dreams, hopes, ambitions, and the plots of books or movies. They move beyond the 'what' to the 'how it makes me feel'. A B1 learner can 'décrire un projet' (describe a project) or 'décrire ses sentiments' (describe one's feelings) with reasonable fluency. They use a wider range of tenses, including the Imparfait for descriptive backgrounds in stories ('Le soleil brillait et je décrirais la scène comme paisible'). They also start to use 'décrire' in the passive voice or with relative clauses to add complexity ('La maison que j'ai décrite est celle de mon grand-père'). At this stage, the learner is expected to provide a coherent description that flows logically. They can also use 'décrire' to compare and contrast different things. The vocabulary becomes more nuanced, moving away from generic adjectives like 'bon' or 'beau' to more precise terms like 'magnifique', 'impressionnant', or 'efficace'. They understand that 'décrire' is not just about listing facts but about conveying an impression or a specific point of view.

At the B2 level, 'décrire' is used with precision and nuance in both social and professional contexts. A B2 learner can describe complex subjects in detail, such as the functioning of a system, the nuances of a political debate, or the intricate details of a technical process. They can 'décrire les avantages et les inconvénients' (describe the pros and cons) of a situation effectively. Their descriptions are well-structured, using a variety of cohesive devices to link ideas. They are comfortable using 'décrire' in all tenses, including the Subjunctive ('Il est important que vous décriviez la situation avec précision'). They also begin to recognize the stylistic use of 'décrire' in literature and journalism. At this level, the focus is on accuracy and the ability to adapt the description to the audience. Whether writing a formal report or engaging in a heated discussion, the B2 learner uses 'décrire' to provide the necessary evidence and detail to support their arguments. They can also handle the noun form 'une description' with ease, creating complex noun phrases to enrich their language.

At the C1 level, the use of 'décrire' reflects a high degree of linguistic sophistication. The learner can describe complex, unpredictable, or highly specialized topics with ease. They use 'décrire' to navigate subtle nuances of meaning and to create vivid, evocative imagery. In academic or professional writing, they might use 'décrire' to outline a theoretical framework or to provide a detailed analysis of data. They are aware of the register and can choose between 'décrire', 'dépeindre', 'retracer', or 'exposer' depending on the desired effect. A C1 learner can 'décrire l'indicible' (describe the indescribable) by using metaphors and sophisticated vocabulary. Their descriptions are not just accurate but also stylistically pleasing. They can handle long, complex sentences where 'décrire' is part of a larger rhetorical structure. They also understand the cultural and historical connotations of certain descriptions in French literature and media. At this level, 'décrire' is a tool for precision, persuasion, and artistic expression, used with total control over the language's resources.

At the C2 level, mastery of 'décrire' is absolute. The speaker or writer can describe anything—no matter how abstract, technical, or emotionally charged—with the precision of a native expert. They can use 'décrire' to perform subtle linguistic feats, such as irony, parody, or profound philosophical inquiry. They are fully conversant with the most obscure uses of the verb, such as its technical applications in mathematics or older literary forms. A C2 user can 'décrire' a situation in a way that captures its essence perfectly, using a vast and varied vocabulary. They can critique the descriptions of others, identifying bias, lack of detail, or stylistic flaws. In creative writing, they use 'décrire' to build entire worlds with words, manipulating the reader's perception through carefully chosen details. The distinction between 'décrire' and its synonyms is second nature, and they can switch between registers instantaneously. At this level, the verb is no longer just a word to be conjugated; it is a versatile instrument for the highest levels of human thought and communication.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

décrire in 30 Seconds

Décrire is a versatile French verb meaning 'to describe' or 'to depict'.
It is irregular, following the conjugation pattern of the verb 'écrire'.
It is essential for physical descriptions, storytelling, and technical explanations.
Commonly used across all CEFR levels, from basic physical traits to complex theories.

The French verb décrire is a fundamental pillar of communication, serving as the primary tool for painting pictures with words. At its core, it means 'to describe'—to give a detailed account in words of someone or something, including their appearance, qualities, or characteristics. Whether you are explaining the look of a suspect to the police, the flavor of a fine Bordeaux to a friend, or the complex socio-economic landscape of 19th-century France in a dissertation, décrire is your essential instrument.

Visual Representation: The most common use involves physical attributes. For example, décrire un paysage (to describe a landscape) requires vocabulary for colors, shapes, and spatial relationships.

L'auteur prend le temps de décrire chaque détail de la chambre pour créer une atmosphère mystérieuse.

Abstract Concepts: Beyond the physical, it applies to feelings, situations, and theories. One might décrire ses émotions (describe one's emotions) or décrire le fonctionnement d'une machine (describe how a machine works).

Peux-tu me décrire l'homme que tu as vu hier soir ?

Scientific and Technical Context: In geometry or physics, décrire can mean to trace a path or a shape, such as décrire un cercle (to draw/trace a circle).

La Terre décrit une ellipse autour du Soleil.

Il est difficile de décrire la beauté de ce monument sans le voir en personne.

Le témoin a dû décrire la scène avec précision devant le juge.

Using décrire correctly requires an understanding of its transitive nature and its specific conjugation. As a transitive verb, it almost always takes a direct object—the thing or person being described. You don't 'describe about' something in French; you simply 'describe something' (décrire quelque chose).

Conjugation Patterns: Remember the 'v' that appears in the plural forms: nous décrivons, vous décrivez, ils décrivent. This is a common stumbling block for A2 learners who might expect a regular '-ir' ending.

Nous décrivons les faits tels qu'ils se sont produits.

Adverbial Support: To enhance your descriptions, pair the verb with adverbs like précisément (precisely), brièvement (briefly), or vaguement (vaguely).

Pourriez-vous décrire brièvement votre expérience professionnelle ?

The Passive Voice: In formal writing, you might see 'être décrit'. For example: Le suspect est décrit comme portant une veste bleue.

La situation actuelle peut être décrite comme critique.

Elle a décrit son voyage avec beaucoup d'enthousiasme.

Il est important de bien décrire les symptômes au médecin.

You will encounter décrire in a vast array of contexts, from the mundane to the highly specialized. It is a word that bridges the gap between everyday conversation and formal academic or professional discourse.

In Literature: French literature is famous for its long, descriptive passages (think Balzac or Zola). Authors use this verb to set the stage, providing sensory details that immerse the reader in the story's world.

Balzac aimait décrire les intérieurs bourgeois avec une précision chirurgicale.

In Journalism and News: Reporters use décrire to relay events to the public. You'll hear it in weather reports ('décrire l'évolution de la tempête') or in crime reporting ('décrire le suspect').

Le journaliste décrit la panique qui a suivi l'explosion.

In Scientific Research: Scientists must décrire their methodology and results. A biology paper might décrire une nouvelle espèce (describe a new species).

Cet article décrit les effets secondaires du nouveau médicament.

Elle a passé une heure à décrire sa nouvelle maison à ses parents.

Le guide touristique décrit l'histoire du château aux visiteurs.

Even though décrire seems straightforward, learners often make specific errors regarding its conjugation, preposition use, and confusion with similar verbs.

Conjugation Errors: The most common mistake is forgetting the 'v' in plural forms. Many students say 'nous décrions' (which is actually the verb 'décrier' - to disparage) instead of 'nous décrivons'.

Attention : On dit 'ils décrivent', pas 'ils décrient'.

Preposition Pitfalls: English speakers often want to say 'décrire à propos de' or 'décrire sur'. In French, you describe the object directly: décrire la situation.

Il ne faut pas dire 'je vais décrire sur mon chat', mais 'je vais décrire mon chat'.

Spelling the Past Participle: The past participle is 'décrit' (masculine) or 'décrite' (feminine). Learners sometimes write 'décrivé' or 'décru', which are incorrect.

La scène a été parfaitement décrite par le témoin.

Elle a essayé de décrire son sentiment, mais c'était trop complexe.

Il est incorrect d'utiliser 'décrire' pour dire 'expliquer' dans tous les cas.

While décrire is the most versatile term, several other verbs offer nuanced alternatives depending on the level of detail or the medium of expression.

Dépeindre vs. Décrire: Dépeindre (to depict) suggests a more artistic or vivid representation, often used in literature to evoke a strong mental image. Décrire is more objective and factual.

Le poète dépeint la tristesse de l'automne.

Expliquer vs. Décrire: Expliquer (to explain) focuses on the 'why' and 'how' (cause and effect), whereas décrire focuses on the 'what' (appearance and state).

Il nous a expliqué comment utiliser la machine après l'avoir décrite.

Relater vs. Décrire: Relater (to relate/recount) is used specifically for events or stories in a chronological order. You décrire a person but relater an adventure.

Le témoin a relaté les événements de la soirée.

Elle a énuméré les raisons de son départ.

Il est utile de savoir décrire un problème technique précisément.

How Formal Is It?

Pronunciation Guide

Rhymes With

lire, écrire, rire

Difficulty Rating

Grammar to Know

Adjective Agreement

Placement of Adjectives

Passé Composé vs Imparfait

Relative Pronouns (qui, que, dont)

Adverbs of Manner

Examples by Level

Je peux décrire mon chat.

I can describe my cat.

Present tense, 1st person singular.

Décris ta chambre, s'il te plaît.

Describe your room, please.

Imperative mood.

Il décrit son frère.

He is describing his brother.

Present tense, 3rd person singular.

Elle décrit une fleur rouge.

She is describing a red flower.

Adjective agreement (fleur rouge).

Nous décrivons le jardin.

We are describing the garden.

Present tense, 1st person plural (note the 'v').

Tu décris ta maison ?

Are you describing your house?

Interrogative sentence.

Ils décrivent le professeur.

They are describing the teacher.

Present tense, 3rd person plural.

Vous décrivez un livre.

You are describing a book.

Formal 'vous' or plural.

J'ai décrit mon voyage à Paris.

I described my trip to Paris.

Passé composé with 'avoir'.

Peux-tu décrire ton ancien travail ?

Can you describe your old job?

Infinitive after 'pouvoir'.

Elle décrivait souvent ses rêves.

She often described her dreams.

Imparfait for habitual action.

Nous avons décrit le suspect à la police.

We described the suspect to the police.

Passé composé.

Il est facile de décrire ce paysage.

It is easy to describe this landscape.

Impersonal expression 'il est + adj + de'.

Voulez-vous décrire votre ville ?

Do you want to describe your city?

Infinitive after 'vouloir'.

Ils ont décrit la fête comme géniale.

They described the party as great.

Using 'comme' for comparison/category.

Tu dois décrire l'accident.

You must describe the accident.

Infinitive after 'devoir'.

L'auteur décrit la société du XIXe siècle.

The author describes 19th-century society.

Literary context.

Il est difficile de décrire ce que je ressens.

It's hard to describe what I feel.

Describing abstract feelings.

Elle a décrit le film en quelques mots.

She described the movie in a few words.

Adverbial phrase 'en quelques mots'.

Nous décrivions la scène quand il est arrivé.

We were describing the scene when he arrived.

Imparfait vs Passé Composé.

Peux-tu me décrire le fonctionnement de ce logiciel ?

Can you describe how this software works?

Technical description.

Le témoin a décrit l'homme avec précision.

The witness described the man precisely.

Adverbial support.

Ils décrivent une situation alarmante.

They describe an alarming situation.

Nuanced adjective 'alarmante'.

J'aimerais que tu décrives ton projet.

I would like you to describe your project.

Subjunctive mood after 'aimer que'.

Le rapport décrit les enjeux économiques actuels.

The report describes current economic stakes.

Formal professional context.

Il a décrit la situation de manière très détaillée.

He described the situation in a very detailed way.

Adverbial phrase 'de manière...'

On peut décrire ce phénomène comme une révolution.

This phenomenon can be described as a revolution.

Passive-like 'on peut décrire'.

Elle a su décrire l'ambiance de la soirée parfaitement.

She was able to describe the evening's atmosphere perfectly.

Verb 'savoir' meaning 'to be able to'.

Le guide a décrit l'évolution de l'architecture locale.

The guide described the evolution of local architecture.

Abstract historical description.

Ils décrivent les faits sans prendre parti.

They describe the facts without taking sides.

Objective description.

Il est crucial que nous décrivions les risques.

It is crucial that we describe the risks.

Subjunctive 1st person plural.

L'article décrit comment la technologie change nos vies.

The article describes how technology is changing our lives.

Describing a process.

L'ouvrage décrit minutieusement les rouages de l'administration.

The work meticulously describes the inner workings of the administration.

Advanced adverb 'minutieusement'.

Il a décrit une trajectoire fulgurante dans sa carrière.

He described a meteoric trajectory in his career.

Metaphorical use.

Elle s'est attachée à décrire l'indicible.

She endeavored to describe the indescribable.

Pronominal verb 's'attacher à'.

Le philosophe décrit la condition humaine avec lucidité.

The philosopher describes the human condition with lucidity.

Academic/Philosophical context.

Nous décrivons ici les prémices d'une crise majeure.

We are describing here the beginnings of a major crisis.

Formal introductory 'ici'.

Le texte décrit en filigrane une critique sociale.

The text implicitly describes a social critique.

Idiomatic 'en filigrane'.

Il convient de décrire les modalités de l'accord.

It is appropriate to describe the terms of the agreement.

Formal 'il convient de'.

Ils décrivent une réalité bien différente de celle des médias.

They describe a reality quite different from that of the media.

Comparative structure.

L'auteur parvient à décrire l'ineffable avec une grâce rare.

The author manages to describe the ineffable with rare grace.

Sophisticated vocabulary 'ineffable'.

Cette étude décrit l'interaction complexe des variables.

This study describes the complex interaction of variables.

High-level scientific discourse.

Il a décrit un cercle parfait sur le sable.

He traced a perfect circle on the sand.

Geometric/Physical use.

Le poème décrit les tourments de l'âme exilée.

The poem describes the torments of the exiled soul.

Poetic/Literary register.

On ne saurait décrire l'horreur de cette scène.

One cannot describe the horror of this scene.

Formal 'ne saurait' for impossibility.

Le traité décrit les frontières géopolitiques de l'époque.

The treaty describes the geopolitical borders of the time.

Historical/Legal context.

Elle a décrit sa vision du monde dans un essai magistral.

She described her worldview in a masterful essay.

Intellectual context.

Le romancier décrit par le menu les mœurs de son temps.

The novelist describes in great detail the customs of his time.

Idiomatic 'par le menu'.

Common Collocations

décrire précisément

décrire brièvement

décrire en détail

décrire un paysage

décrire un suspect

décrire une situation

décrire un sentiment

décrire le fonctionnement

décrire par le menu

décrire fidèlement

Common Phrases

Pouvez-vous décrire... ?

Il est difficile de décrire...

Comme je l'ai décrit...

Décrire avec précision

Décrire en quelques mots

Savoir décrire

Apprendre à décrire

Décrire la scène

Décrire l'ambiance

Décrire le parcours

Often Confused With

décrire vs décrier

décrire vs définir

décrire vs découvrir

Idioms & Expressions

"décrire par le menu (to describe in great detail)"

"décrire un cercle (to go in a circle)"

"ne pas pouvoir décrire (to be beyond words)"

"se laisser décrire (to be easy to describe)"

"décrire à grands traits (to describe in broad strokes)"

"décrire sous un jour favorable (to describe in a positive light)"

"décrire par le vide (to describe by what's missing)"

"décrire de fil en aiguille (to describe step by step)"

"décrire à merveille (to describe perfectly)"

"décrire en long et en large (to describe at length)"

Easily Confused

décrire vs

Sentence Patterns

How to Use It

v plural

The 'v' in the plural stem is crucial.

direct object

Always use a direct object after 'décrire'.

Common Mistakes

Saying 'nous décrions' instead of 'nous décrivons'.
Using 'décrire sur' instead of just 'décrire'.
Writing the past participle as 'décrivé'.
Confusing 'décrire' with 'découvrir'.
Forgetting to agree adjectives when describing a feminine noun.

Tips

The 'V' Rule

Always remember the 'v' in the plural forms (nous, vous, ils). It's the most common mistake.

Pair with Adverbs

Use adverbs like 'précisément' or 'vaguement' to make your descriptions more professional.

Practice with Images

Pick a random image and try to describe it for one minute using 'décrire'.

Sensory Details

When describing, try to include details for all five senses, not just sight.

Literary Context

Read a page of Balzac to see 'décrire' in its most masterly form.

DELF Tip

In the DELF A2 exam, you will often be asked to 'décrire une personne'. Prepare a template for this.

The 'Scribe' Link

Associate 'décrire' with 'scribe' to remember it involves writing or recording details.

Soft 'R'

Practice the French 'r' in 'décrire'—it's soft and comes from the back of the throat.

Avoid 'About'

Never say 'décrire à propos de'. It's always 'décrire [something]' directly.

Vary Your Verbs

Once you master 'décrire', try using 'dépeindre' or 'caractériser' for variety.

Memorize It

Word Origin

Latin 'describere'

Cultural Context

Describing emotions is a key part of French social interaction and 'l'esprit'.

Realism and Naturalism movements relied heavily on detailed descriptions.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Conversation Starters

"Peux-tu me décrire ta maison idéale ?"

"Comment décrirais-tu ton meilleur ami ?"

"Décris-moi ton dernier voyage."

"Peux-tu décrire le plat que tu as mangé hier ?"

"Comment décrirais-tu l'ambiance de ta ville ?"

Journal Prompts

Décris une journée parfaite dans ta vie.

Décris l'endroit où tu te sens le plus en sécurité.

Décris une personne qui a changé ta vie.

Décris un objet qui a une grande valeur sentimentale pour toi.

Décris tes objectifs pour l'année prochaine.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, it is an irregular verb of the 3rd group, following the pattern of 'écrire'.

You say 'Décris-moi' or 'Décrivez-moi'.

The past participle is 'décrit'.

Yes, it is very common to describe how you feel using this verb.

'Dépeindre' is more formal and often used for artistic or vivid literary depictions.

It takes 'avoir' as the auxiliary verb.

It is 'nous décrivons'.

In geometry, it can mean to trace a shape, like 'décrire un cercle'.

Yes, the noun is 'une description'.

Use 'décrire comme' followed by a noun or adjective.