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A2 verb 11 min read

patrouiller

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patrouiller in 30 Seconds

  • Patrouiller: To patrol, to move around an area regularly to guard or watch.
  • Key action: Movement with purpose of security or observation.
  • Common contexts: Police, security guards, rangers, military.
  • Grammar: Regular -er verb, uses 'avoir' in passé composé.
The French verb "patrouiller" means to patrol, to regularly guard an area, or to keep watch over someone or something. It's often used in contexts involving security, law enforcement, and even in nature when animals are guarding their territory. You might hear it when discussing police officers on duty, guards at a facility, or even when describing the movements of a security camera. It implies a systematic and regular movement for the purpose of observation and protection. The word suggests a routine of checking an area to ensure safety and order. It's not just a single act of watching, but a continuous or recurring process. For instance, a security guard might "patrouiller" the corridors of a building throughout the night. Similarly, a park ranger could "patrouiller" a forest to prevent poaching or illegal logging. The word carries a sense of vigilance and responsibility. In a more figurative sense, it can also describe a group of people moving around an area to observe or control it, like a group of students "patrouiller" their school grounds during a break to ensure no unauthorized individuals are present. The core idea is movement with a purpose of oversight and security. It's a verb that evokes a sense of presence and active monitoring. Think of it as walking a beat, but in French. The act of "patrouiller" is essential for maintaining security and order in various environments, from public spaces to private properties, and even in the digital realm where cybersecurity teams might "patrouiller" networks for threats. The repetition of movement is key to the meaning, distinguishing it from simply standing guard. It's about active surveying and the deterrence that comes with a visible presence. Imagine a police car driving slowly through a neighborhood at night – that's "patrouiller". Or think of a lighthouse keeper scanning the sea for ships in distress – they are also, in a way, "patrouiller" their designated area. The verb is versatile and can be applied to a wide range of situations where vigilance and systematic observation are required. The emphasis is on the ongoing nature of the activity. It's not a one-time check, but a continuous or repeated effort to maintain a watchful eye over a specific domain. This sense of continuous surveillance is what defines the action of "patrouiller".
Using "patrouiller" correctly involves understanding its grammatical structure and the contexts in which it fits. As a verb, it conjugates like other regular -er verbs in French, meaning its endings will change depending on the subject and tense. Common tenses include the present, past (passé composé), and imperfect (imparfait).
Present Tense
In the present tense, you'll use forms like "je patrouille" (I patrol), "tu patrouilles" (you patrol), "il/elle/on patrouille" (he/she/one patrols), "nous patrouillons" (we patrol), "vous patrouillez" (you [plural/formal] patrol), and "ils/elles patrouillent" (they patrol). This is used for ongoing actions or general truths. For example, "Les policiers patrouillent dans les rues du centre-ville tous les soirs." (The police officers patrol the downtown streets every evening.)
Passé Composé
The passé composé is formed with the auxiliary verb "avoir" and the past participle "patrouillé". So, you would say "j'ai patrouillé" (I have patrolled), "tu as patrouillé", "il/elle/on a patrouillé", "nous avons patrouillé", "vous avez patrouillé", and "ils/elles ont patrouillé". This tense describes completed actions in the past. A sentence could be: "La garde a patrouillé la zone pendant trois heures avant de signaler l'anomalie." (The guard patrolled the area for three hours before reporting the anomaly.)
Imparfait
The imparfait is used for ongoing or habitual actions in the past, descriptions, and background information. The forms are "je patrouillais", "tu patrouillais", "il/elle/on patrouillait", "nous patrouillions", "vous patrouilliez", and "ils/elles patrouillaient". An example: "Pendant mon enfance, mon père patrouillait souvent les champs pour s'assurer que tout était en ordre." (During my childhood, my father often patrolled the fields to ensure everything was in order.)
When constructing sentences, consider what you want to emphasize. If it's a regular occurrence, the present tense is ideal. For a specific past event, use the passé composé. For a more descriptive or habitual past action, the imparfait is the choice. The object of the patrol is usually introduced with a preposition like "dans" (in) or "autour de" (around), or it can be a direct object if the verb is used transitively, though "patrouiller" is often intransitive. You can also specify the duration or frequency of the patrol. For instance, "Ils patrouillent fréquemment le parc" (They frequently patrol the park). The verb "patrouiller" can also be used with reflexive pronouns in certain contexts, though it's less common and usually implies a more personal or internal 'guarding'. However, the primary usage remains focused on external observation and security. The structure is generally straightforward, making it accessible for learners. Pay attention to the prepositions used to indicate the area being patrolled. For example, "patrouiller dans la rue" (to patrol in the street), "patrouiller autour du bâtiment" (to patrol around the building). The context will guide you to the most appropriate phrasing. Remember to match the verb conjugation to the subject of the sentence. This simple rule is fundamental to correct French grammar. The verb doesn't typically take a direct object in the same way that verbs like 'manger' (to eat) do. Instead, the location or area of the patrol is specified using prepositions, highlighting the area being covered by the movement. Therefore, focus on the 'where' and 'how often' of the patrol.
You'll encounter "patrouiller" in a variety of everyday and specific situations. News reports are a common place, especially when discussing police activity, border security, or public safety initiatives. For instance, a news anchor might say, "La police a décidé de patrouiller davantage dans les quartiers sensibles" (The police have decided to patrol more in sensitive neighborhoods). In movies and television shows, especially those with crime or military themes, characters involved in guarding or reconnaissance will frequently use this verb. Imagine a scene where a soldier reports, "Nous avons patrouillé la zone sans incident" (We patrolled the area without incident). In formal settings like official announcements or security briefings, "patrouiller" is standard. A security manager might instruct their team: "Il est essentiel que vous patrouilliez chaque étage régulièrement." (It is essential that you patrol every floor regularly.) On a more personal level, people might use it to describe their own or others' actions in guarding something important. A homeowner might say to a neighbor, "Je vais patrouiller le jardin ce soir pour vérifier s'il n'y a pas de nuisibles." (I will patrol the garden tonight to check if there are no pests.) In nature documentaries or discussions about wildlife, you might hear it describing animal behavior. For example, "Le loup mâle patrouille son territoire pour le marquer." (The male wolf patrols its territory to mark it.) Even in less dramatic contexts, like a school setting, a teacher might tell students, "Veuillez patrouiller la cour de récréation pendant la pause pour vous assurer que tout est calme." (Please patrol the playground during the break to ensure everything is calm.) The verb is also used in the context of maritime or aerial surveillance. Coast guards "patrouillent" the seas, and aircraft might "patrouiller" airspace. The ubiquity of security and oversight in modern life ensures that "patrouiller" is a relevant and frequently used verb. You might also hear it in discussions about urban planning or community safety, where the presence of patrols is seen as a deterrent. It's a word that signifies an active, visible presence for the purpose of maintaining order and security. Think about the sounds of a city at night – the distant siren, the occasional passing vehicle – these are all elements associated with the act of "patrouiller". The verb is deeply embedded in the language of safety and vigilance. It's not just limited to professional roles; anyone can "patrouiller" something they are responsible for. For example, a parent might "patrouiller" their children's rooms to ensure they are asleep. The core concept of moving with a watchful eye is universally understood.
Learners of French might make a few common errors when using "patrouiller." One frequent mistake is confusing it with verbs that imply a more passive form of watching or a single instance of observation. For example, using "regarder" (to watch) or "voir" (to see) when the context clearly demands the active, repetitive movement of patrolling. While "surveiller" (to supervise/monitor) is similar, "patrouiller" specifically emphasizes the act of moving around an area. So, saying "Je regarde le périmètre" (I watch the perimeter) is different from "Je patrouille le périmètre" (I patrol the perimeter), which implies walking around it. Another common pitfall is incorrect conjugation, especially in less familiar tenses. For instance, mixing up the endings for the imparfait or using the wrong auxiliary verb in the passé composé. A learner might incorrectly say "J'ai été patrouillé" instead of "J'ai patrouillé." The verb "patrouiller" is typically used with "avoir" as the auxiliary verb in the passé composé. Pronunciation can also be a hurdle. The French 'r' sound can be challenging, and mispronouncing it can affect clarity. Ensuring the stress falls correctly on the syllables is also important for natural-sounding French. Furthermore, learners might sometimes use "patrouiller" transitively when it's more commonly intransitive or used with prepositions. While you can "patrouiller une zone" (patrol an area) directly, it's often more natural to say "patrouiller dans une zone" (patrol in an area) or "patrouiller autour d'une zone" (patrol around an area). Relying on direct translation from English can lead to awkward phrasing. For instance, directly translating "to patrol the streets" as "patrouiller les rues" is correct, but sometimes learners might overgeneralize this and try to use direct objects where prepositions are more appropriate for other verbs. Another subtle mistake is using "patrouiller" to describe simply standing guard. "Garder" or "être de garde" are more suitable for static guarding. "Patrouiller" inherently involves movement. Finally, some learners might use "patrouiller" in contexts where a more specific verb would be better. For example, if the action is more about searching or investigating, verbs like "chercher" (to search) or "enquêter" (to investigate) might be more precise, although patrolling can be part of these activities. The key is to remember that "patrouiller" is about the *act of moving around* to observe or guard.

Mistake: Je regarde le jardin pour voir s'il y a des animaux.

Correct: Je patrouille le jardin pour voir s'il y a des animaux.
Understanding these nuances will help you use "patrouiller" accurately and effectively.
While "patrouiller" is quite specific, several other French words share some semantic overlap, offering nuances in meaning and usage.
Surveiller
This verb means "to monitor," "to supervise," or "to watch over." It's broader than "patrouiller" and doesn't necessarily imply movement. You can "surveiller" a person, a situation, or an area without moving. For example, "Le professeur surveille ses élèves pendant l'examen." (The teacher monitors his students during the exam.) "Patrouiller" is a specific way of "surveiller" that involves movement. You "patrouillez" *in order to* "surveiller".
Garder
"Garder" means "to guard" or "to keep." It typically implies a more static role, like standing guard at a door or protecting an object. "Le gardien garde le musée." (The guard guards the museum.) While a "gardien" might "patrouiller" at times, the primary meaning of "garder" is to be in place to prevent unauthorized access or harm.
Veiller
"Veiller" means "to watch," "to stay awake," or "to be vigilant." It often carries a sense of care or watchfulness, especially over someone vulnerable or in a situation requiring attention. "Il veille sur son enfant malade." (He watches over his sick child.) It can also mean to stay awake, like "veiller tard" (to stay up late). It's less about active patrolling and more about being alert and attentive.
Explorer
"Explorer" means "to explore." While one might "patrouiller" an area that is also being "exploré," the intent is different. Exploration is about discovering what is there, whereas patrolling is about guarding or maintaining order. You might "explorer" a new territory and then "patrouiller" it to secure it.
Faire le guet
This idiomatic expression means "to lie in wait" or "to keep a lookout." It's often used in contexts of surveillance for a specific purpose, sometimes clandestine or for observation. It's more about being positioned to watch for something specific rather than moving around an area.
Choosing the right word depends on the specific nuance you want to convey: the active movement of "patrouiller," the broader supervision of "surveiller," the static guarding of "garder," the attentive watchfulness of "veiller," the discovery aspect of "explorer," or the specific lookout of "faire le guet." Understanding these distinctions will greatly enhance your accuracy in French.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The concept of a 'patrouille' or patrol has existed for centuries, evolving from simple night watches to more sophisticated security operations involving technology like drones and advanced surveillance systems. The verb 'patrouiller' has kept pace with these changes, adapting to describe modern forms of monitoring.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /pa.tʁu.je/
US /pɑ.tʁu.je/
The stress is on the final syllable: pa-trou-LLIER.
Rhymes With
rouiller gratter brouiller fouiller mouiller jouer louer envoyer
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing the 'r' as an English 'r'.
  • Not stressing the final syllable.
  • Mispronouncing the 'ou' sound as 'oo' (like in 'boot').

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The verb 'patrouiller' is relatively straightforward in its meaning. Its difficulty in reading comprehension lies more in understanding the context (security, law enforcement) and associated vocabulary, rather than the verb itself. CEFR A2 level learners should be able to grasp its meaning from context.

Writing 3/5

Conjugation is regular, making it relatively easy to use in writing. Common errors might relate to tense choice or prepositions. Learners need to be mindful of the specific context to ensure accurate usage.

Speaking 3/5

Pronunciation of the 'r' sound can be a challenge for some learners. However, the meaning is quite concrete, making it easier to integrate into spoken sentences once pronunciation is mastered.

Listening 3/5

The word is fairly common in media and everyday conversations related to security. Its pronunciation is generally clear, making it recognizable for learners who have encountered it.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

garder surveiller rue ville maison police sécurité nuit jour

Learn Next

ronde vigilance périmètre frontière dissuader surveillance

Advanced

redéployer ratisser reconnaître intercepter

Grammar to Know

Conjugation of regular -er verbs in the present tense.

Je patrouille, tu patrouilles, il patrouille, nous patrouillons, vous patrouillez, ils patrouillent.

Formation of the passé composé with 'avoir'.

J'ai patrouillé, tu as patrouillé, il a patrouillé, nous avons patrouillé, vous avez patrouillé, ils ont patrouillé.

Formation of the imparfait.

Je patrouillais, tu patrouillais, il patrouillait, nous patrouillions, vous patrouilliez, ils patrouillaient.

Use of prepositions 'dans' and 'autour de' with verbs of movement.

Ils patrouillent dans la forêt. Les gardes patrouillent autour du bâtiment.

Subjunctive mood after expressions of necessity or desire.

Il faut qu'ils patrouillent la zone.

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Examples by Level

1

Le chien patrouille le jardin.

The dog patrols the garden.

Simple present tense, common subject-verb-object structure.

2

La police patrouille la rue.

The police patrol the street.

Plural subject 'la police' (treated as singular for agreement), singular verb.

3

Il patrouille son quartier.

He patrols his neighborhood.

Third-person singular present tense.

4

Nous patrouillons le parc.

We patrol the park.

First-person plural present tense.

5

Les gardiens patrouillent le bâtiment.

The guards patrol the building.

Plural subject 'les gardiens', plural verb 'patrouillent'.

6

Elle patrouille la maison.

She patrols the house.

Third-person singular feminine present tense.

7

Le robot patrouille la pièce.

The robot patrols the room.

Singular subject, singular verb.

8

Vous patrouillez la zone.

You patrol the area.

Second-person plural or formal singular present tense.

1

Les gardiens de nuit patrouillaient le site industriel.

The night guards patrolled the industrial site.

Imparfait tense, describing a past habitual or ongoing action.

2

Le garde forestier a patrouillé la forêt hier.

The forest ranger patrolled the forest yesterday.

Passé composé tense, describing a completed past action.

3

Nous devons patrouiller autour du bâtiment.

We must patrol around the building.

Modal verb 'devoir' + infinitive 'patrouiller'.

4

Les chiens patrouillent leur territoire pour le défendre.

The dogs patrol their territory to defend it.

Present tense, with an infinitive clause indicating purpose ('pour défendre').

5

Il patrouille la plage chaque matin.

He patrols the beach every morning.

Present tense, indicating a daily routine.

6

La police a patrouillé la zone après l'incident.

The police patrolled the area after the incident.

Passé composé, specifying a time frame ('après l'incident').

7

Ils patrouillent les rues pour assurer la sécurité.

They patrol the streets to ensure safety.

Present tense with an infinitive clause of purpose.

8

Ma mère patrouille souvent la maison quand nous sommes absents.

My mother often patrols the house when we are absent.

Present tense with an adverb of frequency ('souvent') and a subordinate clause ('quand').

1

Les agents de sécurité sont chargés de patrouiller les installations chaque nuit.

The security agents are tasked with patrolling the facilities every night.

Infinitive after a prepositional phrase ('chargés de'). Present tense.

2

Il avait patrouillé la frontière pendant des années avant d'être promu.

He had patrolled the border for years before being promoted.

Plus-que-parfait tense, indicating an action completed before another past action.

3

Si vous patrouillez régulièrement la zone, vous remarquerez toute activité suspecte.

If you regularly patrol the area, you will notice any suspicious activity.

Conditional sentence type 1 (Si + present + future simple).

4

Les gardes ont patrouillé jusqu'à l'aube, épuisés mais vigilants.

The guards patrolled until dawn, exhausted but vigilant.

Passé composé, with descriptive adjectives ('épuisés mais vigilants') modifying the subject.

5

On peut dire que les drones patrouillent désormais nos cieux.

One can say that drones now patrol our skies.

Impersonal 'on' with present tense, introducing a general observation.

6

Elle patrouillait son quartier à vélo, connaissant chaque recoin.

She patrolled her neighborhood by bike, knowing every corner.

Imparfait tense, describing a past habit or background action, with a present participle clause ('connaissant').

7

La mission consistait à patrouiller les eaux internationales.

The mission consisted of patrolling international waters.

Infinitive after 'consister à'.

8

Malgré le froid, ils continuaient de patrouiller le périmètre.

Despite the cold, they continued to patrol the perimeter.

Verb 'continuer' + infinitive 'patrouiller', with a concessive phrase ('Malgré le froid').

1

La présence accrue de patrouilles de police vise à dissuader la criminalité dans le secteur.

The increased presence of police patrols aims to deter crime in the sector.

Noun form 'patrouilles' derived from the verb. 'Vise à' + infinitive.

2

Leur mandat incluait de patrouiller les zones inaccessibles par voie terrestre.

Their mandate included patrolling the areas inaccessible by land.

Infinitive after 'inclure de'.

3

On pourrait argumenter que le fait de patrouiller davantage est une réponse nécessaire aux récents événements.

One could argue that patrolling more is a necessary response to recent events.

Gerundial use of infinitive ('le fait de patrouiller') as a subject. Conditional mood ('pourrait argumenter').

4

Les animaux sauvages patrouillent leurs territoires de chasse pendant la nuit.

Wild animals patrol their hunting grounds at night.

Present tense, describing natural behavior. 'Territoires de chasse' specifies the area.

5

Il fut décidé qu'une équipe patrouillerait la zone désignée à intervalles réguliers.

It was decided that a team would patrol the designated area at regular intervals.

Passive voice 'Il fut décidé' (passé simple of être) + subordinate clause with future intention (would patrol).

6

La surveillance aérienne permet de patrouiller de vastes étendues de manière efficace.

Aerial surveillance allows for patrolling vast expanses effectively.

Gerundial use of infinitive ('de patrouiller') as the object of 'permettre'. Adverb 'efficacement'.

7

Les gardes n'avaient jamais cessé de patrouiller, même lorsque la menace semblait s'éloigner.

The guards had never stopped patrolling, even when the threat seemed to recede.

Plus-que-parfait tense ('n'avaient jamais cessé') + infinitive. Concessive clause ('même lorsque').

8

Leur rôle principal était de patrouiller les frontières maritimes pour prévenir le trafic illégal.

Their main role was to patrol the maritime borders to prevent illegal trafficking.

Infinitive after 'était de'. Clause of purpose ('pour prévenir').

1

Le déploiement de patrouilles motorisées a considérablement réduit le temps de réponse aux incidents.

The deployment of motorized patrols has considerably reduced the response time to incidents.

Noun form 'patrouilles motorisées'. Adverb 'considérablement'. Present perfect tense.

2

Il est impératif que les forces de l'ordre continuent de patrouiller ces zones à risque.

It is imperative that law enforcement continues to patrol these high-risk areas.

Subjunctive mood required after 'il est impératif que' ('continuent').

3

Le fait de patrouiller sans relâche peut engendrer une lassitude psychologique chez le personnel.

Patrolling relentlessly can lead to psychological fatigue in the personnel.

Gerundial infinitive ('Le fait de patrouiller') as subject. Verb 'engendrer'. Adverb 'sans relâche'.

4

Les drones autonomes sont de plus en plus utilisés pour patrouiller de vastes territoires agricoles.

Autonomous drones are increasingly used to patrol vast agricultural territories.

Passive voice 'sont utilisés'. Adverb 'de plus en plus'. Infinitive of purpose.

5

L'objectif était de patrouiller l'espace aérien afin de détecter toute intrusion non autorisée.

The objective was to patrol the airspace in order to detect any unauthorized intrusion.

Infinitive after 'était de'. Clause of purpose using 'afin de'.

6

Bien qu'ils eussent patrouillé toute la nuit, aucun signe de l'intrus n'avait été découvert.

Although they had patrolled all night, no sign of the intruder had been discovered.

Subjunctive plus-que-parfait ('eussent patrouillé') after 'bien que'. Passive voice ('n'avait été découvert').

7

La stratégie consistait à patrouiller les routes secondaires pour surprendre les contrebandiers.

The strategy consisted of patrolling the secondary roads to surprise the smugglers.

Infinitive after 'consistait à'. Clause of purpose ('pour surprendre').

8

Il faut reconnaître que patrouiller dans de telles conditions relève de l'exploit.

It must be recognized that patrolling in such conditions is an exploit.

Impersonal 'Il faut reconnaître que' + gerundial infinitive. 'Relève de' (amounts to).

1

La doctrine de patrouille a évolué pour intégrer les menaces asymétriques et les cyberattaques.

The doctrine of patrol has evolved to incorporate asymmetric threats and cyberattacks.

Noun form 'patrouille' used abstractly. Verb 'intégrer'. Complex sentence structure.

2

Leurs patrouilles incessantes visaient à instaurer un climat de sécurité dissuasif.

Their incessant patrols aimed to establish a climate of deterrent security.

Adjective 'incessantes'. Verb 'visaient à' + infinitive. Abstract noun 'climat de sécurité'.

3

Il est entendu que la fréquence des patrouilles sera augmentée en période de tension.

It is understood that the frequency of patrols will be increased during periods of tension.

Passive voice 'Il est entendu que'. Future passive 'sera augmentée'. Abstract noun 'fréquence'.

4

Au-delà de la simple surveillance, le patrouillage régulier des frontières est une fonction souveraine.

Beyond simple surveillance, the regular patrolling of borders is a sovereign function.

Gerundial infinitive ('le patrouillage') as subject. Abstract noun 'fonction souveraine'.

5

La stratégie consistait à alterner les patrouilles terrestres et aériennes pour maximiser la couverture.

The strategy consisted of alternating land and air patrols to maximize coverage.

Infinitive after 'consistait à'. Noun 'patrouilles'. Infinitive of purpose 'pour maximiser'.

6

Les agents étaient formés pour patrouiller non seulement physiquement mais aussi virtuellement.

The agents were trained to patrol not only physically but also virtually.

Passive voice 'étaient formés'. Parallel structure 'non seulement... mais aussi'.

7

Leur mission ne se limitait pas à patrouiller; elle impliquait également la prévention et la réponse aux crises.

Their mission was not limited to patrolling; it also involved prevention and crisis response.

Negative structure 'ne se limitait pas à'. Verb 'impliquer'. Abstract nouns.

8

Les analyses post-mission ont révélé des lacunes dans la coordination des patrouilles.

Post-mission analyses revealed shortcomings in the coordination of patrols.

Noun 'patrouilles'. Abstract nouns 'analyses', 'lacunes', 'coordination'.

Common Collocations

patrouiller dans les rues
patrouiller le périmètre
patrouiller la frontière
patrouiller la zone
patrouiller la nuit
patrouiller à pied
patrouiller en voiture
patrouiller régulièrement
patrouiller pour assurer la sécurité
patrouiller de long en large

Common Phrases

Faire une patrouille

— To conduct a patrol; to perform the action of patrolling.

L'équipe va faire une patrouille dans le secteur nord.

Être en patrouille

— To be on patrol; currently engaged in the act of patrolling.

Les gardes sont en patrouille depuis deux heures.

Une patrouille de police

— A police patrol; a group of police officers on patrol.

Une patrouille de police est passée devant notre maison.

Une patrouille de sécurité

— A security patrol; a group of security personnel on patrol.

La patrouille de sécurité a vérifié toutes les portes.

La patrouille des frontières

— Border patrol; the act or organization responsible for patrolling borders.

La patrouille des frontières est très active dans cette région.

Patrouiller le territoire

— To patrol the territory; to cover and guard a specific area of land.

Les loups patrouillent leur territoire de chasse.

Patrouiller les environs

— To patrol the surroundings; to check the area around a specific location.

Les gardes du corps patrouillent les environs du bâtiment.

Patrouiller dans la nuit

— To patrol during the night; an action typically associated with security.

Les gardiens ont patrouillé dans la nuit pour plus de sécurité.

Patrouiller la côte

— To patrol the coast; to monitor the coastline, often by sea or air.

La marine nationale patrouille la côte pour prévenir le trafic.

Patrouiller à intervalles réguliers

— To patrol at regular intervals; to conduct patrols with a consistent timing.

Il faut patrouiller à intervalles réguliers pour une surveillance efficace.

Often Confused With

patrouiller vs surveiller

'Surveiller' means to monitor or supervise, which can be done without movement. 'Patrouiller' specifically involves moving around an area to watch or guard it. You can surveil from a fixed point, but you patrol by moving.

patrouiller vs garder

'Garder' means to guard or keep, often implying a static position. A person who 'patrouille' is actively moving, whereas someone who 'garde' might be standing in one place.

patrouiller vs veiller

'Veiller' means to watch over or stay awake, often with a sense of care or alertness. It doesn't necessarily imply movement like 'patrouiller' does, and can be used for watching over a person.

Idioms & Expressions

"Faire la ronde"

— To make the rounds; to patrol a specific route or area, often by walking, as part of a duty. It's very similar to 'patrouiller' but can sometimes imply a more structured or predetermined path.

Le gardien fait la ronde dans les couloirs chaque heure.

neutral
"Être sur le qui-vive"

— To be on the alert; to be watchful and ready for anything. While not directly meaning 'to patrol', it describes the state of mind of someone who is patrolling.

Les soldats sont sur le qui-vive, prêts à patrouiller à tout moment.

neutral
"Avoir l'œil à tout"

— To have an eye for everything; to be very observant. This describes a quality needed by someone who patrols.

Un bon patrouilleur doit avoir l'œil à tout.

neutral
"Marcher sur des œufs"

— To walk on eggshells; to be extremely careful and cautious. While not directly related to patrolling, it describes a cautious manner of movement that might be employed when patrolling a sensitive area.

Quand ils patrouillent dans la zone sensible, ils marchent sur des œufs.

neutral
"Ne pas baisser sa garde"

— To not let one's guard down; to remain vigilant. This is a state of mind that complements the action of patrolling.

Même en patrouillant, il ne baisse jamais sa garde.

neutral
"Faire le tour du propriétaire"

— Literally 'to do the owner's tour', it means to survey one's property or domain, often with a sense of pride or thoroughness. It can be similar to patrolling if the purpose is oversight.

Le fermier fait le tour du propriétaire chaque matin avant de patrouiller les champs.

informal
"Mener une enquête"

— To conduct an investigation. While patrolling is not investigating, it can be a preliminary step or part of an investigation.

La police a commencé par patrouiller le quartier avant de mener une enquête plus approfondie.

neutral
"Être aux aguets"

— To be on the lookout; to be watchful for something. Similar to 'faire le guet', it emphasizes vigilance.

Les gardes sont aux aguets pendant qu'ils patrouillent.

neutral
"Faire le tour des blocs"

— To do the block tour; a common phrase for patrolling a city block, often used by police.

Les agents font le tour des blocs pour s'assurer que tout est calme.

neutral/informal
"Traverser le terrain"

— To cross the terrain. This is a more general phrase for moving across an area, but it can be part of a patrol.

Le patrouilleur traverse le terrain pour vérifier les limites.

neutral

Easily Confused

patrouiller vs surveiller

Both verbs involve watching or keeping an eye on something.

The key difference lies in movement. 'Patrouiller' inherently involves moving around an area, often in a systematic way, to ensure security or observe. 'Surveiller' is a broader term for watching or monitoring and does not require movement; one can surveil from a fixed position.

Le garde surveille les caméras de sécurité (he monitors the security cameras), mais il patrouille les couloirs (he patrols the hallways).

patrouiller vs garder

Both relate to protection and security.

'Garder' often implies a static role, like standing guard at a specific post or protecting an object. 'Patrouiller' is about moving around an area to provide security, covering a larger space through active movement. A guard might 'garder' a door while also being part of a team that 'patrouille' the entire building.

Il garde la porte d'entrée (He guards the entrance door), tandis que ses collègues patrouillent le site (while his colleagues patrol the site).

patrouiller vs veiller

All involve a form of watching or being attentive.

'Veiller' implies a watchful, often caring, attention. It can mean staying awake to watch over someone or something, or being vigilant in a general sense. It doesn't necessitate moving around an area. 'Patrouiller' is an active, physical act of moving around a defined space.

Elle veille sur son bébé pendant son sommeil (She watches over her baby while he sleeps), mais le garde de nuit patrouille le bâtiment (but the night guard patrols the building).

patrouiller vs ronder

Both verbs describe the act of making rounds.

'Ronder' is often used in more specific professional contexts, like hospital rounds or prison rounds, implying a regular, often scheduled, circuit. 'Patrouiller' is more general and can be used for any kind of patrol, especially in security or law enforcement contexts, and doesn't always imply a strict schedule.

L'infirmière ronde l'étage chaque heure (The nurse makes rounds on the floor every hour), mais la police patrouille les rues de manière plus flexible (but the police patrol the streets more flexibly).

patrouiller vs arpenter

Both involve walking through an area.

'Arpenter' means to stride or pace through an area, often implying a more thorough inspection or survey of the land, sometimes with a sense of ownership or exploration. 'Patrouiller' is specifically about moving around for security or observation purposes.

Le propriétaire arpente son champ pour évaluer la récolte (The owner paces his field to assess the harvest), tandis que le garde patrouille la clôture (while the guard patrols the fence).

Sentence Patterns

A1

Subject + patrouiller (present)

Le chien patrouille le jardin.

A2

Subject + avoir + patrouillé

Les policiers ont patrouillé la rue.

A2

Subject + patrouiller (imparfait)

Les gardes patrouillaient la nuit.

B1

Subject + devoir/falloir + patrouiller

Nous devons patrouiller le périmètre.

B1

Patrouiller + dans/autour de + lieu

Ils patrouillent dans le parc.

B2

Si + Subject + patrouiller (present) + Subject + Future Simple

Si vous patrouillez la zone, vous verrez quelque chose.

C1

Il est nécessaire que + Subject + patrouiller (subjunctive)

Il est nécessaire que les agents patrouillent.

C2

Noun (patrouille) + verb

La patrouille a été efficace.

Word Family

Nouns

patrouille
patrouilleur

Verbs

patrouiller

Adjectives

patrouillé(e)

Related

surveiller
garder
veiller
ronde
vigilance
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How to Use It

frequency

Common

Common Mistakes
  • Using 'surveiller' instead of 'patrouiller' when movement is implied. → Les gardiens patrouillent le bâtiment.

    While 'surveiller' means to watch or monitor, 'patrouiller' specifically denotes the act of moving around an area to perform this watch or guard duty. 'Les gardiens surveillent les moniteurs' (The guards monitor the screens) is correct, but if they are walking around, 'patrouillent' is better.

  • Incorrect conjugation in the passé composé (e.g., using 'être' as auxiliary). → Le policier a patrouillé la zone.

    'Patrouiller' is a verb that uses 'avoir' as its auxiliary verb in compound tenses like the passé composé. 'Le policier est patrouillé' is grammatically incorrect.

  • Using 'patrouiller' for static guarding. → Le garde reste devant la porte pour garder le musée.

    'Patrouiller' implies movement. If someone is staying in one place to guard something, 'garder' is the more appropriate verb. 'Patrouiller' is for covering an area by moving through it.

  • Forgetting the preposition when specifying the area. → Ils patrouillent dans le parc.

    While 'patrouiller' can sometimes take a direct object ('patrouiller la frontière'), it is very common and often more natural to use prepositions like 'dans' (in) or 'autour de' (around) to specify the location of the patrol. 'Ils patrouillent le parc' is also correct, but 'dans le parc' emphasizes movement within the area.

  • Confusing the noun 'patrouille' with the verb 'patrouiller'. → La police effectue une patrouille dans les rues.

    'Une patrouille' is the noun referring to the act or group of people patrolling. 'Patrouiller' is the verb meaning 'to patrol'. Ensure you use the correct form based on whether you are describing the action (verb) or the event/group (noun).

Tips

Mastering the French 'R'

The 'r' in 'patrouiller' is pronounced in the back of the throat (uvular). Practice this sound separately. Listen to native speakers and try to imitate the sound. Focus on the 'pa-trou-LLIER' rhythm, with the stress on the last syllable.

Tense Matters for Patrols

Choose your tense carefully: Use the present tense for regular patrols ('Les gardes patrouillent'), the passé composé for a specific past patrol ('Ils ont patrouillé hier soir'), and the imparfait for describing ongoing or habitual past patrols ('Il patrouillait chaque nuit').

Movement is Essential

Remember that 'patrouiller' is an active verb emphasizing movement. If the action is static (e.g., watching a screen), 'surveiller' or 'garder' might be better choices.

Visual Association

Picture a security guard walking in a circle around a building at night, shining a flashlight. This visual helps connect the word 'patrouiller' with the action of moving around to observe and guard.

Sentence Building Challenge

Create five sentences using 'patrouiller' in different tenses and contexts. For example: 'I will patrol the garden tomorrow.' 'The dogs patrolled their territory.' 'He used to patrol the streets.'

Patrols in French Culture

Consider the role of patrols in French society, whether it's the 'police nationale' patrolling cities, 'gendarmes' in rural areas, or security in public spaces. This cultural context can enrich your understanding.

Distinguishing from 'Surveiller'

While 'surveiller' means to monitor, 'patrouiller' implies the active movement involved in that monitoring. Think of 'surveiller' as the goal, and 'patrouiller' as one method to achieve it.

Related Expressions

Learn related phrases like 'faire la ronde' (to make rounds) or 'être sur le qui-vive' (to be on the alert) to expand your vocabulary around the concept of patrolling and vigilance.

Real-World Application

When you hear or read about security measures, police presence, or animal behavior in French, try to identify instances where 'patrouiller' or its related forms are used. This active listening will reinforce your learning.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a 'patriarch' (sounds like 'patrou') who is very strict and always 'rolls' (sounds like 'iller') around his property to make sure no one is misbehaving. He 'patrou-ills' his domain to keep it safe.

Visual Association

Picture a guard with a flashlight walking in a circle around a building at night. The circular motion and the flashlight beam represent the act of patrolling.

Word Web

Patrouiller Guard Watch Move Area Security Police Ranger Night Perimeter Routine Vigilance

Challenge

Try to describe your daily routine using 'patrouiller' in a figurative sense. For example, 'I patrouiller my kitchen for snacks after dinner.' This helps you internalize the verb's meaning in different contexts.

Word Origin

The verb 'patrouiller' likely derives from the noun 'patrouille', which itself comes from the Old French 'patrouille'. This word denoted a night watch or patrol, and its origins are believed to be linked to the Latin 'pater' (father), perhaps in the sense of a 'fatherly watch' or guard. Another theory suggests a connection to the word 'patron' (protector or master), implying a watch kept by a master or overseer.

Original meaning: To keep watch, to make a night patrol.

Indo-European > Italic > Latin > Romance > French

Cultural Context

While 'patrouiller' is a neutral term, discussions around increased patrols, especially by law enforcement in certain neighborhoods, can be sensitive and may evoke different reactions depending on community experiences and perceptions of authority.

In English-speaking countries, the equivalent concept is 'to patrol,' used by police, military, and security personnel. The idea of walking a beat or driving a patrol car is very similar to the French 'patrouiller.'

The French Foreign Legion is known for its extensive patrolling duties in various challenging environments. Many classic French films and literature feature scenes of police officers or guards patrolling city streets or guarding important locations. The term 'patrouille de France' refers to the French Air Force's aerobatic demonstration team, whose flights can be seen as a form of aerial patrolling or display of power.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Police and Security

  • patrouiller les rues
  • une patrouille de police
  • assurer la sécurité

Military and Borders

  • patrouiller la frontière
  • patrouiller le territoire
  • assurer la surveillance

Nature and Wildlife

  • patrouiller la forêt
  • les gardes forestiers patrouillent
  • protéger les animaux

Private Property

  • patrouiller la propriété
  • patrouiller la maison
  • vérifier les environs

General Observation

  • patrouiller la zone
  • patrouiller à pied/en voiture
  • être vigilant

Conversation Starters

"What do you think of the police patrols in your city?"

"Have you ever seen security guards patrolling a building?"

"If you were a park ranger, what areas would you patrol most often?"

"How do you feel about increased patrols in public spaces?"

"Can you imagine animals patrolling their territory? Give an example."

Journal Prompts

Describe a time you saw someone patrolling an area. What was the context, and how did it make you feel?

Imagine you are responsible for patrolling a large park. What would be your main priorities and concerns?

Write a short story about a character who has to patrol a dangerous area. What challenges do they face?

Reflect on the importance of security patrols in maintaining order. What are the pros and cons?

How has the concept of 'patrolling' evolved with technology, like drones or surveillance systems?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

The main difference is movement. 'Patrouiller' involves moving around an area to guard or watch it, like police officers patrolling a street. 'Surveiller' means to monitor or supervise, which can be done from a fixed position, like watching security cameras. So, you patrol *in order to* surveil, but surveilling doesn't always involve patrolling.

Yes, absolutely. Animals often patrol their territory to mark it, defend it from rivals, or hunt. For example, 'Le loup patrouille son territoire.' (The wolf patrols its territory.)

It's commonly used in contexts related to security, law enforcement, military operations, and nature conservation. Think of police officers patrolling streets, guards patrolling a building, soldiers patrolling a border, or rangers patrolling a national park.

It's a regular -er verb. In the passé composé, you use the auxiliary verb 'avoir' followed by the past participle 'patrouillé'. For example, 'J'ai patrouillé' (I patrolled). In the imparfait, the endings are similar to other -er verbs: 'Je patrouillais' (I was patrolling / I used to patrol).

While security is the most common purpose, 'patrouiller' can also be used for general observation or to cover an area. For example, a scientist might 'patrouiller' a research area to collect data, or a hiker might 'patrouiller' a trail to check its condition.

'Patrouiller' is the verb itself, meaning 'to patrol'. 'Faire une patrouille' is a phrase meaning 'to conduct a patrol' or 'to do a patrol'. It's like the difference between 'to run' and 'to do a run'. Both convey the idea of patrolling, but one is the direct verb and the other is a noun phrase describing the action.

Yes, though less common. For instance, one might figuratively 'patrouiller' their own home looking for misplaced items, or a student might 'patrouiller' the library aisles. The core idea of moving around an area with a purpose is retained.

The main noun is 'une patrouille', which means 'a patrol' (the act or group of people). Another related noun is 'un patrouilleur', which means 'a patrolman' or 'a guard'.

Yes, learners might confuse it with 'surveiller' (to monitor) or 'garder' (to guard) because they all involve watching. However, 'patrouiller' specifically implies movement. Also, errors in conjugation or using the wrong preposition to indicate the area being patrolled are common.

Try creating sentences describing different scenarios: police patrols, animal behavior, or even figurative uses. Role-playing situations where you are a guard or ranger can also be very helpful.

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