se consacrer
se consacrer in 30 Seconds
- A formal reflexive verb for dedication.
- Requires the preposition 'à' before the object.
- Implies a serious, long-term commitment.
- Used for careers, family, and passions.
The French verb se consacrer is a pronominal verb of the first group, primarily used to express the act of dedicating or devoting oneself entirely to a specific cause, person, activity, or goal. Unlike the simple verb 'consacrer' (to devote something to something else), the reflexive form 'se consacrer' emphasizes the personal investment of the subject. It implies a high level of commitment, often suggesting that the person is setting aside other priorities to focus exclusively on one thing. In a professional context, it often refers to a career path or a specific project. In a personal context, it frequently relates to family, hobbies, or spiritual pursuits.
- Register
- Neutral to Formal. It is highly common in literature, journalism, and formal conversation, though it is perfectly acceptable in everyday speech when discussing serious commitments.
Après avoir travaillé vingt ans dans la finance, il a décidé de se consacrer entièrement à l'humanitaire.
The word carries a certain weight of solemnity because of its etymological roots in 'consecration' or making something sacred. When you use this verb, you are communicating that the effort is not just a passing interest but a profound dedication. It is often followed by the preposition à. For instance, one might say 'Elle se consacre à son art,' which sounds much more permanent and intense than simply saying 'Elle fait de l'art.'
- Grammatical Structure
- Subject + Reflexive Pronoun + Verb Conjugation + à + Noun/Infinitive.
Nous allons nous consacrer à la résolution de ce problème complexe dès demain matin.
Using se consacrer correctly requires attention to the preposition 'à' and its contractions (au, aux). If you are dedicating yourself to a masculine singular noun, use 'au'; for a feminine singular, use 'à la'; for a plural, use 'aux'. This verb is incredibly versatile across different tenses. In the passé composé, it uses the auxiliary verb 'être' like all pronominal verbs, and the past participle 'consacré' must agree in gender and number with the subject if the reflexive pronoun is the direct object (which it usually is in this context).
- Common Usage Patterns
- Se consacrer à sa famille (To devote oneself to one's family), Se consacrer à ses études (To dedicate oneself to one's studies), Se consacrer corps et âme (To devote oneself body and soul).
Marie s'est consacrée à l'éducation de ses enfants pendant plus de dix ans.
When using the verb with an infinitive, the preposition 'à' is still required. For example, 'Il se consacre à peindre' (He devotes himself to painting). However, it is more common in French to use a noun after 'à'. Instead of 'se consacrer à étudier', a native speaker would more likely say 'se consacrer à ses études'. This nuance helps your French sound more natural and less like a direct translation from English.
Est-ce que tu pourrais te consacrer davantage à ton projet de recherche cet été ?
You will frequently encounter se consacrer in media interviews where celebrities, scientists, or politicians discuss their life's work. It is a staple of biographical writing. If you watch French documentaries, the narrator will often use this verb to describe the life of a historical figure. For example, 'Napoléon s'est consacré à la réorganisation de l'État.' It suggests a noble or serious expenditure of time. In workplace environments, a manager might use it during an annual review to suggest a subordinate focus more on specific professional development goals.
- Cultural Context
- In France, there is a strong cultural value placed on 'le métier' (the craft). Using 'se consacrer' to describe one's work implies that the work is a vocation rather than just a job.
Le chercheur a décidé de se consacrer à l'étude des climats anciens pour mieux comprendre le futur.
In social settings, you might hear it when someone explains why they have been absent or busy. 'Je me consacre à ma nouvelle maison en ce moment' (I'm devoting myself to my new house right now). It serves as a polite and definitive way to explain one's priorities. It is also used in the context of volunteer work (le bénévolat), where someone 'se consacre aux autres' (devotes themselves to others), highlighting the altruistic nature of the action.
Elle souhaite se consacrer à la protection des océans après son diplôme.
One of the most frequent errors English speakers make is forgetting the reflexive pronoun. They might say 'Je consacre à mon travail' instead of 'Je me consacre à mon travail.' Without the reflexive pronoun, the sentence is incomplete because 'consacrer' requires a direct object (something you are devoting, like time or money). Another mistake is using the wrong preposition. English speakers often want to use 'pour' (for) instead of 'à'. Remember: in French, you devote yourself to something (à), not for something (pour).
- The 'De' vs 'À' Trap
- Some learners confuse it with verbs that take 'de'. 'Se consacrer' always takes 'à'. Do not say 'se consacrer de'.
Faux: Il se consacre pour son sport. Vrai: Il se consacre à son sport.
Agreement in the passé composé is another hurdle. Since it is a pronominal verb where the reflexive pronoun usually represents the direct object (I devote myself), the past participle must agree with the subject. 'Elle s'est consacrée' (feminine singular) requires an extra 'e'. 'Ils se sont consacrés' (masculine plural) requires an 's'. Forgetting these agreements is a common written error even for intermediate learners.
There are several verbs in French that share a semantic field with se consacrer, but each has a distinct nuance. S'adonner à suggests a habitual activity or a passion, often used for hobbies or even vices (s'adonner à la boisson). Se dévouer à is much stronger and carries a connotation of self-sacrifice or altruism, often used for religious or humanitarian contexts. S'investir dans is very common in modern business French, emphasizing the energy and resources one puts into a project.
- Comparison Table
-
- Se consacrer à: Focus/Time commitment (General).
- Se dévouer à: Total sacrifice (Emotional/Altruistic).
- S'investir dans: Energy/Personal growth (Professional).
- Se vouer à: Destiny/Solemn vow (Formal/Literary).
Au lieu de se consacrer uniquement au travail, il a appris à s'investir dans sa vie sociale.
If you want to say you are 'spending time' on something without the heavy weight of 'dedication', you might simply use passer du temps à. For example, 'Je passe du temps à lire' is much more casual than 'Je me consacre à la lecture'. Choosing the right alternative depends entirely on the level of intensity you wish to convey. Se vouer à is perhaps the most intense, often used in phrases like 'se vouer à l'échec' (to be doomed to failure) or 'se vouer corps et âme'.
How Formal Is It?
Fun Fact
The word originally had a strictly religious meaning. It wasn't until the 16th century that it began to be used in a more secular sense to mean dedicating time or effort to something non-religious.
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing the 'n' in 'con' instead of making it a nasal vowel.
- Making the 'r' sound like an English 'r'.
- Forgetting to pronounce the reflexive pronoun 'se' clearly.
- Confusing the 'e' at the end with an 'ah' sound.
- Stress on the first syllable.
Difficulty Rating
Easy to recognize if you know the English word 'consecrate'.
Requires correct reflexive pronoun and preposition 'à'.
The nasal 'on' and uvular 'r' can be tricky for beginners.
Clear pronunciation usually, but can be fast in native speech.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Pronominal Verb Agreement
Elle s'est consacrée (agreement with feminine subject).
Preposition 'à' with verbs
Se consacrer à (always uses 'à').
Reflexive Pronoun Placement
Je ne me consacre pas (pronoun before verb).
Contractions of 'à'
Il se consacre au (à + le) sport.
Infinitive Construction
Il veut se consacrer à aider (à + infinitive).
Examples by Level
Je me consacre à mon chien.
I devote myself to my dog.
Present tense, 1st person singular.
Tu te consacres à ton jardin ?
Are you dedicating yourself to your garden?
Question form with 'tu'.
Il se consacre à la musique.
He devotes himself to music.
3rd person singular.
Nous nous consacrons à l'école.
We are dedicating ourselves to school.
Double 'nous' for pronominal verbs.
Vous vous consacrez au sport.
You (plural) devote yourselves to sport.
Double 'vous' for pronominal verbs.
Elles se consacrent au dessin.
They (f) devote themselves to drawing.
3rd person plural feminine.
Je veux me consacrer au piano.
I want to devote myself to the piano.
Infinitive after 'vouloir'.
Elle se consacre à son bébé.
She devotes herself to her baby.
Reflexive 'se' used with 'elle'.
Je vais me consacrer à ce projet.
I am going to devote myself to this project.
Futur proche construction.
Pourquoi te consacres-tu à la cuisine ?
Why do you devote yourself to cooking?
Inversion in a question.
Il s'est consacré à son nouveau livre.
He devoted himself to his new book.
Passé composé with 'être'.
Nous ne nous consacrons pas au travail aujourd'hui.
We are not devoting ourselves to work today.
Negation of a pronominal verb.
Elle aime se consacrer aux autres.
She likes to devote herself to others.
Infinitive after 'aimer'.
Ils se consacrent à apprendre le français.
They are dedicating themselves to learning French.
Verb + à + infinitive.
Vous devriez vous consacrer à votre santé.
You should devote yourself to your health.
Conditional 'devriez' + infinitive.
Ma sœur se consacre à la danse classique.
My sister devotes herself to ballet.
Subject is 'Ma sœur'.
Depuis son divorce, il se consacre entièrement à ses enfants.
Since his divorce, he devotes himself entirely to his children.
Use of 'depuis' with present tense.
Elle a décidé de se consacrer à la peinture après sa retraite.
She decided to devote herself to painting after her retirement.
Decided to + infinitive.
Si j'avais le temps, je me consacrerais au bénévolat.
If I had time, I would devote myself to volunteering.
Conditional mood.
Il est important de se consacrer à ses passions pour être heureux.
It is important to devote oneself to one's passions to be happy.
Impersonal 'Il est important de'.
Nous nous sommes consacrés à la rénovation de notre maison.
We devoted ourselves to the renovation of our house.
Passé composé agreement (plural).
Est-ce que tu te consacreras à ton entreprise l'année prochaine ?
Will you devote yourself to your company next year?
Simple future tense.
Elle s'était consacrée à la science bien avant de devenir célèbre.
She had devoted herself to science long before becoming famous.
Plus-que-parfait tense.
Ils se consacrent à la protection de l'environnement depuis des années.
They have been dedicating themselves to environmental protection for years.
Present tense with 'depuis'.
Il est rare qu'un politicien se consacre autant à une seule cause.
It is rare that a politician devotes himself so much to a single cause.
Subjunctive mood after 'Il est rare que'.
Bien qu'elle soit fatiguée, elle continue de se consacrer à ses recherches.
Although she is tired, she continues to devote herself to her research.
Subjunctive with 'Bien que'.
Le poète s'est consacré corps et âme à son œuvre ultime.
The poet devoted himself body and soul to his final work.
Idiomatic expression 'corps et âme'.
On ne peut pas se consacrer à tout en même temps.
One cannot devote oneself to everything at the same time.
Generic subject 'on'.
Elle s'est consacrée à dénoncer les injustices sociales.
She devoted herself to denouncing social injustices.
Se consacrer à + infinitive.
En se consacrant à la méditation, il a trouvé la paix intérieure.
By devoting himself to meditation, he found inner peace.
Gérondif (En + participle).
Il faudrait que vous vous consacriez plus sérieusement à ce dossier.
You would need to devote yourselves more seriously to this file.
Subjunctive after 'Il faudrait que'.
Elle ne s'est jamais consacrée à une activité lucrative.
She never devoted herself to a lucrative activity.
Negation with 'jamais'.
L'écrivain s'est consacré à l'exégèse de textes anciens pendant une décennie.
The writer devoted himself to the exegesis of ancient texts for a decade.
Specific academic vocabulary.
Nul ne peut se consacrer pleinement à autrui s'il s'oublie lui-même.
No one can fully devote themselves to others if they forget themselves.
Formal pronoun 'nul'.
Elle s'est consacrée à la tâche ardue de réformer le système judiciaire.
She devoted herself to the arduous task of reforming the judicial system.
Adjective 'ardue' modifying 'tâche'.
Il s'est agi pour lui de se consacrer à la défense des droits de l'homme.
It was a matter for him of devoting himself to the defense of human rights.
Impersonal 'Il s'est agi de'.
Quoi qu'il arrive, il se consacrera à la vérité historique.
Whatever happens, he will devote himself to historical truth.
Concessive clause 'Quoi qu'il arrive'.
Elle craignait qu'il ne se consacrât trop à ses ambitions personnelles.
She feared that he might devote himself too much to his personal ambitions.
Imperfect subjunctive (literary).
S'étant consacrée à la charité, elle finit ses jours dans la pauvreté.
Having devoted herself to charity, she ended her days in poverty.
Participle clause (Past participle).
Il est impératif que nous nous consacrions à la réduction des émissions de carbone.
It is imperative that we devote ourselves to the reduction of carbon emissions.
Subjunctive after 'Il est impératif que'.
L'ascète s'est consacré à l'atteinte d'un état de pure vacuité.
The ascetic devoted himself to achieving a state of pure emptiness.
Highly abstract vocabulary.
Elle se consacra à l'élaboration d'une théorie remettant en cause les paradigmes établis.
She devoted herself to the development of a theory challenging established paradigms.
Passé simple (literary).
Il se serait consacré à la théologie s'il n'avait pas été happé par la politique.
He would have devoted himself to theology had he not been swallowed by politics.
Conditional past 2nd form (implied).
Le mécène se consacre à l'éclosion de jeunes talents artistiques.
The patron devotes himself to the blossoming of young artistic talents.
Metaphorical use of 'éclosion'.
S'en est-il fallu de peu qu'il ne se consacrât point à cette quête vaine ?
Was it not a near thing that he did not devote himself to this vain quest?
Complex rhetorical structure with 'ne explétif'.
Elle s'est consacrée à l'étude de la phénoménologie avec une rigueur monacale.
She devoted herself to the study of phenomenology with monastical rigor.
Simile 'rigueur monacale'.
Il convient de se consacrer à l'essentiel pour ne pas s'éparpiller dans l'accessoire.
It is appropriate to devote oneself to the essential so as not to scatter oneself in the accessory.
Formal 'Il convient de'.
Puisse-t-il se consacrer à la paix plutôt qu'à la discorde.
May he devote himself to peace rather than discord.
Subjunctive of wish/desire.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— To dedicate oneself full-time to something.
Il se consacre à plein temps à son association.
— To focus only on what is most important.
Il est temps de se consacrer à l'essentiel.
— To be devoted to one's profession.
Un artisan doit se consacrer à son métier.
— To enter or be active in the political field.
Elle a décidé de se consacrer à la politique locale.
— To devote one's life to writing.
Il s'est enfin consacré à l'écriture de ses mémoires.
— To pursue music seriously.
Dès son plus jeune âge, il s'est consacré à la musique.
— To dedicate oneself to defending a cause.
Elle se consacre à la défense des animaux.
— To pursue scientific research as a vocation.
Marie Curie s'est consacrée à la science.
— To devote oneself to one's home and family life.
Elle a choisi de se consacrer à son foyer.
— To dedicate oneself to studying a specific subject.
Il se consacre à l'étude des langues orientales.
Often Confused With
Without 'se', it means to dedicate something (like time or money) to something else, not yourself.
Means to concentrate or focus your mind, whereas 'se consacrer' is about dedicating your life or time.
A much more casual word for being busy with or taking care of something.
Idioms & Expressions
— To devote oneself completely, with all one's energy and spirit.
Il s'est consacré corps et âme à la réussite du projet.
Emphatic— To dedicate oneself fully or 'to the max'.
Elle se consacre à fond dans ses entraînements.
Informal— To be overwhelmed and not know what to focus on.
Avec tant de travail, il ne sait plus à quoi se consacrer.
Neutral— To devote oneself until one is breathless (very intense effort).
Il se consacre à sa tâche à perdre haleine.
Literary— To put oneself at the service of a higher cause.
Il s'est consacré au service de la nation.
Formal— To sacrifice oneself for a specific cause (metaphorical).
Il s'est consacré à l'autel de la science.
Literary— To work dedicatedly without seeking fame or recognition.
Elle se consacre à l'ombre au bien-être des autres.
Poetic— To dedicate oneself to writing (specifically).
Il a quitté l'épée pour se consacrer à la plume.
Literary— To dedicate oneself to farming or working the land.
Après la ville, il s'est consacré à la terre.
Neutral— To try to achieve something extremely difficult.
L'inventeur se consacre à l'impossible.
DramaticEasily Confused
Looks the same.
'Consacrer' takes a direct object: 'Je consacre du temps à cela.' 'Se consacrer' is reflexive: 'Je me consacre à cela.'
Il consacre son dimanche à la pêche.
Similar sound and meaning.
'Se concentrer' is mental focus (short term). 'Se consacrer' is life/time dedication (long term).
Je dois me concentrer sur mon examen.
Synonymous.
'Se dévouer' implies a higher level of sacrifice, often for others.
Elle se dévoue pour ses patients.
Synonymous.
'S'adonner' is often used for hobbies or habits, sometimes with a negative connotation.
Il s'adonne au jeu.
Synonymous.
'S'investir' is more modern and often used in a work or emotional context.
Il s'investit dans son couple.
Sentence Patterns
Je me consacre à [Noun].
Je me consacre à la lecture.
Je vais me consacrer à [Noun].
Je vais me consacrer à mon piano.
[Subject] s'est consacré à [Infinitive].
Il s'est consacré à aider les pauvres.
Il est important de se consacrer à [Noun].
Il est important de se consacrer à sa santé.
S'étant consacré à [Noun], [Subject] [Verb].
S'étant consacré à l'art, il devint célèbre.
Puisse-t-il se consacrer à [Noun].
Puisse-t-il se consacrer à la sagesse.
Si j'avais le temps, je me consacrerais à [Noun].
Si j'avais le temps, je me consacrerais au sport.
Bien qu'il se consacre à [Noun]...
Bien qu'il se consacre à son travail, il est souvent libre.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
Common in media, literature, and formal education discussions.
-
Je consacre à mon travail.
→
Je me consacre à mon travail.
Forgot the reflexive pronoun 'me'.
-
Il se consacre pour la musique.
→
Il se consacre à la musique.
Used 'pour' instead of 'à'.
-
Elle s'est consacré à ses enfants.
→
Elle s'est consacrée à ses enfants.
Forgot the feminine agreement in passé composé.
-
Je me consacre de mon jardin.
→
Je me consacre à mon jardin.
Used 'de' instead of 'à'.
-
Nous nous consacrons de apprendre.
→
Nous nous consacrons à apprendre.
Used 'de' before an infinitive instead of 'à'.
Tips
Preposition Alert
Always follow 'se consacrer' with 'à'. Never use 'de' or 'pour', which are common mistakes for English speakers.
Intensity
Use 'se consacrer' when you want to sound more serious and committed than just using 'faire' or 'passer du temps'.
Nasal 'on'
Make sure the 'on' in 'con' is fully nasal. Don't let your tongue touch the roof of your mouth for the 'n'.
Agreement
In written French, remember to add an 'e' or 's' to 'consacré' in the passé composé to match the subject.
Formal Contexts
This is an excellent verb to use in cover letters or CVs to describe your professional focus.
Reflexive Flow
Practice saying 'Je me consacre', 'Tu te consacres' quickly to get used to the reflexive rhythm.
Vocation
Understand that in France, 'se consacrer' often implies a sense of calling or vocation.
Adverb Use
Pair it with adverbs like 'entièrement', 'pleinement', or 'exclusivement' for extra emphasis.
Versus 'S'investir'
Use 's'investir' for projects and 'se consacrer' for long-term life paths or causes.
English Cognate
Think of the English word 'Consecrate'. It shares the same Latin root and a similar sense of making something special or dedicated.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'consecrate'. When you 'se consacrer', you are 'consecrating' your own time to something important.
Visual Association
Imagine a person standing in a spotlight, ignoring everything else around them, focused solely on a single object (like a book or a violin).
Word Web
Challenge
Try to write three sentences about what you would do if you could 'se consacrer' to any hobby for a full year.
Word Origin
Derived from the Latin 'consecrare', which is formed from 'con-' (together/with) and 'sacrare' (to make sacred).
Original meaning: To dedicate something to a god or to religious use; to make holy.
Romance (Latin root).Cultural Context
No specific sensitivities, but avoid using it for trivial or light tasks as it might sound sarcastic.
English speakers often use 'dedicate oneself' or 'devote oneself', but 'se consacrer' sounds slightly more formal and intentional than 'spend time on'.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Career Change
- se consacrer à un nouveau métier
- se consacrer à sa passion
- se consacrer à l'entrepreneuriat
- se consacrer à sa reconversion
Family Life
- se consacrer à ses enfants
- se consacrer à son foyer
- se consacrer à ses parents
- se consacrer à sa famille
Studies
- se consacrer à ses examens
- se consacrer à la recherche
- se consacrer à l'apprentissage
- se consacrer à ses devoirs
Social Work
- se consacrer aux autres
- se consacrer au bénévolat
- se consacrer à une cause
- se consacrer à l'humanitaire
Artistic Pursuit
- se consacrer à son art
- se consacrer à l'écriture
- se consacrer à la peinture
- se consacrer à la musique
Conversation Starters
"À quelle activité aimerais-tu te consacrer si tu avais plus de temps libre ?"
"Penses-tu qu'il soit possible de se consacrer à plusieurs passions à la fois ?"
"Est-ce que tu te consacres beaucoup à ton travail en ce moment ?"
"À quel projet vas-tu te consacrer l'été prochain ?"
"Connais-tu quelqu'un qui s'est consacré entièrement à une cause noble ?"
Journal Prompts
Décrivez une période de votre vie où vous vous êtes consacré entièrement à un objectif précis.
Si vous deviez vous consacrer à une seule cause pour le reste de votre vie, laquelle choisiriez-vous ?
Quels sont les avantages et les inconvénients de se consacrer corps et âme à son travail ?
Comment trouvez-vous l'équilibre entre vous consacrer à vous-même et vous consacrer aux autres ?
Écrivez sur une personne célèbre qui s'est consacrée à changer le monde.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, when you want to say you are dedicating yourself. If you are dedicating something else (like money), you use the non-reflexive 'consacrer'.
No, the correct preposition is always 'à'. For example, 'se consacrer à son travail'.
Use 'être' and agree the past participle: 'Elle s'est consacrée', 'Ils se sont consacrés'.
'Se consacrer' is about time and life dedication. 'Se concentrer' is about mental focus on a specific task.
It is neutral to formal. It is very common in newspapers and books, but also used in serious daily conversation.
Yes, but it implies you take the hobby very seriously. 'Je me consacre au tennis' means you play a lot and want to improve.
It is an idiom meaning to devote oneself 'body and soul', or completely and totally.
The reflexive pronoun (me, te, se, etc.) is the direct object. The thing you are dedicated to is the indirect object (introduced by 'à').
Yes, but you must keep the 'à'. Example: 'Il se consacre à aider les autres'.
Yes, very often. 'L'entreprise se consacre au service client' (The company is dedicated to customer service).
Test Yourself 180 questions
Write a sentence: 'I devote myself to French.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence: 'She devoted herself to her children.' (Passé composé)
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence: 'We will dedicate ourselves to this project.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence: 'They (m) are dedicating themselves to the search.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence: 'You (formal) should devote yourself to your health.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'He wants to devote himself to music.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'By devoting myself to art, I am happy.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a question: 'Are you dedicating yourself to your studies?' (Tu form)
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'She had dedicated herself to her career.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'It is important that we dedicate ourselves to peace.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence about a hobby using 'se consacrer'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence using 'corps et âme'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'They (f) never dedicated themselves to politics.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'I would like to dedicate myself to volunteering.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence in the imperative (Nous form).
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'Whatever happens, she will dedicate herself to the truth.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'It was a matter of dedicating himself to his art.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence using 'se consacrer à l'ombre'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'May he dedicate himself to peace.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence using 'se consacrer' in the passé simple (Il form).
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Pronounce: 'Je me consacre.'
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Pronounce: 'Nous nous consacrons.'
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Pronounce: 'Il s'est consacré.'
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Pronounce: 'Vous vous consacrez.'
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Pronounce: 'Elle s'est consacrée.'
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say: 'I devote myself to music.'
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say: 'He devotes himself to his family.'
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say: 'We are dedicating ourselves to French.'
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say: 'They are dedicating themselves to the project.'
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say: 'I want to devote myself to art.'
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say: 'You should devote yourself to your health.'
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say: 'She devoted herself body and soul.'
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say: 'It is important to dedicate oneself.'
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say: 'Will you dedicate yourself to it?'
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say: 'By dedicating myself, I succeed.'
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say: 'I have dedicated myself to research.'
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say: 'We must dedicate ourselves to the task.'
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say: 'She will dedicate herself to her book.'
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say: 'They had dedicated themselves to science.'
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say: 'I would dedicate myself to it if I could.'
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Listen and write: 'Je me consacre à mon travail.'
Listen and write: 'Elle se consacre à la musique.'
Listen and write: 'Nous nous consacrons à vous.'
Listen and write: 'Il s'est consacré à son fils.'
Listen and write: 'Ils se consacrent aux autres.'
Listen and write: 'Je veux me consacrer à l'art.'
Listen and write: 'Elle s'est consacrée à la science.'
Listen and write: 'Vous vous consacrez à la paix.'
Listen and write: 'Il se consacre corps et âme.'
Listen and write: 'Nous nous sommes consacrés au projet.'
Listen and write: 'Je me consacrerai à mes études.'
Listen and write: 'Elle s'était consacrée à l'écriture.'
Listen and write: 'Ils se consacrèrent à la recherche.'
Listen and write: 'Il convient de se consacrer à l'essentiel.'
Listen and write: 'Puisse-t-il se consacrer à la vérité.'
/ 180 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
The verb 'se consacrer' is the best way to describe a deep, exclusive commitment to a goal. Example: 'Il se consacre à la médecine' (He devotes himself to medicine).
- A formal reflexive verb for dedication.
- Requires the preposition 'à' before the object.
- Implies a serious, long-term commitment.
- Used for careers, family, and passions.
Preposition Alert
Always follow 'se consacrer' with 'à'. Never use 'de' or 'pour', which are common mistakes for English speakers.
Intensity
Use 'se consacrer' when you want to sound more serious and committed than just using 'faire' or 'passer du temps'.
Nasal 'on'
Make sure the 'on' in 'con' is fully nasal. Don't let your tongue touch the roof of your mouth for the 'n'.
Agreement
In written French, remember to add an 'e' or 's' to 'consacré' in the passé composé to match the subject.
Related Content
More general words
à cause de
A2Because of; on account of (a neutral or negative cause).
à côté
A2Next to; beside.
à côté de
A2Next to, beside.
À droite
A2To the right; on the right side.
À gauche
A2To the left; on the left side.
à la
A2To the (feminine singular), indicates direction or location.
à laquelle
B2To which; at which (feminine singular).
à mesure que
B2As; while; in proportion as.
abrégé
B1An abstract, summary, or abridgment.
absence
A2The state of being away from a place or person.