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A2 verb #3,000 most common 10 min read

lancer

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips lancer in 30 Seconds
Explanation lancer in your Level:
At the A1 beginner level, the verb 'lancer' is introduced primarily in its most literal, physical sense: to throw an object. Beginners learn this word in the context of simple actions, sports, and games. For example, a teacher might use it when instructing students to throw a ball ('Lance le ballon !'). The focus at this stage is on basic present tense conjugation (je lance, tu lances, il/elle lance, nous lançons, vous lancez, ils/elles lancent). It is crucial for A1 learners to memorize the spelling change in the 'nous' form, where the 'c' becomes 'ç' (nous lançons) to maintain the soft pronunciation. Vocabulary lists at this level will pair 'lancer' with common nouns like 'un ballon' (a ball), 'une pierre' (a stone), or 'un objet' (an object). The concept of aiming or directing the throw is also introduced simply, using the preposition 'à' (to) to indicate the receiver, such as 'Je lance la balle à Marie' (I throw the ball to Marie). While metaphorical uses exist, A1 learners should focus entirely on mastering the physical action of throwing to build a solid foundation before moving on to more complex, abstract meanings in later stages of their language learning journey. Understanding 'lancer' helps beginners describe basic physical interactions in their environment.
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At the A2 elementary level, learners expand their understanding of 'lancer' beyond simple physical throwing to include basic abstract and everyday uses. While they continue to use it for sports and physical actions, they now encounter 'lancer' in the context of technology and daily routines. For instance, an A2 learner will learn that 'lancer' means to start or run a computer program, a video, or an application ('Je lance le film', 'Il lance le jeu vidéo'). This is a very common usage in modern daily life. Additionally, the reflexive form 'se lancer' is introduced at a basic level, usually in the imperative form as encouragement: 'Lance-toi !' (Go for it!). Learners at this stage practice using 'lancer' in the passé composé (j'ai lancé) and the futur proche (je vais lancer), allowing them to narrate past events ('J'ai lancé la balle') and express future intentions ('Je vais lancer l'application'). They also learn to distinguish 'lancer' (to throw with aim or purpose) from 'jeter' (to throw away or discard), which is a common point of confusion for beginners. By the end of A2, learners can comfortably use 'lancer' to describe both physical throws and the starting of digital media, making their French much more functional for modern communication.
At the B1 intermediate level, the versatility of 'lancer' truly opens up. Learners are expected to grasp and actively use its metaphorical meanings, particularly in professional, social, and abstract contexts. 'Lancer' becomes the standard verb for 'to launch' or 'to initiate'. B1 students will use expressions like 'lancer un projet' (to launch a project), 'lancer un produit' (to launch a product), or 'lancer une invitation' (to send out an invitation). The reflexive form 'se lancer dans' becomes a key phrase for expressing the start of a new endeavor or hobby ('Je me lance dans la photographie' - I'm getting into photography). Grammatically, learners must confidently conjugate 'lancer' in the imparfait (je lançais, nous lancions - noting the presence or absence of the cedilla) and the conditionnel (je lancerais). They also encounter common collocations and idiomatic expressions, such as 'lancer un regard' (to shoot a glance) or 'lancer un appel' (to make an appeal/call). At this level, 'lancer' is a crucial vocabulary word for discussing plans, business ideas, and personal development. The ability to seamlessly switch between the physical meaning (throwing a dart) and the abstract meaning (launching a campaign) demonstrates a solid B1 proficiency and a deeper understanding of French vocabulary dynamics.
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At the B2 upper-intermediate level, learners refine their use of 'lancer' by incorporating it into complex sentence structures and mastering its subtle nuances and idiomatic expressions. They use 'lancer' effortlessly in professional and academic discourse, discussing market launches ('le lancement d'un produit'), initiating debates ('lancer un débat'), or issuing challenges ('lancer un défi'). The reflexive 'se lancer' is used to express taking calculated risks or diving into complex situations ('Il s'est lancé à corps perdu dans ce projet'). B2 learners are expected to know idiomatic phrases like 'lancer la pierre à quelqu'un' (to cast the first stone/to blame someone) or 'lancer un pavé dans la mare' (to cause a stir/to put the cat among the pigeons). Grammatically, they handle 'lancer' flawlessly across all tenses, including the subjonctif (que je lance, que nous lancions) and the plus-que-parfait (j'avais lancé). They also understand how to use 'lancer' to describe sudden verbal outbursts, such as 'lancer une insulte' (to hurl an insult) or 'lancer une pique' (to make a snide remark). At B2, 'lancer' is a tool for nuanced expression, allowing learners to articulate ambition, initiation, provocation, and sudden action with native-like precision and appropriate register.
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At the C1 advanced level, the use of 'lancer' is characterized by complete fluency, stylistic flexibility, and a deep understanding of its cultural and literary resonance. C1 users manipulate the verb in highly abstract, rhetorical, and specialized contexts. They understand 'lancer' as a mechanism of propulsion in both physics and societal trends ('lancer une mode', 'lancer un mouvement'). They use sophisticated reflexive constructions, such as 'se lancer dans des explications oiseuses' (to launch into pointless explanations). At this level, learners are sensitive to the stylistic choice between 'lancer', 'initier', 'impulser', or 'promouvoir', selecting the exact verb that fits the rhetorical tone of their speech or writing. They effortlessly comprehend literary uses, where 'lancer' might describe the emission of light or sound ('le phare lance ses rayons', 'lancer un cri déchirant'). Furthermore, C1 learners master complex grammatical structures involving 'lancer', such as causative constructions ('faire lancer') or passive voice applications in journalistic contexts ('un mandat d'arrêt a été lancé'). The verb is fully integrated into their active vocabulary, allowing them to express dynamic initiation, forceful projection, and subtle provocation with the elegance and precision expected of an advanced speaker.
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At the C2 mastery level, the verb 'lancer' is wielded with the intuitive grace and absolute precision of a native speaker. C2 users exploit the full semantic depth of the word, playing with its connotations in literature, poetry, diplomacy, and high-level debate. They recognize and employ archaic or highly specialized uses of 'lancer', such as in hunting terminology ('lancer les chiens') or intricate technical jargon. At this stage, the focus is not on learning new meanings, but on the stylistic perfection of its application. A C2 speaker might use 'lancer' to create vivid imagery in creative writing, contrasting the physical violence of a thrown object with the psychological impact of a hurled accusation. They seamlessly integrate idiomatic expressions into complex, spontaneous discourse without hesitation. They are also capable of deconstructing the etymology and semantic evolution of 'lancer', understanding how its roots in the concept of a 'lance' (spear) inform its modern usage of forward momentum and piercing initiation. For a C2 learner, 'lancer' is not just a vocabulary word; it is a versatile linguistic instrument used to craft compelling narratives, articulate visionary ideas, and command the subtleties of the French language at its highest level.
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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

lancer in 30 Seconds

  • Physical Action: To throw, toss, or pitch an object like a ball or a stone.
  • Digital Action: To run, start, or execute a computer program or application.
  • Business Action: To launch a new product, startup, or marketing campaign.
  • Reflexive Action: 'Se lancer' means to take the plunge or start a new endeavor.
The French verb 'lancer' is a highly versatile and frequently used word that primarily translates to 'to throw' or 'to launch' in English. At its core, it describes the physical action of propelling an object through the air with force, such as throwing a ball, a stone, or a dart. However, its usage extends far beyond physical actions into metaphorical and abstract realms. When you 'lancer' something, you are initiating a trajectory, whether that is the physical arc of a projectile or the beginning of a new project, business, or trend. Understanding 'lancer' requires grasping this dual nature of physical propulsion and abstract initiation. In everyday conversation, you will hear it used to describe starting a computer program, throwing a glance at someone, or launching a new product into the market. The verb belongs to the first group of French verbs (ending in -er), but it has a slight spelling irregularity: the 'c' takes a cedilla (ç) before 'a' or 'o' to maintain the soft 's' sound, as seen in 'nous lançons'. This is a crucial phonetic and orthographic rule for learners to master.
Physical Meaning
To throw an object with the hand or an instrument.

Il va lancer la balle au chien.

Metaphorical Meaning
To start, initiate, or introduce something new.

L'entreprise veut lancer un nouveau produit.

The concept of 'lancer' is deeply embedded in French expressions. For instance, 'lancer un regard' means to shoot a glance, emphasizing the speed and direction of the look. Similarly, 'lancer un appel' means to send out a call or appeal, often in an urgent context. The reflexive form, 'se lancer', is equally important. It translates to 'to throw oneself' into something, meaning to embark on an adventure, start a new career, or take a leap of faith.
Reflexive Usage
Se lancer means to take the plunge or start an endeavor.

Elle a décidé de se lancer dans les affaires.

In sports, 'lancer' is the standard term for throwing, pitching, or tossing. In technology, it is the standard term for running an application or starting a download.

Veuillez lancer le logiciel de montage.

Le joueur s'apprête à lancer les dés.

By mastering 'lancer', learners unlock a key vocabulary word that bridges simple physical descriptions and complex professional or abstract narratives. It is a dynamic, energetic verb that implies action, movement, and beginnings. Whether you are throwing a physical stone or launching a metaphorical stone into a pond to create ripples, 'lancer' is the verb you need.
Using 'lancer' correctly involves understanding its grammar, syntax, and the various contexts in which it appears. As a regular -er verb with a minor spelling change, its conjugation is mostly straightforward. The primary rule to remember is the addition of the cedilla (ç) in the present tense 'nous lançons', the imperfect tense 'je lançais', 'tu lançais', 'il lançait', 'ils lançaient', and the imperative 'lançons'. This ensures the 'c' does not become a hard 'k' sound before the vowels 'a' and 'o'.
Transitive Usage
Lancer is usually followed by a direct object (COD).

Je dois lancer cette invitation aujourd'hui.

In its transitive form, 'lancer' takes a direct object: 'lancer un ballon' (to throw a ball), 'lancer une idée' (to pitch an idea). It can also take an indirect object introduced by 'à' to indicate the recipient or target of the throw: 'lancer le ballon à Paul' (to throw the ball to Paul).
With Indirect Objects
Use the preposition 'à' to show who receives the thrown object.

Il a osé lancer une pierre à la fenêtre.

The reflexive form, 'se lancer', is constructed with reflexive pronouns (me, te, se, nous, vous, se) and often takes the preposition 'dans' when indicating the field or activity one is entering. For example, 'se lancer dans la politique' (to go into politics) or 'se lancer dans le vide' (to jump into the void).
Se Lancer Dans
To throw oneself into a specific field or activity.

Nous allons nous lancer dans ce grand projet.

Another common construction is 'lancer quelqu'un sur un sujet', which means to get someone started talking about a topic. Once they are 'lancé' (started), they might not stop!

Ne le fais pas lancer sur la politique, il ne s'arrêtera plus.

In professional contexts, 'lancer' is the go-to verb for initiating processes. You 'lance' a print job (lancer une impression), 'lance' a search (lancer une recherche), or 'lance' a marketing campaign (lancer une campagne).

Le directeur vient de lancer la nouvelle stratégie de vente.

Understanding these structures—transitive with direct objects, transitive with indirect targets, reflexive with 'dans', and professional jargon—will make your French sound natural and fluent. Practice conjugating it, especially in the imperfect tense, to build muscle memory for the cedilla.
The verb 'lancer' is ubiquitous in the French-speaking world, appearing across a wide spectrum of daily situations, from casual playgrounds to formal corporate boardrooms. Its presence is a testament to its flexibility. In everyday life, you will hear it in sports and recreational contexts. Children playing catch will yell 'Lance-le !' (Throw it!). Sports commentators use it constantly when describing a pitcher in baseball, a quarterback in American football, or a player throwing a javelin.
Sports Context
Used to describe throwing a ball, javelin, or other sports equipment.

Le joueur de baseball va lancer la balle très fort.

In the business world, 'lancer' is a cornerstone of corporate vocabulary. Entrepreneurs 'lancent' startups. Marketing teams 'lancent' campaigns. Product managers 'lancent' new features. It conveys innovation and forward momentum.
Business Context
Used for launching products, companies, or marketing campaigns.

Apple va lancer son nouveau téléphone demain.

In the realm of technology and computing, 'lancer' is the standard translation for 'to run', 'to execute', or 'to start' an application or process. When you click an icon on your desktop, you are 'lançant' the program.
Technology Context
Used for starting software, apps, or digital processes.

Attends, je dois lancer le programme de sécurité.

You will also encounter 'lancer' in literature and journalism, often in figurative expressions. A politician might 'lancer un avertissement' (issue a warning) or 'lancer un défi' (issue a challenge). A fashion designer might 'lancer une mode' (start a trend).

Le président a décidé de lancer un appel au calme.

In casual conversation, people use 'se lancer' to talk about taking risks or starting new phases in life. Friends might encourage each other by saying 'Lance-toi !' (Go for it! / Take the plunge!).

N'aie pas peur, il faut te lancer !

From the physical act of throwing a snowball to the complex process of launching a satellite into orbit, 'lancer' is a word you will read in newspapers, hear on the news, and use in your own daily French conversations. It is an essential building block for expressing action and initiation.
While 'lancer' is a relatively straightforward verb, learners frequently stumble over a few specific orthographic, grammatical, and contextual hurdles. The most notorious mistake involves the spelling of the verb in certain conjugations. Because 'lancer' ends in '-cer', it requires a cedilla (ç) whenever the 'c' is followed by an 'a' or an 'o'. This is to preserve the soft 's' sound. Many learners forget this and write 'nous lancons' instead of the correct 'nous lançons', or 'je lancais' instead of 'je lançais'. Pronouncing these misspelled words with a hard 'k' sound (like 'lan-kon') is a dead giveaway of a non-native speaker.
The Cedilla Rule
Always use 'ç' before 'a' and 'o' to keep the soft sound.

Hier, nous lançions des pierres dans l'eau. (Incorrect: lançions - no cedilla needed before i! Correct: lancions)

Another common mistake is confusing 'lancer' with 'jeter'. While both mean 'to throw', they have different nuances. 'Jeter' often implies throwing something away (discarding it) or throwing something without much care or aim. 'Lancer', on the other hand, implies a more deliberate, forceful, or aimed action. You 'jette' garbage in the bin, but you 'lance' a ball to a friend.
Lancer vs. Jeter
Lancer is for aiming or launching; Jeter is often for discarding.

Ne va pas lancer tes déchets par terre ! (Better to use 'jeter' here).

Learners also struggle with the preposition that follows 'se lancer'. When expressing 'to throw oneself into [an activity]', the correct preposition is 'dans', not 'en' or 'à'.
Preposition Error
Use 'dans' after 'se lancer' for activities or fields.

Il veut se lancer dans la musique. (Not 'en musique').

Finally, English speakers sometimes try to translate 'to throw a party' literally using 'lancer'. In French, you do not 'lancer une fête'; instead, you 'organiser une fête' or 'donner une fête'.

Je vais lancer une fête pour mon anniversaire. (Incorrect usage! Use 'organiser').

Nous allons lancer un nouveau projet. (Correct usage).

By paying attention to the cedilla, distinguishing it from 'jeter', using the correct prepositions with the reflexive form, and avoiding literal translations of English idioms, learners can master the use of 'lancer' and sound much more natural.
The French language offers a rich vocabulary for actions related to throwing, propelling, and initiating, providing several synonyms and related words to 'lancer'. Understanding these nuances allows for more precise and expressive communication. The most common synonym is 'jeter' (to throw, to toss, to discard). As mentioned previously, 'jeter' often carries the connotation of getting rid of something or a less forceful, less aimed action compared to 'lancer'.
Jeter
To throw away or toss casually.

Il faut jeter ces vieux papiers, pas les lancer.

Another related word is 'projeter' (to project, to throw forward). This is often used in technical, cinematic, or psychological contexts. You 'projette' a film on a screen, or a shadow on a wall. It implies a trajectory or a beam.
Projeter
To project or throw forward with force or light.

La machine va projeter l'image, tout comme on peut lancer une idée.

For more forceful or aggressive throwing, 'balancer' is a colloquial alternative. It means to chuck, to lob, or to swing. In slang, 'balancer' also means to snitch or rat someone out.
Balancer
Colloquial: to chuck or to snitch.

Il a balancé son sac par terre au lieu de le lancer doucement.

When 'lancer' is used in the sense of starting or initiating, synonyms include 'démarrer' (to start, especially an engine or a project), 'initier' (to initiate), and 'commencer' (to begin). 'Démarrer' is very common for vehicles and computers.

Nous allons démarrer le moteur et lancer la course.

'Propulser' (to propel) is used when a significant driving force is involved, often in physics, aerospace, or career advancement (e.g., being propelled to stardom).

Ce succès va le propulser au sommet, ça va vraiment le lancer.

By exploring these similar words, learners can choose the exact verb that fits the context, whether they are discarding trash (jeter), chucking a bag (balancer), projecting an image (projeter), starting a car (démarrer), or throwing a ball (lancer).

How Formal Is It?

Difficulty Rating

Grammar to Know

Verbs ending in -cer (spelling changes)

Reflexive verbs in the passé composé

Direct vs. Indirect object pronouns

Prepositions with verbs (se lancer dans)

Imperative mood (Lance ! / Lançons ! / Lancez !)

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Examples by Level

1

Je lance le ballon.

I throw the ball.

Present tense, 1st person singular.

2

Tu lances la balle au chien.

You throw the ball to the dog.

Present tense, 2nd person singular.

3

Il lance une pierre dans l'eau.

He throws a stone into the water.

Present tense, 3rd person singular.

4

Nous lançons les dés.

We throw the dice.

Note the cedilla (ç) in the 'nous' form.

5

Vous lancez très fort.

You throw very hard.

Present tense, 2nd person plural/formal.

6

Elles lancent des fleurs.

They throw flowers.

Present tense, 3rd person plural.

7

Ne lance pas ça !

Don't throw that!

Negative imperative form.

8

Je vais lancer le ballon.

I am going to throw the ball.

Futur proche (aller + infinitive).

1

J'ai lancé le programme sur mon ordinateur.

I launched the program on my computer.

Passé composé with auxiliary 'avoir'.

2

Il faut lancer la vidéo maintenant.

We must start the video now.

Infinitive form after 'il faut'.

3

Elle a lancé un regard fâché.

She shot an angry glance.

Figurative use: throwing a look.

4

Nous avons lancé une invitation à tous nos amis.

We sent out an invitation to all our friends.

Passé composé, abstract use of 'lancer'.

5

Lance-toi, c'est facile !

Go for it, it's easy!

Reflexive imperative (se lancer).

6

Je lançais toujours la balle trop loin.

I always used to throw the ball too far.

Imparfait tense for a repeated past action.

7

Ils vont lancer un nouveau téléphone.

They are going to launch a new phone.

Business context, futur proche.

8

Pourquoi as-tu lancé cette rumeur ?

Why did you start this rumor?

Abstract use: starting a rumor.

1

L'entreprise a décidé de lancer un nouveau produit sur le marché.

The company decided to launch a new product on the market.

Infinitive after preposition 'de'.

2

Je me lance dans l'apprentissage du japonais.

I am throwing myself into learning Japanese.

Reflexive 'se lancer dans' + noun.

3

Le président a lancé un appel à la solidarité.

The president launched an appeal for solidarity.

Common collocation: lancer un appel.

4

Si j'avais le courage, je lancerais ma propre entreprise.

If I had the courage, I would launch my own business.

Conditionnel présent in a 'si' clause.

5

Il m'a lancé un défi que je ne pouvais pas refuser.

He threw me a challenge I couldn't refuse.

Collocation: lancer un défi à quelqu'un.

6

Nous lancions le débat quand il est arrivé.

We were starting the debate when he arrived.

Imparfait used for an ongoing past action interrupted by another.

7

La fusée sera lancée demain matin.

The rocket will be launched tomorrow morning.

Passive voice in the futur simple.

8

Ne lui lance pas la pierre, il a fait de son mieux.

Don't cast the first stone at him, he did his best.

Idiomatic expression: lancer la pierre.

1

Cette campagne publicitaire a vraiment lancé sa carrière.

This advertising campaign really launched his career.

Metaphorical use indicating propulsion to success.

2

Il s'est lancé à corps perdu dans la recherche scientifique.

He threw himself heart and soul into scientific research.

Expression: se lancer à corps perdu (to throw oneself completely into).

3

Son discours a lancé un pavé dans la mare.

His speech put the cat among the pigeons.

Idiom: lancer un pavé dans la mare (to cause a stir).

4

Bien qu'il ait lancé l'idée, c'est elle qui l'a réalisée.

Although he pitched the idea, she is the one who executed it.

Subjonctif passé after 'bien que'.

5

Les critiques lui ont lancé des piques tout au long de la soirée.

The critics threw snide remarks at him all evening.

Collocation: lancer des piques (to make barbed comments).

6

Il fallait que nous lancions l'alerte avant qu'il ne soit trop tard.

We had to sound the alarm before it was too late.

Subjonctif présent after 'il fallait que'.

7

La mode des pantalons pattes d'éléphant a été lancée dans les années 70.

The bell-bottom pants trend was launched in the 70s.

Passive voice, feminine agreement (lancée).

8

Sans hésiter, elle s'est lancée dans une explication complexe.

Without hesitating, she launched into a complex explanation.

Past participle agreement with reflexive pronoun 'se'.

1

Le gouvernement a lancé une vaste offensive diplomatique pour apaiser les tensions.

The government launched a vast diplomatic offensive to appease tensions.

Advanced political/journalistic vocabulary.

2

C'est un créateur visionnaire qui a su lancer des tendances durables.

He is a visionary creator who knew how to launch lasting trends.

Use of 'savoir' + infinitive to express capability.

3

Il s'est lancé dans une diatribe enflammée contre le système.

He launched into a fiery diatribe against the system.

Sophisticated vocabulary (diatribe enflammée).

4

La maison d'édition s'apprête à lancer un nouvel auteur prometteur.

The publishing house is preparing to launch a promising new author.

Use of 's'apprêter à' (to get ready to).

5

Un mandat d'arrêt international a été lancé à son encontre.

An international arrest warrant was issued against him.

Legal terminology: lancer un mandat d'arrêt.

6

Elle lui a lancé un ultimatum : soit il accepte, soit elle part.

She issued him an ultimatum: either he accepts, or she leaves.

Collocation: lancer un ultimatum.

7

Le phare lançait ses faisceaux lumineux à travers le brouillard épais.

The lighthouse projected its light beams through the thick fog.

Literary/poetic use of 'lancer' for light.

8

Aussitôt le signal donné, les coureurs se sont lancés sur la piste.

As soon as the signal was given, the runners dashed onto the track.

Reflexive indicating sudden, forceful movement.

1

Le polémiste a lancé une véritable cabale médiatique contre son adversaire.

The polemicist launched a veritable media cabal against his opponent.

Highly advanced vocabulary (cabale, polémiste).

2

Loin de se démonter, elle lui lança une réplique cinglante qui le laissa pantois.

Far from being flustered, she shot him a scathing retort that left him dumbfounded.

Passé simple (lança) in a literary narrative context.

3

C'est en lançant cette OPA hostile qu'il a consolidé son empire financier.

It was by launching this hostile takeover bid that he consolidated his financial empire.

Financial jargon (OPA hostile) with a gerund (en lançant).

4

L'écrivain lance ses personnages dans un tourbillon de passions destructrices.

The writer throws his characters into a whirlwind of destructive passions.

Metaphorical literary analysis.

5

Il a lancé l'anathème sur tous ceux qui osaient contredire sa doctrine.

He cast an anathema on all those who dared to contradict his doctrine.

Archaic/religious idiom: lancer l'anathème.

6

La sonnerie du clairon lança la charge de la cavalerie.

The bugle call initiated the cavalry charge.

Metonymy where the sound initiates the action.

7

Quoi qu'il en coûte, nous lancerons les réformes structurelles nécessaires.

Whatever the cost, we will launch the necessary structural reforms.

Concessive clause (quoi qu'il en coûte) with futur simple.

8

S'étant lancé à corps perdu dans cette chimère, il y laissa sa fortune et sa raison.

Having thrown himself recklessly into this pipe dream, he lost his fortune and his sanity there.

Perfect participle (s'étant lancé) for a sophisticated narrative flow.

Common Collocations

lancer un appel
lancer un produit
lancer un regard
lancer une mode
lancer un défi
lancer une idée
se lancer dans
lancer un projet
lancer une invitation
lancer un sort

Common Phrases

lancer la balle
lancer une recherche
lancer un programme
lancer une rumeur
lancer un débat
lancer une attaque
lancer une campagne
lancer un avertissement
lancer un SOS
lancer un clin d'œil

Often Confused With

lancer vs jeter

lancer vs commencer

lancer vs démarrer

Idioms & Expressions

"lancer la pierre à quelqu'un"
"se lancer à l'eau"
"lancer un pavé dans la mare"
"lancer des fleurs"
"lancer une pique"
"lancer un ultimatum"
"lancer les dés"
"lancer un pont"
"se lancer à corps perdu"
"lancer la balle dans le camp de quelqu'un"

Easily Confused

lancer vs

lancer vs

lancer vs

lancer vs

lancer vs

Sentence Patterns

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How to Use It

note

Do not confuse 'lancer' (to throw/launch) with 'jeter' (to throw away). Use 'lancer' when there is an aim, a target, or a constructive beginning.

Common Mistakes
  • Forgetting the cedilla in 'nous lançons' and writing 'nous lancons'.
  • Using 'lancer' instead of 'jeter' when talking about throwing away trash.
  • Saying 'lancer une fête' instead of 'organiser une fête' (literal translation of 'throw a party').
  • Using the wrong preposition after 'se lancer' (e.g., saying 'se lancer à' instead of 'se lancer dans' for an activity).
  • Conjugating the reflexive passé composé with 'avoir' instead of 'être' (e.g., saying 'je m'ai lancé' instead of 'je me suis lancé').

Tips

The Cedilla Rule

Always remember the cedilla (ç) before A and O. Je lançais, nous lançons. This is non-negotiable for correct spelling.

Not for the Trash

Never use 'lancer' for throwing things in the garbage. Always use 'jeter' for discarding items.

Encouragement

Use the imperative 'Lance-toi !' to encourage a French friend to take a risk or try something new.

Corporate Lingo

In a professional setting, use 'lancer' to sound proactive. 'Lancer un projet' sounds much better than just 'commencer un projet'.

Computer Speak

If IT asks you to start a program, they will say 'lancez le programme'. It's the standard tech term.

Casting Stones

The biblical phrase 'cast the first stone' is perfectly translated using this verb: 'lancer la première pierre'.

Se Lancer Dans

When you throw yourself into a hobby, always use 'dans'. 'Je me lance dans le yoga'.

Soft C

The 'c' in 'lancer' is always soft, like an 's'. Never pronounce it like a 'k'.

Game Time

If you play sports with French speakers, 'Lance !' is the most common way to say 'Throw it!' or 'Pass!'.

Dynamic Verbs

In essays, replace weak verbs like 'faire' or 'dire' with 'lancer' when appropriate (e.g., lancer un appel, lancer un défi) to elevate your style.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a LANCE (spear) being THROWN to LAUNCH an attack. Lancer = to throw/launch.

Word Origin

Late Latin

Cultural Context

Standard term for throwing events in track and field.

Used for starting trends (lancer une mode).

Essential vocabulary for startups and marketing (le lancement).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Conversation Starters

"Dans quel nouveau projet aimerais-tu te lancer ?"

"As-tu déjà lancé une mode ou une tendance ?"

"Quel est le dernier programme que tu as lancé sur ton ordinateur ?"

"Aimes-tu lancer des défis à tes amis ?"

"Si tu devais lancer une entreprise, que vendrait-elle ?"

Journal Prompts

Raconte une fois où tu t'es lancé(e) dans une nouvelle aventure.

Décris le lancement d'un produit que tu as acheté récemment.

Écris sur un moment où tu as dû lancer un appel à l'aide.

Quelle est la chose la plus difficile à lancer : un ballon, un projet, ou une conversation ?

Imagine que tu vas lancer une nouvelle application. À quoi sert-elle ?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

In French, the letter 'c' followed by 'a', 'o', or 'u' makes a hard 'k' sound. To keep the soft 's' sound of the infinitive 'lancer', a cedilla (ç) must be added before the 'o' in the 'nous' form. This rule applies to all verbs ending in -cer. Without it, 'lancons' would be pronounced 'lan-kon'.

No, 'lancer' implies a trajectory, an aim, or a launch. If you want to say 'to throw away' in the sense of putting something in the trash, you must use the verb 'jeter'. For example, 'Je jette la poubelle' (I throw away the trash), not 'Je lance la poubelle'.

The reflexive form 'se lancer' translates literally to 'to throw oneself'. In practice, it means to embark on a new venture, to take the plunge, or to start a new activity. For example, 'se lancer dans les affaires' means to go into business.

In French computing terminology, 'lancer' is the exact translation for 'to launch', 'to run', or 'to start' an application. You simply say 'lancer un programme' or 'lancer une application'.

Yes, 'lancer' is a regular first-group verb because it ends in -er. It follows the standard conjugation pattern for -er verbs. The only minor irregularity is the orthographic change (the cedilla) required to maintain the pronunciation.

The noun form is 'un lancer', which means 'a throw' or 'a pitch' (e.g., in sports, 'un lancer franc' is a free throw). Another related noun is 'un lancement', which means 'a launch' (e.g., 'le lancement d'un produit').

You cannot translate 'to throw a party' literally using 'lancer'. The correct French expression is 'organiser une fête' or 'donner une fête'. Using 'lancer une fête' sounds unnatural to native speakers.

Literally, it means 'to throw a cobblestone into the pond'. Figuratively, it means to cause a sudden stir, surprise, or scandal by saying or doing something unexpected, similar to the English 'to put the cat among the pigeons'.

Yes, the expression 'lancer un regard' means to shoot a glance at someone. It implies a quick, directed, and often emotionally charged look, such as 'lancer un regard noir' (to give a dirty look).

When used transitively (lancer quelque chose), it uses the auxiliary 'avoir' (e.g., j'ai lancé). When used reflexively (se lancer), it uses the auxiliary 'être' (e.g., je me suis lancé).

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