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B1 verb #6,000 most common 10 min read

dévisser

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dévisser in 30 Seconds

  • Dévisser means to unscrew or loosen by turning.
  • It's the opposite of visser (to screw in).
  • Used for screws, bolts, nuts, and caps.
  • Common in DIY, mechanics, and repairs.
The French verb dévisser specifically refers to the action of loosening or undoing something that is held in place by a screw or a threaded fastener. Think of it as the opposite of screwing something in (visser). You would use dévisser when you need to take apart an object, remove a component, or access something that has been secured with screws. This verb is very common in contexts involving mechanics, DIY projects, furniture assembly and disassembly, and any situation where screws are used for fastening. For example, if you are building a piece of furniture and need to take it apart later, you would dévisser the screws. In a more technical context, a mechanic might dévisser a bolt to repair an engine. It's a fundamental verb for anyone who works with tools or repairs objects. The action implies a turning motion, usually counter-clockwise, to release the threads. It's important to distinguish it from simply removing something; dévisser emphasizes the method of removal through unscrewing.
Literal Meaning
To unscrew, to loosen by turning.
Contexts of Use
Home repairs, furniture assembly/disassembly, mechanical work, electronics repair, any task involving threaded fasteners.

Il faut dévisser les quatre vis pour retirer le panneau.

Action
A turning motion, typically counter-clockwise, to loosen threaded components.

N'oubliez pas de dévisser la batterie avant de commencer la réparation.

Opposite Action
Visser (to screw in, to tighten).

Le mécanicien a dû dévisser plusieurs pièces pour accéder au moteur.

The verb dévisser is a regular -er verb, meaning its conjugation follows the standard patterns for verbs ending in -er. It is most commonly used in the infinitive form when giving instructions or describing a task. You will frequently encounter it in imperative mood when someone is telling you what to do, for example, 'Dévisser la vis.' (Unscrew the screw.). In descriptive sentences, you might use it in the present tense, 'Je dévisse la porte.' (I am unscrewing the door.), or in the past tense, 'Il a dévissé le couvercle.' (He unscrewed the lid.). The auxiliary verb used with dévisser in compound tenses (like the passé composé) is 'avoir'. So, 'j'ai dévissé' means 'I have unscrewed'. When used reflexively, as in 'se dévisser', it means something is unscrewing itself, which is less common but possible in specific mechanical contexts where a part might loosen on its own due to vibration or wear. It can also be used in a figurative sense, though this is rarer, to mean something is becoming loose or unraveling, but its primary and most common meaning is literal. Pay attention to the direct object of the verb; it's what you are unscrewing. This could be a screw (une vis), a bolt (un boulon), a cap (un bouchon), a nut (un écrou), or any component held by threads. The context will always clarify what is being acted upon.

Pour changer la roue, il faut dévisser les écrous.

Imperative Mood (Instructions)
Dévisser les vis doucement. (Unscrew the screws gently.)

Nous avons dû dévisser le panneau arrière pour accéder à la carte mère.

Passé Composé (Completed Action)
Ils ont dévissé le bouchon de la bouteille. (They unscrewed the cap of the bottle.)

Si vous voulez assembler le meuble, commencez par dévisser toutes les pièces pré-assemblées.

Present Tense (Ongoing Action)
Je dévisse lentement le boulon rouillé. (I am slowly unscrewing the rusty bolt.)

Le technicien doit dévisser le couvercle pour vérifier le circuit.

You will hear the word dévisser in a variety of everyday and technical situations. In a home improvement store or during a DIY project, you might hear someone say, 'Il faut dévisser ces planches' (You need to unscrew these planks) or 'J'ai besoin d'une clé pour dévisser cet écrou' (I need a wrench to unscrew this nut). Mechanics and auto repair shops are prime locations for this verb. A mechanic might tell a customer, 'Nous devons dévisser le pneu pour le remplacer' (We need to unscrew the tire to replace it) or 'J'ai dévissé le filtre à huile' (I unscrewed the oil filter). In the realm of electronics, technicians use it frequently: 'Pour ouvrir l'ordinateur, il faut dévisser le boîtier' (To open the computer, you must unscrew the casing). Furniture assembly and disassembly also rely heavily on this verb. If you buy flat-pack furniture, the instructions might say, 'Dévisser les vis qui maintiennent le plateau' (Unscrew the screws that hold the shelf). Even in more casual settings, like discussing a broken appliance, someone might say, 'Je vais essayer de dévisser la partie bloquée' (I'm going to try to unscrew the stuck part). It's a practical, functional word that pops up whenever things need to be taken apart using screws. You might also hear it in instructional videos or tutorials online, demonstrating how to perform a specific repair or assembly.

Le manuel indique qu'il faut dévisser le panneau avant pour changer la pile.

DIY and Home Repair
Instructions for assembling or repairing furniture, appliances, or fixtures often involve the verb dévisser.

Le garagiste m'a expliqué qu'il devait dévisser le couvercle du réservoir.

Automotive and Mechanical Contexts
Mechanics use dévisser when referring to removing bolts, nuts, screws, or other threaded parts of a vehicle or machinery.

Pour ouvrir mon téléphone, je dois d'abord dévisser ces petites vis.

Electronics Repair
Technicians and hobbyists use dévisser when disassembling electronic devices.
One of the most common mistakes English speakers make when learning French is confusing verbs that sound similar or have related meanings. For dévisser, a frequent error is to confuse it with retirer (to remove) or enlever (to take off). While unscrewing is a way to remove something, dévisser is specific to the action of turning a screw. You wouldn't say 'Je vais dévisser la porte' if you simply want to lift a door off its hinges; you would say 'Je vais retirer la porte' or 'Je vais enlever la porte'. Another mistake is to use dévisser for any kind of loosening. For instance, if you are loosening a knot, you would use desserrer or détacher, not dévisser. The verb dévisser is intrinsically linked to threaded fasteners. People also sometimes incorrectly conjugate it, especially in compound tenses. Remember that the auxiliary verb is 'avoir', so it's 'j'ai dévissé', not 'j'ai été dévissé' (unless it's passive voice, which is less common in everyday speech). Overusing dévisser in contexts where a simpler verb like ouvrir (to open) would suffice can also sound unnatural. For example, if you're just opening a jar with a lid that twists, you might say 'ouvrir le pot' rather than 'dévisser le couvercle', although the latter is technically correct if the lid is screwed on. The key is to remember the specific action of turning screws.

Incorrect: Je vais dévisser la porte. (I will unscrew the door.)

Correct: Je vais retirer la porte. (I will remove the door.)

Confusing with 'Retirer' or 'Enlever'
Using dévisser when a general term for 'to remove' is needed. Dévisser specifically implies unscrewing.

Incorrect: Il faut dévisser le nœud. (You must unscrew the knot.)

Correct: Il faut défaire le nœud. (You must undo the knot.)

Using for Non-Threaded Fasteners
Applying dévisser to actions like untying a knot or loosening a clamp, which do not involve screws.

Incorrect conjugation: J'ai été dévissé. (I was unscrewed - passive voice, rarely used.)

Correct conjugation: J'ai dévissé la vis. (I unscrewed the screw.)

Incorrect Conjugation
Using the wrong auxiliary verb ('être' instead of 'avoir') or misunderstanding passive voice.
While dévisser is the precise term for unscrewing, several other French words can be used depending on the context, often with a broader meaning. The most direct opposite is visser, meaning to screw in or tighten. For general loosening or making something less tight, desserrer is used. This could apply to nuts, bolts, or even a tie. For example, 'Il a fallu desserrer l'étau' (It was necessary to loosen the vice). When you want to remove a part without specifying the method, retirer or enlever are common. 'Je dois retirer le couvercle' (I must remove the lid) or 'Peux-tu enlever cette pièce?' (Can you take off this piece?). These verbs are more general than dévisser. In a more informal context, especially when dealing with something stuck or difficult to open, débloquer (to unblock) might be used, though it's not directly related to screws. For instance, 'J'ai réussi à débloquer le mécanisme' (I managed to unblock the mechanism). It's crucial to understand the nuance: dévisser implies a turning motion to undo threads. If the fastener is not a screw, or if the action is not a turning motion, then dévisser is not the correct verb. For instance, you would couper (cut) a rope, not dévisser it. You would décrocher (unhook) something, not dévisser it. The choice between these words depends on the specific object and the action performed.
Visser (to screw in, to tighten)
This is the direct antonym of dévisser. It refers to the action of fastening something by turning a screw.
Example: Il faut visser ces vis pour assembler le meuble. (You must screw in these screws to assemble the furniture.)
Desserrer (to loosen)
This verb means to make something less tight. It can apply to screws, nuts, bolts, or even things like a belt or a tie. While dévisser is a specific way to loosen, desserrer is more general.
Example: J'ai dû desserrer les boulons pour ajuster la roue. (I had to loosen the bolts to adjust the wheel.)
Retirer / Enlever (to remove / to take off)
These are general verbs for taking something away or off. They don't specify the method of removal. Dévisser is a specific method of removal.
Example: Il faut retirer le couvercle. (You must remove the lid.) This could be done by unscrewing, lifting, or sliding, depending on the lid. If it's a screwed-on lid, you would use dévisser.
Défaire (to undo, to take apart)
This verb is used to undo something that has been made or tied, like a knot, a package, or even a piece of furniture that has been assembled. It's broader than dévisser.
Example: Il faut défaire l'assemblage. (You need to take apart the assembly.)

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"Il est impératif de dévisser les fixations avec une extrême précaution."

Neutral

"Veuillez dévisser le couvercle pour accéder au contenu."

Informal

"Allez, dévisse cette vis rapidement !"

Child friendly

"Dans ce jeu, tu dois dévisser les pièces pour construire ton robot."

Slang

"Allez, dévisse-moi ça vite fait !"

Fun Fact

The concept of unscrewing is as old as the invention of the screw itself, which dates back to ancient Greece. The verb 'dévisser' in French reflects this long-standing mechanical action.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /de.vi.se/
US /deɪ.vi.seɪ/
The stress is on the last syllable: dé-vis-SER.
Rhymes With
aviser aviser superviser improviser préciser organiser réaliser analyser
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing the final 'er' as a strong English 'er' sound.
  • Not voicing the 's' sound, making it sound like 'de-vis-se' instead of 'de-vi-zuh'.
  • Incorrectly stressing the first or second syllable.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The word 'dévisser' is a common verb related to mechanical actions. Learners at the B1 level should be familiar with it, especially in contexts involving DIY, repairs, or instructions. Its meaning is quite direct, making it relatively easy to understand in context.

Writing 3/5
Speaking 3/5
Listening 3/5

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

vis (screw) tournevis (screwdriver) visser (to screw in) outil (tool) réparer (to repair) ouvrir (to open) fermer (to close)

Learn Next

démontage (disassembly) assemblage (assembly) filetage (thread) écrou (nut) boulon (bolt) desserrer (to loosen) serrer (to tighten)

Advanced

mécanique (mechanics) ingénierie (engineering) maintenance (maintenance) réparation automobile (car repair) menuiserie (carpentry)

Grammar to Know

Passé Composé with 'avoir'

J'ai dévissé la vis. (I unscrewed the screw.)

Imperative Mood

Dévisse la vis ! (Unscrew the screw!)

Infinitive after prepositions

Avant de dévisser, vérifiez que l'appareil est débranché. (Before unscrewing, check that the device is unplugged.)

Modal verbs (pouvoir, devoir, vouloir)

Je dois dévisser ce boulon. (I must unscrew this bolt.)

Impersonal 'il faut'

Il faut dévisser le couvercle pour la sécurité. (It is necessary to unscrew the lid for safety.)

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Examples by Level

1

Je dévisse la vis.

I unscrew the screw.

Simple present tense, direct object.

2

Il faut dévisser le bouchon.

It is necessary to unscrew the cap.

Impersonal construction 'il faut'.

3

Elle dévisse le bouton.

She unscrews the knob.

Present tense, direct object.

4

Nous dévissons la poignée.

We unscrew the handle.

Present tense, plural subject.

5

Tu dévisse la roue.

You unscrew the wheel.

Present tense, informal 'tu'.

6

Vous dévissez le couvercle.

You unscrew the lid.

Present tense, formal 'vous'.

7

Ils dévissent la porte.

They unscrew the door.

Present tense, plural subject.

8

Elles dévissent la table.

They unscrew the table.

Present tense, plural subject.

1

J'ai dévissé le petit écrou.

I unscrewed the small nut.

Passé composé with 'avoir'.

2

Il faut dévisser le panneau pour la réparation.

It is necessary to unscrew the panel for the repair.

Impersonal construction with a purpose clause.

3

Elle va dévisser la charnière.

She is going to unscrew the hinge.

Futur proche (aller + infinitive).

4

Nous devons dévisser le couvercle de la boîte.

We must unscrew the lid of the box.

Modal verb 'devoir'.

5

Tu peux dévisser cette vis ?

Can you unscrew this screw?

Question form with 'pouvoir'.

6

Vous avez dévissé les boulons.

You unscrewed the bolts.

Passé composé, plural object.

7

Ils ont dévissé la plaque.

They unscrewed the plate.

Passé composé.

8

Elles ont dévissé les supports.

They unscrewed the supports.

Passé composé, plural object.

1

Pour démonter l'appareil, il suffit de dévisser ces trois vis.

To dismantle the device, it is enough to unscrew these three screws.

Infinitive used after 'il suffit de'.

2

Le mécanicien a dévissé la roue avant de la remplacer.

The mechanic unscrewed the wheel before replacing it.

Passé composé with a temporal clause.

3

N'oubliez pas de dévisser le bouchon avant de jeter la bouteille.

Don't forget to unscrew the cap before throwing away the bottle.

Imperative negative with infinitive.

4

Nous devons dévisser le panneau arrière pour accéder aux composants.

We must unscrew the back panel to access the components.

Modal verb 'devoir' with infinitive.

5

Pouvez-vous m'aider à dévisser cet écrou récalcitrant ?

Can you help me unscrew this stubborn nut?

Question with a request for help.

6

Ils ont dévissé la porte du placard pour la peindre.

They unscrewed the closet door to paint it.

Passé composé with a purpose clause.

7

Elle a passé une heure à dévisser les vieux meubles.

She spent an hour unscrewing the old furniture.

Passé composé, duration of action.

8

Avant de partir, assurez-vous d'avoir dévissé tous les connecteurs.

Before leaving, make sure you have unscrewed all the connectors.

Imperative with a subordinate clause.

1

Il est essentiel de dévisser les vis dans le bon ordre pour éviter d'endommager le mécanisme.

It is essential to unscrew the screws in the correct order to avoid damaging the mechanism.

Impersonal construction with infinitive and purpose clause.

2

Le technicien a dû dévisser la base de l'appareil pour effectuer le diagnostic.

The technician had to unscrew the base of the device to perform the diagnosis.

Passé composé with infinitive of purpose.

3

Si vous souhaitez remonter le meuble, commencez par dévisser toutes les pièces.

If you wish to reassemble the furniture, start by unscrewing all the parts.

Conditional sentence with infinitive after 'par'.

4

On nous a demandé de dévisser les anciennes fixations avant d'installer les nouvelles.

We were asked to unscrew the old fastenings before installing the new ones.

Passive voice ('on nous a demandé') with infinitive.

5

L'ingénieur a expliqué la procédure pour dévisser le composant défectueux.

The engineer explained the procedure to unscrew the defective component.

Direct object + infinitive.

6

Après avoir dévissé les écrous, ils ont pu retirer la roue.

After having unscrewed the nuts, they were able to remove the wheel.

Gerundive construction ('après avoir dévissé').

7

Il est crucial de ne pas forcer si la vis résiste ; mieux vaut la dévisser doucement.

It is crucial not to force if the screw resists; it is better to unscrew it gently.

Imperative with a comparative clause.

8

La notice stipule qu'il faut dévisser le capot pour accéder à la batterie.

The notice states that one must unscrew the cover to access the battery.

Subordinate clause with 'qu'il faut'.

1

Avant de procéder au démontage, il est impératif de dévisser méthodiquement chaque élément.

Before proceeding with the disassembly, it is imperative to methodically unscrew each element.

Infinitive used as a noun after 'de'.

2

L'expert a souligné l'importance de dévisser les vis à tête cruciforme avec un tournevis adapté.

The expert emphasized the importance of unscrewing Phillips head screws with a suitable screwdriver.

Substantivized infinitive.

3

Le manuel d'utilisation recommande de dévisser le réservoir d'eau avant chaque nettoyage.

The user manual recommends unscrewing the water tank before each cleaning.

Infinitive used as the object of 'recommander'.

4

Il fut nécessaire de dévisser une série de boulons pour libérer la structure.

It was necessary to unscrew a series of bolts to free the structure.

Passé simple, impersonal construction.

5

La procédure consiste à dévisser l'ancien filtre et à en installer un nouveau.

The procedure consists of unscrewing the old filter and installing a new one.

Infinitive used after 'consiste à'.

6

Ayant dévissé la pièce principale, le réparateur put enfin examiner le mécanisme interne.

Having unscrewed the main part, the repairer could finally examine the internal mechanism.

Participle clause ('Ayant dévissé').

7

Bien qu'il ait essayé plusieurs fois, il n'arrivait pas à dévisser la vis grippée.

Although he tried several times, he couldn't manage to unscrew the seized screw.

Subordinate clause with 'bien que'.

8

Le succès de l'opération dépend de la capacité à dévisser les composants sans les endommager.

The success of the operation depends on the ability to unscrew the components without damaging them.

Infinitive used after 'capacité à'.

1

La méticulosité avec laquelle il fallait dévisser chaque vis était primordiale pour la préservation de l'intégrité de l'artefact.

The meticulousness with which each screw had to be unscrewed was paramount for the preservation of the artifact's integrity.

Complex sentence structure with relative clause and abstract nouns.

2

L'ingénieur en chef a insisté sur le fait qu'il fallait dévisser l'ensemble des fixations avant toute tentative de désolidarisation.

The chief engineer insisted that all fastenings had to be unscrewed before any attempt at separation.

Subordinate clause with subjunctive mood implied.

3

Sa maîtrise technique lui permettait de dévisser les mécanismes les plus complexes avec une aisance déconcertante.

His technical mastery allowed him to unscrew the most complex mechanisms with disconcerting ease.

Abstract noun + infinitive.

4

La consigne était formelle : il était interdit de dévisser quoi que ce soit sans autorisation préalable.

The instruction was formal: it was forbidden to unscrew anything without prior authorization.

Impersonal construction with infinitive negation.

5

Les archéologues ont dû dévisser précautionneusement les éléments rouillés pour ne pas fragiliser la structure.

The archaeologists had to carefully unscrew the rusted elements so as not to weaken the structure.

Adverb modifying the infinitive.

6

Il est rare de rencontrer des dispositifs conçus de telle sorte qu'il soit impossible de dévisser les composants essentiels.

It is rare to encounter devices designed in such a way that it is impossible to unscrew the essential components.

Complex sentence with subordinate clause and negation.

7

Une fois les verrous dévissés, la porte s'ouvrit avec un grincement sinistre.

Once the locks were unscrewed, the door opened with a sinister creak.

Past participle used adjectivally.

8

La perspicacité requise pour dévisser le problème sous-jacent dépassait la simple compétence mécanique.

The insight required to unscrew the underlying problem surpassed simple mechanical competence.

Figurative use of 'dévisser' for problem-solving.

Common Collocations

dévisser une vis
dévisser un boulon
dévisser un écrou
dévisser un bouchon
dévisser un couvercle
dévisser une charnière
dévisser une plaque
dévisser un support
dévisser lentement
dévisser facilement

Common Phrases

Il faut dévisser

— It is necessary to unscrew. This is a common way to give instructions.

Pour ouvrir la machine, il faut dévisser quatre vis.

Pouvez-vous dévisser ?

— Can you unscrew? Used to ask for help.

Pouvez-vous dévisser cet écrou pour moi, s'il vous plaît ?

J'ai dévissé

— I have unscrewed. Used to state a completed action.

J'ai dévissé le couvercle et maintenant je peux accéder à l'intérieur.

dévisser la vis

— To unscrew the screw. A very direct and common phrase.

Le manuel indique clairement de dévisser la vis centrale en premier.

dévisser le bouchon

— To unscrew the cap. Common for bottles and containers.

Dévisser le bouchon de la bouteille pour en boire le contenu.

dévisser à la main

— To unscrew by hand. Indicates manual action without a tool.

Certains bouchons peuvent se dévisser à la main.

dévisser avec un tournevis

— To unscrew with a screwdriver. Specifies the tool used.

Il faut dévisser la vis avec un tournevis adapté.

dévisser doucement

— To unscrew gently. Advises caution.

Dévisser doucement pour ne pas endommager le filetage.

dévisser rapidement

— To unscrew quickly. Indicates speed.

Il a réussi à dévisser la vis rapidement.

ne pas dévisser

— Do not unscrew. A negative instruction.

Ne pas dévisser cette partie, elle est fixée de manière permanente.

Often Confused With

dévisser vs desserrer

'Desserrer' means to loosen in a general sense, while 'dévisser' specifically refers to unscrewing threaded fasteners.

dévisser vs retirer / enlever

These are general terms for removal. 'Dévisser' specifies the method of unscrewing.

dévisser vs visser

This is the direct opposite: 'visser' means to screw in or tighten.

Idioms & Expressions

"Se dévisser la tête"

— To lose one's mind, to go crazy (literally: to unscrew one's head). This is a figurative and somewhat informal expression.

Avec tout ce bruit, je vais finir par me dévisser la tête !

Informal
"Dévisser le problème"

— To unravel or solve a complex problem (figurative). Similar to 'unscrewing' a complex mechanism to understand it.

Il a fallu du temps pour dévisser ce problème complexe.

Figurative, slightly formal
"La vis s'est dévissée"

— The screw came loose on its own (figurative). Can imply something becoming unstable or falling apart.

Après l'annonce, la confiance dans l'entreprise s'est dévissée.

Figurative
"Être dévissé"

— To be very tired or exhausted (colloquial, not standard). Similar to feeling like your parts are coming loose.

Après cette longue journée, je suis complètement dévissé.

Colloquial/Slang
"Dévisser une situation"

— To untangle or simplify a complicated situation (figurative).

Il a réussi à dévisser la situation diplomatique tendue.

Figurative
"Ça va se dévisser"

— Things are going to come apart or fall apart (figurative).

Si on ne prend pas garde, ça va se dévisser.

Figurative
"Dévisser un mystère"

— To unravel a mystery (figurative).

Le détective a passé des mois à dévisser le mystère du vol.

Figurative
"Dévisser une idée"

— To break down or analyze an idea into its components (figurative).

Il faut dévisser cette idée pour en comprendre toutes les implications.

Figurative
"La pièce s'est dévissée"

— A part came loose on its own (literal or figurative).

En roulant, une pièce de la voiture s'est dévissée.

Literal/Figurative
"Dévisser le système"

— To dismantle or break down a system (figurative).

Les hackers ont réussi à dévisser le système de sécurité.

Figurative

Easily Confused

dévisser vs desserrer

Both verbs involve making something less tight or facilitating its removal.

'Dévisser' implies a turning motion of a threaded fastener (screw, bolt, nut, cap). 'Desserrer' is more general and can apply to loosening anything, including non-threaded items, or making a threaded item less tight without necessarily removing it completely.

Il faut <strong>dévisser</strong> la vis pour la retirer. (You must unscrew the screw to remove it.) vs. Il faut <strong>desserrer</strong> le nœud. (You must loosen the knot.)

dévisser vs retirer

Both actions result in something being removed.

'Retirer' is a general term for 'to remove' or 'to take off'. 'Dévisser' specifies the action of unscrewing as the method of removal. You can 'retirer' a lid that is lifted off, but you 'dévisser' a lid that is screwed on.

Je vais <strong>retirer</strong> le couvercle. (I will remove the lid.) - Could be lifted off. vs. Je vais <strong>dévisser</strong> le couvercle. (I will unscrew the lid.) - Necessarily involves turning.

dévisser vs visser

They are direct opposites and relate to the same type of fastener.

'Visser' means to screw in or tighten a fastener. 'Dévisser' means to unscrew or loosen it. They are the two fundamental actions performed on screws, bolts, and nuts.

Pour assembler le meuble, il faut <strong>visser</strong> les vis. Pour le démonter, il faudra les <strong>dévisser</strong>. (To assemble the furniture, you need to screw in the screws. To dismantle it, you will have to unscrew them.)

dévisser vs enlever

Similar to 'retirer', 'enlever' means to take off or remove, and 'dévisser' is one way to achieve this.

'Enlever' is a general term for removing something. 'Dévisser' is specific to the action of unscrewing. You 'enlever' a sticker, but you 'dévisser' a screw.

Il faut <strong>enlever</strong> la poussière. (You must remove the dust.) vs. Il faut <strong>dévisser</strong> le cache-poussière. (You must unscrew the dust cover.)

dévisser vs démonter

Unscrewing is often a necessary step in dismantling something.

'Démonter' means to dismantle or take apart an object or a mechanism. 'Dévisser' is an action that is part of the process of 'démonter', specifically when screws or bolts are involved. You 'dévisser' to 'démonter'.

Pour réparer la montre, il faut la <strong>démonter</strong> entièrement, ce qui implique de <strong>dévisser</strong> plusieurs petites vis. (To repair the watch, it must be dismantled entirely, which involves unscrewing several small screws.)

Sentence Patterns

A2

Subject + dévisser + Object

Je dévisse la vis.

A2

Il faut + dévisser + Object

Il faut dévisser le bouchon.

B1

Subject + avoir + dévissé + Object

Elle a dévissé le couvercle.

B1

Impératif + Object

Dévisser la charnière !

B2

Subject + devoir + dévisser + Object

Nous devons dévisser le panneau.

B2

Après avoir + dévissé + Object

Après avoir dévissé les écrous, on a retiré la roue.

C1

Il est impératif de + dévisser + Object

Il est impératif de dévisser méthodiquement.

C1

Procédure : dévisser X et + dévisser Y

La procédure est de dévisser la première vis et ensuite dévisser la seconde.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

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How to Use It

frequency

Common

Common Mistakes
  • Using 'dévisser' for general removal. → Using 'retirer' or 'enlever' for actions that don't involve unscrewing.

    'Dévisser' specifically means to unscrew. If you are simply taking something off without turning a screw, you should use 'retirer' or 'enlever'. For example, you 'retirer' a lid that lifts off, but you 'dévisser' a lid that screws on.

  • Confusing 'dévisser' with 'desserrer'. → Using 'dévisser' for threaded fasteners and 'desserrer' for general loosening.

    'Dévisser' implies the complete removal of a threaded item. 'Desserrer' means to make something less tight, which might be a preliminary step before 'dévisser', or an action on something that isn't a screw at all.

  • Incorrect conjugation in compound tenses. → Using 'avoir' as the auxiliary verb (e.g., 'j'ai dévissé').

    Like most verbs ending in -er, 'dévisser' uses 'avoir' in compound tenses. Forgetting this leads to incorrect sentences like 'j'ai été dévissé' when you mean 'I unscrewed something'.

  • Pronouncing the final 'er' as a strong English 'er'. → Pronouncing the final 'er' with a softer, more vowel-like sound, similar to 'uh' or a light 'ay'.

    The French 'er' ending in verbs like 'dévisser' is typically pronounced with a soft 'e' sound, not the hard 'er' found in English words. Listening to native speakers is key to mastering this.

  • Using 'dévisser' for non-threaded items. → Using appropriate verbs like 'détacher' (to detach), 'couper' (to cut), or 'défaire' (to undo) for non-threaded objects.

    'Dévisser' is exclusively for threaded fasteners. If you are untying a rope or unhooking something, you would not use 'dévisser'.

Tips

Mastering the 's' Sound

The 's' in 'dévisser' is voiced, sounding like a 'z'. Practice saying 'de-vi-zer' to get the correct French pronunciation. Listen to native speakers and try to mimic the sound.

Visual Association

Imagine a screwdriver turning a screw. Picture the screw coming out, and the object it was holding becoming loose. This visual can help you remember the action associated with 'dévisser'.

Auxiliary Verb 'Avoir'

In compound tenses like the passé composé, 'dévisser' always uses the auxiliary verb 'avoir'. So, it's 'j'ai dévissé', not 'j'ai été dévissé' (unless in the passive voice, which is less common).

Hands-on Practice

If possible, practice with actual objects. Try unscrewing and screwing things around your home. This practical experience will solidify the meaning and usage of 'dévisser'.

Understanding Nuances

Learn related verbs like 'visser' (to screw in), 'desserrer' (to loosen), and 'retirer' (to remove) to fully grasp the specific meaning of 'dévisser' and when to use it.

DIY Culture

In France, like many countries, DIY is popular. Understanding 'dévisser' is essential for following instructions for furniture assembly, home repairs, and many other practical tasks.

Related Nouns

Learn related nouns like 'vis' (screw), 'tournevis' (screwdriver), and 'boulon' (bolt) to build a stronger vocabulary around this action.

Listen for Context

When you hear 'dévisser' in French media or conversations, pay attention to what is being unscrewed and the surrounding context to reinforce your understanding.

Beyond the Literal

Be aware of the figurative uses of 'dévisser', such as 'se dévisser la tête' (to go crazy), which adds depth to your understanding of the word's flexibility.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a 'devil' (dé-vi-) trying to unscrew ('-sser') something very forcefully, almost like a devil's work to undo something that's meant to be tight. Or, think of 'de-vis-er' as 'to un-see' the screw, meaning to remove it from view by taking it out.

Visual Association

Picture a screwdriver actively turning a screw counter-clockwise, and as the screw comes out, the object it was holding becomes loose. Visualize the 'dé-' prefix as something being pulled apart or undone.

Word Web

Dévisser Unscrew Loosen Screwdriver Screw Bolt Nut Mechanism Repair Disassemble Visser (to screw in) Desserrer (to loosen) Retirer (to remove)

Challenge

Try to find five objects around your home that are held together by screws. For each object, imagine you need to take it apart. Mentally (or physically, if safe and appropriate) identify the screws and practice saying 'I need to dévisser these screws' in French.

Word Origin

The verb 'dévisser' is formed from the prefix 'dé-' (meaning undoing, reversal) and the verb 'visser' (to screw). The prefix 'dé-' indicates the opposite action of 'visser'.

Original meaning: The original meaning is literally 'to undo the screwing'.

Indo-European > Italic > Latin > French

Cultural Context

This term is neutral and has no negative connotations.

In English-speaking cultures, the equivalent action is 'to unscrew' or 'to loosen a screw'. The tools and principles are universal, but the French verb is specific.

Eiffel Tower maintenance: Regular maintenance of large structures like the Eiffel Tower involves unscrewing and re-screwing countless bolts and nuts. French automotive industry: Cars are complex machines with thousands of screws and bolts, making 'dévisser' a daily verb for mechanics. French furniture design: Many pieces of French furniture, especially modern designs, require assembly and disassembly, often involving the verb 'dévisser'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

DIY and Home Improvement

  • Il faut dévisser les étagères.
  • Dévisser le vieux robinet.
  • Utilisez le bon tournevis pour dévisser la vis.

Automotive Repair

  • Dévisser la roue pour la changer.
  • Il faut dévisser le filtre à huile.
  • Desserrer puis dévisser les boulons du moteur.

Electronics Repair

  • Dévisser le boîtier de l'ordinateur.
  • Pour ouvrir le téléphone, il faut dévisser plusieurs petites vis.
  • Attention à ne pas dévisser les composants fragiles.

Furniture Assembly/Disassembly

  • Dévisser les pièces pour démonter le meuble.
  • Commencez par dévisser les vis de fixation.
  • Si vous voulez le déplacer, il faudra dévisser certaines parties.

General Maintenance

  • Dévisser le bouchon de la bouteille.
  • Il faut dévisser le couvercle pour vérifier.
  • La vis s'est dévissée toute seule.

Conversation Starters

"Have you ever had to dévisser something to fix it?"

"What's the most complicated thing you've had to dévisser?"

"Do you enjoy DIY projects that involve dévisser?"

"What tools do you usually use when you need to dévisser?"

"If you found a loose screw, would you dévisser it or leave it?"

Journal Prompts

Describe a time you had to dévisser something for the first time. What was challenging about it?

Imagine you are building your dream piece of furniture. What steps would involve dévisser?

Write a short story where the main plot point involves someone needing to dévisser a crucial part of a machine.

Reflect on the satisfaction of successfully dévisser a stubborn screw. What does that feeling represent to you?

Compare and contrast the actions of 'visser' and 'dévisser'. When is each action necessary?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

'Dévisser' specifically means to unscrew, which involves turning a threaded fastener like a screw, bolt, or nut to remove it. 'Desserrer', on the other hand, is a more general term for loosening something. You can 'desserrer' a screw, but you can also 'desserrer' a knot or a belt. So, 'dévisser' is a specific type of 'desserrer' that applies only to threaded items.

Primarily, 'dévisser' is used for threaded fasteners like screws, bolts, nuts, and caps that are screwed on. You can also use it for anything that has threads and is turned to be removed, like certain types of handles or knobs. However, it's not used for things that are simply pulled off, hammered in, or tied.

The direct opposite of 'dévisser' (to unscrew) is 'visser' (to screw in or to tighten). They represent the two opposing actions performed on threaded components.

'Dévisser' is a regular -er verb. Its conjugation follows the standard pattern. For example, in the present tense: je dévisse, tu dévissees, il/elle/on dévisse, nous dévissons, vous dévissez, ils/elles dévissent. In the passé composé, it uses the auxiliary verb 'avoir': j'ai dévissé.

Yes, 'dévisser' is a very common and practical verb in French, especially in contexts related to DIY, repairs, mechanics, and assembling/disassembling objects. You will encounter it frequently in everyday conversations and technical instructions.

Yes, 'dévisser' can be used figuratively, though less commonly than its literal meaning. For example, 'se dévisser la tête' means 'to go crazy' (literally 'to unscrew one's head'). It can also sometimes imply unraveling or solving a complex problem, as if unscrewing a difficult mechanism.

'Dévisser une vis' specifically describes the action of turning the screw to loosen and remove it. 'Retirer une vis' simply means to remove the screw, which is the result of unscrewing it. 'Dévisser' focuses on the method, while 'retirer' focuses on the outcome.

You would use 'dévisser' when the opening mechanism involves unscrewing a cap, lid, or panel. You use 'ouvrir' for a general act of opening, like opening a door, a book, or a window, which doesn't necessarily involve unscrewing.

Common objects include furniture (to assemble/disassemble), electronics (to open for repair), vehicles (to change a tire, work on the engine), bottles and jars (to open), and any device held together by screws or bolts.

Generally, yes. In most contexts, 'dévisser' implies turning counter-clockwise, which is the standard direction to loosen most screws and bolts. The opposite, 'visser' (to screw in), implies turning clockwise.

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