tirer
To pull, to shoot.
Tirer is a versatile verb meaning to pull physically or to shoot a projectile.
Word in 30 Seconds
- To pull an object towards you.
- To fire a weapon or projectile.
- To extract or derive something.
Summary
Tirer is a versatile verb meaning to pull physically or to shoot a projectile.
- To pull an object towards you.
- To fire a weapon or projectile.
- To extract or derive something.
Use visual cues for doors
Remember that 'Tirez' is often written on doors that need to be pulled. Visualizing a handle helps distinguish it from 'Poussez'.
Don't confuse with train
The noun 'train' (a vehicle) is spelled differently. Do not confuse the action of pulling with the transportation mode.
Sports terminology
In soccer, 'tirer au but' is the standard way to say 'to shoot at the goal'. It is a key term for sports fans.
Examples
2 of 2Il faut tirer sur la corde pour fermer le rideau.
You have to pull the rope to close the curtain.
Le soldat a tiré sur la cible.
The soldier shot at the target.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of a 'T-Rex' pulling things with its tiny arms. T for Tirer.
Aperçu
'Tirer' est un verbe polyvalent du premier groupe. Sa signification de base est physique : déplacer un objet vers soi. Cependant, il a évolué pour couvrir des domaines variés, allant de la balistique à la météo ou au dessin. 2) Modèles d'utilisation : Il se construit souvent avec un complément d'objet direct (tirer une corde). Il peut aussi être suivi de prépositions comme 'de' (tirer quelque chose d'un sac) ou 'sur' (tirer sur une cible). 3) Contextes courants : On l'utilise physiquement pour ouvrir une porte ('poussez' vs 'tirez'), dans le sport pour marquer un but, ou dans des expressions figurées comme 'tirer profit de'. 4) Comparaison : Contrairement à 'traîner' qui implique un effort continu sur le sol, 'tirer' est une action ponctuelle ou directionnelle. 'Pousser' est son antonyme direct dans le contexte du mouvement manuel.
Usage Notes
Tirer is used in both neutral and formal contexts. It is very common in daily life for simple manual tasks. In professional settings, it is often used in figurative expressions.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 'tirer' with 'jeter' (to throw). Remember that 'tirer' involves a connection or projectile path, while 'jeter' means releasing an object into the air.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'T-Rex' pulling things with its tiny arms. T for Tirer.
Word Origin
Derived from the Old French 'tirer', likely of Germanic origin. It has been used since the 12th century to describe the act of pulling.
Cultural Context
The word is essential in French signage, specifically on doors. Understanding this is critical for navigating public spaces in France.
Examples
Il faut tirer sur la corde pour fermer le rideau.
everydayYou have to pull the rope to close the curtain.
Le soldat a tiré sur la cible.
formalThe soldier shot at the target.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
Tirer son épingle du jeu
To get out of a situation unscathed
Tirer la langue
To stick out one's tongue
Often Confused With
Traîner implies dragging something along the ground with effort, whereas tirer simply means pulling.
Grammar Patterns
Use visual cues for doors
Remember that 'Tirez' is often written on doors that need to be pulled. Visualizing a handle helps distinguish it from 'Poussez'.
Don't confuse with train
The noun 'train' (a vehicle) is spelled differently. Do not confuse the action of pulling with the transportation mode.
Sports terminology
In soccer, 'tirer au but' is the standard way to say 'to shoot at the goal'. It is a key term for sports fans.
Test Yourself
Complétez la phrase suivante :
Pour ouvrir cette porte, il faut ___ sur la poignée.
On tire sur une poignée pour ouvrir une porte vers soi.
Score: /1
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsTirer consiste à ramener un objet vers soi, tandis que pousser consiste à l'éloigner de soi. Ce sont les deux actions opposées pour manipuler des objets comme des portes.
Oui, l'expression 'tirer profit de' signifie obtenir un bénéfice ou un avantage d'une situation. C'est un usage figuré très courant.
Non, c'est un verbe régulier du premier groupe se terminant en -er. Il suit la conjugaison standard des verbes comme 'aimer' ou 'parler'.
Related Grammar Rules
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
More general words
abrégé
B1An abstract, summary, or abridgment.
absence
A2The state of being away from a place or person.
absolument
A2Absolutely.
abstinence
B1The practice of restraining oneself from indulging in something.
abstraction
B2Concept ou idée générale plutôt que quelque chose de concret ou particulier.
absurde
B2absurd, ridiculous
à cause de
A2Because of; on account of (a neutral or negative cause).
accompli
B2Successfully completed or achieved.
acheminer
B1To transport, convey, or send something to a destination.
acheté
B2Acquired by paying for it.
