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Vocabulary
s'apprécier

A2 verb #10,000 most common 9 min read

s'apprécier

Top 10,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips s'apprécier in 30 Seconds

Explanation s'apprécier in your Level:

At the A1 level, you learn that 's'apprécier' means 'to like each other'. It is a reflexive verb, so it uses 'se'. You usually use it with 'ils' (they) or 'nous' (we). For example: 'Ils s'apprécient' means 'They like each other'. It is a simple way to talk about friends who get along well. You don't need to worry about complex grammar yet, just remember that the 's'' or 'se' is part of the verb when two people are doing the action to each other. It is a very polite and common word to use when you meet new people and want to say you like them.

At the A2 level, you start using 's'apprécier' to describe social and work relationships more accurately. You should know how to conjugate it in the present tense for all subjects: 'nous nous apprécions', 'vous vous appréciez', 'ils s'apprécient'. You also learn to add adverbs like 'beaucoup' (a lot) or 'bien' (well) to change the strength of the meaning. You understand that this verb is more formal than 's'aimer' but more personal than just 'se connaître'. It is very useful for talking about your colleagues or your classmates in a respectful way.

At the B1 level, you use 's'apprécier' in various tenses, including the 'passé composé' and the 'imparfait'. You must remember that it uses the auxiliary 'être' in compound tenses: 'Nous nous sommes appréciés'. You also begin to see its use in the passive sense for things like food or art: 'Ce film s'apprécie mieux au cinéma'. You can use it to talk about the evolution of a relationship, such as 'Ils ont appris à s'apprécier avec le temps'. Your sentences become more complex, combining this verb with conjunctions like 'bien que' or 'parce que'.

At the B2 level, you recognize the nuances between 's'apprécier', 's'estimer', and 'se respecter'. You use 's'apprécier' to discuss social dynamics, team cohesion, or diplomatic relations. You are comfortable with the reflexive-passive construction where 's'apprécier' means 'to be appreciated' or 'to be enjoyed'. You can also use the noun form 'appréciation' in academic or professional contexts. You understand that in a professional review, 's'apprécier' might refer to the mutual respect between an employer and employee, which is a key part of French workplace culture.

At the C1 level, you use 's'apprécier' with precision in literary or high-level professional discourse. You understand its etymological roots in 'pretium' (price/value) and can use it to discuss the 'valuing' of ideas or philosophies. You might use it in the reflexive sense to discuss self-actualization: 'La capacité à s'apprécier à sa juste valeur'. You are also aware of its financial meaning (currency appreciation) and can switch between social and economic contexts effortlessly. Your usage includes complex structures like the subjunctive or the conditional to express hypothetical social scenarios.

At the C2 level, 's'apprécier' is a tool for subtle social commentary. You can use it ironically or to describe the most complex human interactions where 'love' or 'hate' are too simplistic. You understand how the verb functions in classical French literature compared to modern usage. You can discuss the philosophical implications of 's'apprécier' as a form of mutual recognition (reconnaissance). You have a perfect grasp of all agreement rules in rare or archaic constructions and can use the verb to convey exact degrees of social distance or proximity in any given context.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

s'apprécier in 30 Seconds

S'apprécier means 'to appreciate each other' or 'to like each other' in a reciprocal social context.
It is a reflexive verb (-er group) and uses 'être' in compound tenses like the passé composé.
It is the perfect 'middle ground' word for professional or friendly relationships that aren't romantic.
It can also mean 'to increase in value' (finance) or 'to be enjoyed' (food/art).

The French verb s'apprécier is a multifaceted reflexive verb that primarily translates to "to appreciate each other" or "to like each other" in a reciprocal sense. While the base verb apprécier means to value or estimate the worth of something, the addition of the reflexive pronoun se (which becomes s' before a vowel) transforms the action into a mutual exchange between two or more people. In the landscape of French social interactions, this word occupies a crucial middle ground. It is stronger than simply knowing someone (se connaître) but generally less intense or emotionally charged than loving someone (s'aimer). It suggests a level of mutual respect, professional admiration, or a pleasant social affinity that makes it the perfect choice for describing relationships between colleagues, neighbors, or acquaintances who get along well.

Reciprocal Nuance: The most common use is reciprocal. When two people 's'apprécient', they both recognize the positive qualities in the other. It implies a stable, positive rapport built on shared experiences or professional synergy.
Professional Context: In a work environment, saying 'nous nous apprécions' is a polite and professional way to indicate a good working relationship without implying a deep personal friendship that might be inappropriate for the setting.
Reflexive (Self) Use: Less commonly, but still importantly, it can mean 'to appreciate oneself'. This is often used in psychological or philosophical contexts regarding self-worth and self-esteem.

Bien qu'ils soient concurrents, ces deux architectes s'apprécient énormément pour leur talent respectif.

Even though they are competitors, these two architects appreciate each other enormously for their respective talent.

Understanding the cultural weight of s'apprécier is key for English speakers. In English, we might say "we like each other," but in French, s'aimer (to like/love) can sometimes be ambiguous or feel too intimate. Using s'apprécier allows a speaker to express a positive connection while maintaining a degree of French 'pudeur' (reserve or modesty). It is the language of civilized, respectful coexistence. You will hear it used by politicians describing their rivals, by neighbors talking about the family next door, or by students describing their favorite teachers. It carries a connotation of 'valuing' the other person's character, skills, or presence.

Il est essentiel de s'apprécier avant de pouvoir apprécier les autres.

It is essential to appreciate oneself before being able to appreciate others.

Using s'apprécier correctly requires attention to two main things: the reflexive pronoun and the context of reciprocity. Because it is a pronominal verb of the first group (-er), its conjugation is regular, but you must always match the reflexive pronoun (me, te, se, nous, vous, se) to the subject. In the plural forms, which are the most common for this verb, you will see the double 'nous' or 'vous' (e.g., nous nous apprécions), which can feel repetitive to English speakers but is grammatically mandatory in French.

The Reciprocal Pattern: When the subject is plural (ils, nous, vous), the verb naturally takes on the 'each other' meaning. Example: 'Mes parents et mes beaux-parents s'apprécient beaucoup' (My parents and my parents-in-law like each other a lot).
With Adverbs of Intensity: To specify how much people like each other, use adverbs like 'beaucoup', 'énormément', 'particulièrement', or 'guère' (hardly). Place these immediately after the conjugated verb.

Est-ce que vous vous appréciez toujours après dix ans de collaboration ?

In compound tenses like the passé composé, s'apprécier uses the auxiliary verb être. A common question arises regarding past participle agreement. Since s'apprécier is a reciprocal verb where the 'se' represents a direct object (you appreciate 'each other'), the past participle apprécié agrees in gender and number with the subject. For example, 'Elles se sont appréciées' (They appreciated each other). However, if the verb were followed by a direct object, the rules would change, but for 's'apprécier', the agreement is standard for reciprocal actions.

Nous nous sommes tout de suite appréciés lors de notre première rencontre.

We liked each other immediately during our first meeting.

You can also use s'apprécier in the infinitive after modal verbs like devoir (must), pouvoir (can), or vouloir (want). For instance: 'Ils semblent s'apprécier' (They seem to like each other). This is a very common way to make observations about the social dynamics of a group without being overly intrusive. It suggests a visual or intuitive assessment of the harmony between people.

In the real world, s'apprécier is a staple of French conversation, particularly in settings where social etiquette and professional boundaries are important. You will frequently hear it in the workplace. When a manager describes a team, they might say, "L'équipe s'apprécie énormément," indicating a healthy, productive atmosphere. It is also common in media interviews. A journalist might ask two actors who have just finished a film, "Est-ce que vous avez appris à vous apprécier sur le tournage ?" (Did you learn to like each other on set?).

In Literature and Cinema: French films often explore the subtle shifts in relationships. A script might use 's'apprécier' to mark the transition from being strangers to being allies, long before any 'love' is declared.
In Family Discussions: Parents often use it to talk about their children's friendships: 'Je suis content que ton nouveau copain et toi vous vous appréciez tant.'

À la fin de la conférence, les intervenants s'appréciaient assez pour échanger leurs numéros.

Another interesting place you'll hear this word is in the context of food or wine, but in a reflexive-passive sense. While apprécier un vin is standard, you might hear a sommelier say, "Ce vin s'apprécie mieux à température ambiante" (This wine is best appreciated/enjoyed at room temperature). Here, the 'se' makes the verb passive, meaning 'is appreciated'. This is a very elegant and common French construction that avoids using the passive voice 'est apprécié', which can feel heavy.

C'est un petit village où tout le monde s'apprécie et s'entraide.

It's a small village where everyone likes each other and helps each other.

Even though s'apprécier is a regular verb, English speakers often stumble on its usage due to the reflexive pronoun and the subtle difference between 'appreciating something' and 'appreciating each other'. The most frequent error is omitting the reflexive pronoun when a reciprocal meaning is intended. For example, saying "Nous apprécions" instead of "Nous nous apprécions". The first means "We appreciate [something unspecified]," while the second means "We like each other."

The 'Se' Omission: Mistake: 'Ils apprécient beaucoup.' (They appreciate a lot - of what?). Correct: 'Ils s'apprécient beaucoup.' (They like each other a lot).
Confusion with 'S'aimer': Learners often use 's'aimer' when they mean 's'apprécier'. While 's'aimer' can mean 'to like each other', it often carries a romantic or deep familial weight. 'S'apprécier' is safer for colleagues or new friends.

Incorrect: Ils apprécient l'un l'autre. (Anglicism). Correct: Ils s'apprécient.

Another mistake involves word order in negative sentences or with auxiliary verbs. Remember the 'sandwich' rule for negation: the ne...pas wraps around the reflexive pronoun and the conjugated verb. 'Nous ne nous apprécions pas'. If you are using an infinitive, the negation wraps around the main verb: 'Ils ne semblent pas s'apprécier'. Mixing these up is a common marker of an intermediate learner.

Le dollar s'est apprécié par rapport à l'euro cette semaine.

The dollar increased in value against the euro this week.

To truly master French, you need to know which 'flavor' of liking or valuing to use. S'apprécier is the standard, but several other verbs can provide more precision depending on whether you are talking about respect, love, or mere social compatibility. Understanding these synonyms will help you move from a basic A2 level to a more nuanced B1 or B2 level of expression.

S'estimer vs S'apprécier: S'estimer is more formal and implies a high level of respect or 'esteem'. You would use this for a mentor or a distinguished colleague. S'apprécier is warmer and more common in everyday life.
S'entendre vs S'apprécier: S'entendre (bien) means 'to get along'. It focuses on the chemistry and lack of conflict. S'apprécier focuses more on the value you see in the other person. You can 's'entendre' with someone without necessarily 's'apprécier' their character deeply.
Se plaire vs S'apprécier: Se plaire often has a romantic or physical undertone ('to be attracted to each other'). Be careful using this if you only mean to say you like someone's company!

Ils ne sont pas amis, mais ils se respectent et s'apprécient professionnellement.

In more formal or literary French, you might encounter se priser (to prize each other), though this is becoming rare. Conversely, in very informal slang, you might hear se kiffer (to dig/like each other), which is the polar opposite of s'apprécier in terms of register. Knowing when to use s'apprécier—which is neutral and always appropriate—vs these other terms is a hallmark of a sophisticated speaker. It shows you understand the social hierarchy and the specific nature of the bond you are describing.

Leur amitié est née du fait qu'ils s'appréciaient déjà en tant que rivaux.

Their friendship was born from the fact that they already appreciated each other as rivals.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The word originally had a strictly financial meaning. It wasn't until later that it shifted to mean 'valuing' a person's character or qualities.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /s‿a.pʁe.sje/

US /s‿a.pʁe.sje/

Stress is typically on the final syllable 'sjer' in French.

Rhymes With

remercier oublier métier papier entier quartier janvier décrier

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'r' at the end (it is silent).
Not linking the 's' to the 'a' (liaison).
Making the 'é' sound too much like an English 'ee'.
Confusing the 'ce' sound with 'che'.
Failing to make the 'p' crisp.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize because of the English cognate 'appreciate'.

Writing 4/5

Tricky because of reflexive pronoun agreement and passé composé rules.

Speaking 3/5

The double 'nous nous' or 'vous vous' can feel awkward at first.

Listening 2/5

Clear pronunciation, though 's'apprécient' and 'appréciaient' can sound similar.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

apprécier se aimer connaître ami

Learn Next

s'estimer se respecter valoriser reconnaître affinité

Advanced

la plus-value l'estime de soi la réciprocité le dénigrement la dépréciation

Grammar to Know

Reflexive Pronouns

Nous nous apprécions.

Passé Composé with Être

Ils se sont appréciés.

Past Participle Agreement

Elles se sont appréciées.

Negation of Pronominal Verbs

Ils ne s'apprécient pas.

Infinitive after Modal Verbs

Ils peuvent s'apprécier.

Examples by Level

Ils s'apprécient beaucoup.

They like each other a lot.

Present tense, 3rd person plural.

Nous nous apprécions.

We like each other.

Reflexive pronoun 'nous' is repeated.

Est-ce qu'ils s'apprécient ?

Do they like each other?

Interrogative form.

Marie et Paul s'apprécient.

Marie and Paul like each other.

Proper nouns as subject.

Vous vous appréciez ?

Do you (plural) like each other?

Reflexive pronoun 'vous' is repeated.

Ils ne s'apprécient pas.

They don't like each other.

Negative form with 'ne...pas'.

On s'apprécie bien ici.

We like each other well here.

Use of 'on' for 'we'.

Mes amis s'apprécient.

My friends like each other.

Plural subject.

Les collègues s'apprécient énormément.

The colleagues like each other enormously.

Adding an adverb of intensity.

Nous nous apprécions depuis l'école.

We have liked each other since school.

Using 'depuis' with present tense.

Ils commencent à s'apprécier.

They are starting to like each other.

Infinitive after 'commencer à'.

C'est important de s'apprécier au travail.

It's important to like each other at work.

Infinitive usage.

Est-ce que vous vous appréciez vraiment ?

Do you really like each other?

Use of 'vraiment' for emphasis.

Elles s'apprécient pour leur honnêteté.

They like each other for their honesty.

Preposition 'pour' indicating reason.

Nous ne nous apprécions plus.

We don't like each other anymore.

Negative 'ne...plus'.

Ils s'apprécient malgré leurs différences.

They like each other despite their differences.

Use of 'malgré'.

Ils se sont appréciés dès le premier jour.

They liked each other from the first day.

Passé composé with 'être'.

Nous nous apprécierons toujours, j'espère.

We will always like each other, I hope.

Future tense.

Ce fromage s'apprécie avec un vin rouge.

This cheese is best enjoyed with a red wine.

Reflexive-passive construction.

Il est rare qu'ils s'apprécient autant.

It is rare that they like each other so much.

Subjunctive mood after 'il est rare que'.

Si nous nous appréciions, nous travaillerions mieux.

If we liked each other, we would work better.

Hypothetical 'si' clause (imparfait/conditionnel).

Ils s'appréciaient beaucoup quand ils étaient jeunes.

They used to like each other a lot when they were young.

Imparfait for past states.

Il faut apprendre à s'apprécier soi-même.

One must learn to appreciate oneself.

Reflexive use (self-appreciation).

Bien qu'ils s'apprécient, ils ne sont pas d'accord.

Although they like each other, they don't agree.

Subjunctive after 'bien que'.

La valeur de l'euro s'apprécie face au dollar.

The value of the euro is increasing against the dollar.

Economic context of the verb.

Ils se sont toujours appréciés professionnellement.

They have always appreciated each other professionally.

Agreement of past participle.

C'est une œuvre qui s'apprécie avec le temps.

It is a work that is appreciated over time.

Reflexive-passive for aesthetic value.

Ils ont fini par s'apprécier après de longs débats.

They ended up liking each other after long debates.

Verb phrase 'finir par'.

On peut s'apprécier sans pour autant être amis.

One can like each other without necessarily being friends.

Nuance of social distance.

Leur respect mutuel fait qu'ils s'apprécient.

Their mutual respect makes them like each other.

Causal relationship.

Elle s'est sentie appréciée par ses pairs.

She felt appreciated by her peers.

Passive-like use of the participle.

Ils s'apprécient assez pour se dire la vérité.

They like each other enough to tell each other the truth.

Adverbial phrase 'assez pour'.

Les deux auteurs s'apprécient par-delà leurs styles divergents.

The two authors appreciate each other beyond their divergent styles.

High-level literary context.

Il est primordial que les membres s'apprécient mutuellement.

It is paramount that the members appreciate each other mutually.

Subjunctive with 'mutuellement' for emphasis.

Le paysage s'apprécie davantage sous cette lumière.

The landscape is better appreciated under this light.

Reflexive-passive with 'davantage'.

Ils s'apprécient à leur juste valeur.

They appreciate each other for what they are truly worth.

Idiomatic expression 'à sa juste valeur'.

S'apprécier soi-même est le début d'une longue romance.

To love oneself is the beginning of a lifelong romance.

Philosophical reflexive use (Oscar Wilde quote style).

Leurs cultures respectives s'apprécient et s'enrichissent.

Their respective cultures appreciate and enrich each other.

Abstract subjects.

Ils ne s'appréciaient guère avant cet incident.

They hardly liked each other before this incident.

Use of 'guère' (hardly).

La subtilité de ce texte ne s'apprécie qu'à la relecture.

The subtlety of this text can only be appreciated upon rereading.

Restrictive 'ne...que' with reflexive-passive.

Une telle amitié ne saurait s'apprécier sans une totale franchise.

Such a friendship cannot be truly valued without total frankness.

Use of 'ne saurait' for formal impossibility.

Ils s'apprécient dans une sorte de connivence intellectuelle.

They appreciate each other in a sort of intellectual complicity.

Nuanced social description.

L'esthétique de cette ruine s'apprécie dans sa déchéance même.

The aesthetic of this ruin is appreciated in its very decay.

Philosophical/Aesthetic context.

Leur haine s'était muée en un sentiment où ils s'appréciaient malgré tout.

Their hatred had transformed into a feeling where they liked each other despite everything.

Complex narrative tense shift.

Peut-on réellement s'apprécier sans se connaître intimement ?

Can one really appreciate each other without knowing each other intimately?

Philosophical inquiry.

La monnaie s'apprécie au gré des fluctuations du marché mondial.

The currency appreciates according to the fluctuations of the global market.

Technical financial usage.

Ils s'apprécient par une reconnaissance tacite de leurs mérites.

They appreciate each other through a tacit recognition of their merits.

Abstract formal nouns.

Le génie de Mozart s'apprécie universellement à travers les siècles.

Mozart's genius is universally appreciated throughout the centuries.

Universal passive-reflexive.

Common Collocations

s'apprécier énormément

apprendre à s'apprécier

s'apprécier mutuellement

s'apprécier à sa juste valeur

ne guère s'apprécier

s'apprécier professionnellement

commencer à s'apprécier

s'apprécier en tant que

toujours s'apprécier

vraiment s'apprécier

Common Phrases

On s'apprécie.

— A casual way to say 'We like each other' or 'We get along'.

Entre voisins, on s'apprécie.

Ils ne peuvent pas s'apprécier.

— They are unable to like or value each other.

Avec leurs caractères, ils ne peuvent pas s'apprécier.

C'est quelqu'un que j'apprécie.

— While not reflexive, this is the root usage: 'It's someone I like/value'.

C'est un collègue que j'apprécie beaucoup.

S'apprécier soi-même.

— To have self-esteem or to like oneself.

Il est difficile de s'apprécier soi-même parfois.

Faire en sorte de s'apprécier.

— To make an effort to like each other.

Ils font en sorte de s'apprécier pour le bien du projet.

S'apprécier de loin.

— To like or respect each other from a distance without being close.

Ils s'apprécient de loin, sans se voir souvent.

S'apprécier au premier regard.

— To like each other at first sight (usually platonic).

Ils se sont appréciés au premier regard.

S'apprécier malgré tout.

— To like each other despite problems or differences.

Ils s'apprécient malgré tout ce qui s'est passé.

S'apprécier pour ce qu'on est.

— To like each other for who they truly are.

L'important est de s'apprécier pour ce qu'on est.

Se faire apprécier.

— To make oneself liked or valued by others.

Il a su se faire apprécier de toute l'équipe.

Often Confused With

s'apprécier vs s'aimer

S'aimer is usually for love/romance; s'apprécier is for respect/liking.

s'apprécier vs s'évaluer

S'évaluer is to test or judge; s'apprécier is to value positively.

s'apprécier vs apprécier

Apprécier (non-reflexive) needs an object; s'apprécier is reciprocal.

Idioms & Expressions

"S'apprécier à sa juste valeur"

— To recognize someone's (or one's own) true worth accurately.

Il est temps que tu t'apprécies à ta juste valeur.

neutral

"Ne pas s'apprécier du tout"

— To have a strong mutual dislike.

Ces deux politiciens ne s'apprécient pas du tout.

neutral

"S'apprécier comme larrons en foire"

— An adaptation of 's'entendre comme larrons en foire', meaning to be thick as thieves.

Ils s'apprécient comme larrons en foire.

informal

"Un goût qui s'apprécie"

— Referring to an acquired taste.

C'est un fromage dont le goût s'apprécie avec le temps.

neutral

"S'apprécier en silence"

— To have a mutual respect that doesn't need to be spoken.

Ils s'apprécient en silence depuis des années.

literary

"S'apprécier par défaut"

— To like each other only because there are no other options.

Dans ce village isolé, ils s'apprécient par défaut.

neutral

"S'apprécier à la folie"

— To like each other extremely much (often hyperbolic).

Ces deux-là s'apprécient à la folie.

informal

"S'apprécier de plus en plus"

— To have a growing mutual affection or respect.

Ils s'apprécient de plus en plus au fil des mois.

neutral

"S'apprécier sans se le dire"

— To like each other without ever openly admitting it.

Ils s'apprécient sans se le dire, par pure pudeur.

neutral

"S'apprécier pour la vie"

— To have a lifelong mutual appreciation.

Ils se sont appréciés pour la vie dès leur rencontre.

neutral

Easily Confused

s'apprécier vs Estimer

Both involve value.

Estimer is more intellectual and formal; s'apprécier is more social and warm.

Je l'estime pour son travail, mais nous ne nous apprécions pas personnellement.

s'apprécier vs S'entendre

Both describe good relationships.

S'entendre is about harmony; s'apprécier is about valuing qualities.

On s'entend bien car on ne se parle jamais, mais on ne s'apprécie pas vraiment.

s'apprécier vs Valoriser

Both relate to worth.

Valoriser is to make something more valuable; s'apprécier is to recognize existing value.

Il valorise son équipe pour qu'ils s'apprécient davantage.

s'apprécier vs Priser

Both mean to value.

Priser is very formal/old-fashioned; s'apprécier is modern.

Un auteur très prisé (highly valued) que tout le monde s'apprécie.

s'apprécier vs Goûter

Both can mean enjoy.

Goûter is for physical taste; s'apprécier is for social/aesthetic value.

On goûte le plat, mais on apprécie la compagnie.

Sentence Patterns

[Subject] s'apprécient.

Ils s'apprécient.

[Subject] s'apprécient [Adverb].

Ils s'apprécient beaucoup.

[Subject] se sont appréciés.

Ils se sont appréciés.

C'est un(e) [Noun] qui s'apprécie [Adverb].

C'est un vin qui s'apprécie frais.

Apprendre à s'apprécier.

Ils doivent apprendre à s'apprécier.

S'apprécier à sa juste valeur.

Il faut s'apprécier à sa juste valeur.

Bien que [Subject] s'apprécient...

Bien qu'ils s'apprécient, ils se disputent.

Ne saurait s'apprécier sans...

Cela ne saurait s'apprécier sans patience.

Word Family

Nouns

appréciation

appréciateur

Verbs

apprécier

déprécier

Adjectives

appréciable

appréciatif

apprécié

prix

estime

valeur

goût

reconnaissance

How to Use It

frequency

High in social and professional contexts.

Common Mistakes

Ils apprécient. → Ils s'apprécient.
Without 's'', the verb is not reciprocal. It needs an object.
Nous apprécions l'un l'autre. → Nous nous apprécions.
In French, the reflexive pronoun 'nous' covers 'each other'.
Ils ont apprécié. → Ils se sont appréciés.
Reflexive verbs use 'être' in the past tense.
Elles se sont apprécié. → Elles se sont appréciées.
The past participle must agree with the subject in this reciprocal context.
Je s'apprécie. → Je m'apprécie.
The reflexive pronoun must match the subject (Je -> me/m').

Tips

Pronoun Check

Always double-check your reflexive pronouns. 'Nous nous apprécions' is correct; 'Nous apprécions' is incomplete.

Intensity

Use 'énormément' if you want to say you really, really like each other without saying you are 'in love'.

Workplace Safe

This is the safest verb to use for describing a good relationship with a coworker in France.

Silent R

The 'r' in the infinitive 's'apprécier' is never pronounced. It ends in an 'ay' sound.

Agreement

Don't forget the 's' or 'es' on 'apprécié' in the past tense when writing about multiple people.

Passive Voice

Use 's'apprécie' to talk about how to best enjoy food or art like a pro.

French Reserve

French people value 's'apprécier' because it's positive but keeps a respectful distance.

Cognate Power

Link it to 'Appreciate'. If you appreciate someone, you 's'apprécie' with them.

Not Just People

Remember the financial meaning for news reports: 'L'euro s'apprécie'.

Liaison

Listen for the 'z' sound in 'vous vous appréciez' and 'nous nous apprécions'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Appreciating the Price'. If you 's'apprécie', you see the 'price' (value) in each other.

Visual Association

Imagine two people holding up gold stars for each other. They are 'valuing' one another.

Word Web

valeur estime goût amitié respect prix jugement sympathie

Challenge

Try to use 's'apprécier' to describe two people you know who are colleagues but not close friends.

Word Origin

From the Old French 'aprecier', which comes from the Late Latin 'appretiare'.

Original meaning: To set a price or value on something.

Romance (Latin root 'pretium' meaning price).

Cultural Context

It is a very safe, respectful word. It is rarely offensive unless used sarcastically.

English speakers often use 'like' for everything. In French, 's'apprécier' is more specific and implies a judgment of quality.

Used in French diplomacy to describe 'cordial relations'. Common in French HR terminology for 'mutual fit'. Appears in classic literature (e.g., Balzac) to describe social standing.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Workplace

Nous nous apprécions professionnellement.
Une équipe qui s'apprécie.
Se faire apprécier de son patron.
S'apprécier malgré la compétition.

Friendship

Ils s'apprécient depuis longtemps.
Apprendre à s'apprécier.
On s'apprécie beaucoup.
S'apprécier pour son humour.

Finance

La monnaie s'apprécie.
L'immobilier s'apprécie.
S'apprécier par rapport à l'inflation.
Une valeur qui s'apprécie.

Aesthetics

Ce vin s'apprécie frais.
L'art s'apprécie avec le temps.
Une musique qui s'apprécie mieux au calme.
S'apprécier à sa juste valeur.

Self-help

Apprendre à s'apprécier.
S'apprécier tel que l'on est.
L'importance de s'apprécier.
S'apprécier soi-même.

Conversation Starters

"Est-ce que tes collègues et toi, vous vous appréciez ?"

"Penses-tu qu'il est possible de s'apprécier sans être amis ?"

"Comment as-tu appris à t'apprécier davantage avec l'âge ?"

"Est-ce que tu penses que les rivaux peuvent s'apprécier ?"

"Quel genre de vin s'apprécie le mieux selon toi ?"

Journal Prompts

Décris une personne que tu as appris à apprécier avec le temps.

Pourquoi est-il important de s'apprécier soi-même avant d'apprécier les autres ?

Raconte une situation où deux personnes qui ne s'aimaient pas ont fini par s'apprécier.

Quelles qualités font que deux collègues s'apprécient mutuellement ?

Explique comment un objet (comme un livre) s'apprécie différemment selon l'âge.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Not exactly. While it means 'to like each other', it usually lacks the romantic intensity of 's'aimer'. It's more about respect and finding the other person pleasant.

You say 'Nous nous apprécions' or 'On s'apprécie'. Both are very common and natural.

It's used for both! For people, it's 'to like each other'. For things (reflexive-passive), it means 'to be enjoyed' (e.g., 'Ce vin s'apprécie frais').

In the passé composé, it is 'se sont appréciés' (for they). Remember to use the auxiliary 'être'.

Yes, 's'apprécier soi-même' means to have self-esteem or to like yourself.

It is neutral. You can use it with your boss, your friends, or your family. It's always polite.

Apprécier needs an object (J'apprécie le café). S'apprécier is for a mutual action (Ils s'apprécient).

Yes, in finance, 's'apprécier' means to increase in value, like a currency or a house.

Put 'ne' before the reflexive pronoun and 'pas' after the verb: 'Ils ne s'apprécient pas'.

Yes, in the reciprocal sense, 'apprécié' agrees with the subject: 'Elles se sont appréciées'.