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B1 verb #7,000 mais comum 10 min de leitura

franchir

Top 7,000

Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas franchir em 30 segundos

Explicação franchir in your Level:

At the A1 level, you likely won't use 'franchir' often, as 'passer' or 'aller' are simpler alternatives. However, you might see it in very basic contexts like sports or simple directions. Think of it as 'crossing a line.' At this stage, focus on the physical action: stepping over something. For example, 'Il franchit la ligne' (He crosses the line). You don't need to worry about complex metaphorical uses yet. Just remember that it is a regular verb ending in -ir, and it describes a movement over a specific point. It is a 'doing' word for when you move from one side of a mark to the other. You might hear it in a simple game or a race. Keep it simple: one step over a line is the easiest way to visualize 'franchir.'

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At the A2 level, you can start using 'franchir' for more specific physical actions. Instead of just saying 'I cross the street' (which is 'traverser'), you can use 'franchir' when you cross a border or a specific threshold, like entering a house. You will learn that it uses 'avoir' in the past tense: 'J'ai franchi.' You might use it to talk about travel, like 'franchir la frontière' (crossing the border). This adds more precision to your vocabulary. You are moving beyond simple movement and starting to describe the *nature* of the movement—specifically, crossing a limit. It's a useful word for talking about sports or reaching a simple goal in a game. You can also begin to understand it in the context of 'franchir une étape' (passing a step or stage) in a simple project or lesson.

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At the B1 level, 'franchir' becomes a key vocabulary word for expressing milestones and overcoming obstacles. You should be comfortable using it both physically (crossing a mountain pass, jumping a hurdle) and metaphorically (reaching an age, passing a difficult phase). You will encounter the common idiom 'franchir le pas,' which means to take a big decision or 'take the plunge.' This is the level where you distinguish 'franchir' from 'traverser' more clearly; 'franchir' is for barriers, 'traverser' is for spaces. You will see it in news articles about economic records or population changes. You should also be able to conjugate it correctly in various tenses, including the future and the conditional, to talk about goals you hope to 'franchir' in the future.

At the B2 level, you should use 'franchir' with nuance and confidence in formal and informal settings. You'll use it to describe breaking through social or psychological barriers. You will understand its use in more complex idiomatic expressions like 'franchir la ligne rouge' (to cross the red line/go too far). In your writing, 'franchir' will help you describe progress in a more sophisticated way than 'passer.' You will also be aware of the agreement of the past participle when the direct object precedes the verb (e.g., 'Les difficultés qu'elle a franchies'). You can use it in debates to discuss limits, boundaries, and ethical lines. It becomes a tool for precise description in both storytelling and professional reporting, allowing you to highlight the significance of a transition.

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At the C1 level, 'franchir' is used with stylistic flair. You will recognize it in classical and modern literature where it might describe a character 'franchissant' a threshold of consciousness or a societal boundary. You'll understand the subtle difference between 'franchir' and 'outrepasser' (to overstep/exceed authority). You can use it to describe complex scientific or philosophical breakthroughs, such as 'franchir les limites de la connaissance.' Your use of the word will be precise, often choosing it over synonyms to emphasize the 'barrier' aspect of a transition. You'll also be comfortable with its use in various registers, from the highly formal 'franchir le rubicon' (to cross the Rubicon/make an irrevocable decision) to more common daily uses. You will appreciate how the word adds weight and significance to the act of crossing.

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At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of 'franchir' and its place in the French language. You can use it to convey subtle shades of meaning, such as the difference between clearing a physical hurdle and surpassing a conceptual limit. You are familiar with its historical etymology and how its meaning has evolved. You can use it in high-level academic writing, legal contexts (regarding borders or jurisdictions), and poetic expression. You understand how 'franchir' interacts with other sophisticated verbs to create a rich tapestry of description. Whether you are analyzing a text or delivering a keynote speech, you use 'franchir' to precisely denote the moment of transition, the overcoming of resistance, and the attainment of a new state. It is no longer just a verb of movement, but a verb of transformation and achievement.

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Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas

franchir em 30 segundos

Franchir means to cross a physical or metaphorical barrier, such as a finish line or a milestone.
It is a regular -ir verb conjugated with 'avoir' in compound tenses.
Commonly used in sports, business milestones, and making big life decisions ('franchir le pas').
Different from 'traverser' because it focuses on the limit itself rather than the space.

The French verb franchir is a powerful and evocative word that describes the act of crossing, passing over, or surmounting a physical or metaphorical barrier. At its core, it implies a transition from one side of a limit to another, often involving effort or the overcoming of a hurdle. While English speakers might simply use 'to cross' or 'to pass,' franchir carries a specific nuance of overcoming a distinct boundary or threshold.

Physical Movement: In a literal sense, it is used when someone steps over a line, jumps over a fence, or crosses a geographical border. It suggests the presence of a marker that defines two separate spaces.

Le coureur a enfin réussi à franchir la ligne d'arrivée après une course épuisante.

Beyond the physical, franchir is frequently employed in abstract contexts. It refers to reaching milestones, passing stages in a process, or breaking through psychological barriers. For instance, when a company reaches a certain valuation or an individual reaches a certain age, they are said to 'franchir un cap' (to cross a milestone). This usage highlights the word's versatility in describing progress and achievement.

Metaphorical Thresholds: It is used for significant life changes, such as 'franchir le pas' (taking the plunge), which means making a definitive decision to move forward with something significant.

Elle a décidé de franchir le pas et de créer sa propre entreprise.

In literature and formal speech, franchir adds a layer of elegance and precision. It differentiates the simple act of walking through a space from the significant act of passing through a gateway or over a mountain range. It is a verb of action, movement, and success. Whether it is a pilot crossing the sound barrier or a student passing a difficult exam level, franchir captures the essence of movement beyond a limit.

Obstacles and Hurdles: The word is the standard term in athletics for clearing a hurdle (une haie). This physical action perfectly mirrors the metaphorical use of overcoming difficulties.

L'athlète doit franchir dix obstacles avant de terminer le parcours.

Nous avons franchi la frontière à l'aube pour éviter les contrôles.

Le projet a franchi une étape cruciale lors de la réunion de ce matin.

Using franchir correctly involves understanding the direct relationship between the subject and the object (the barrier). It is a transitive verb, meaning it almost always takes a direct object—the thing being crossed. Unlike 'passer,' which can be intransitive, franchir requires you to specify what is being overcome.

Geographical Contexts: When talking about mountains, rivers, or borders, 'franchir' suggests a journey or a challenge. You don't just 'cross' them; you 'conquer' the distance across them.

Les explorateurs ont dû franchir le fleuve malgré le courant fort.

In everyday language, you will often hear it used with 'le seuil' (the threshold). This can be literal, like walking into a house, or metaphorical, like entering a new phase of life. It implies a moment of entry that is significant. For example, 'franchir le seuil de la porte' is a common way to describe someone entering a room with intent.

Numerical and Statistical Milestones: In news and business, 'franchir' is used when numbers pass a certain level. 'Franchir la barre des un million d'utilisateurs' (to cross the one million user mark) is a standard phrase.

Le prix du pétrole a franchi un nouveau record historique aujourd'hui.

When discussing obstacles, 'franchir' is the verb of choice for anything that requires jumping or climbing over. In an equestrian context, a horse 'franchit un obstacle' (clears a jump). In a metaphorical sense, when you 'franchis les obstacles de la vie,' you are overcoming life's difficulties with a sense of forward momentum.

The 'Le Pas' Idiom: This is perhaps the most common idiomatic use. It means to take a decisive step. 'Il a enfin franchi le pas et a demandé sa main.'

Pour réussir, il faut parfois oser franchir le pas vers l'inconnu.

Les coureurs s'apprêtent à franchir le col de la montagne à vélo.

Une fois la porte franchie, il n'y a plus de retour en arrière possible.

In modern French society, franchir is omnipresent across various media and social interactions. You will encounter it in news broadcasts, sports commentary, financial reports, and everyday conversations about personal milestones. It is a word that bridges the gap between technical precision and emotional resonance.

The World of Sports: Listen to a commentator during the Tour de France or an athletics meet. They will constantly use 'franchir' to describe cyclists reaching a summit or runners crossing the line. It adds drama to the moment of completion.

Le champion vient de franchir la ligne en première position, battant le record du monde.

In political and social discourse, the term 'franchir la ligne rouge' (to cross the red line) is used to describe a limit that should not have been passed. This is a common phrase in diplomatic discussions or when debating ethics and laws. It implies that a boundary of acceptable behavior has been violated.

Travel and Migration: When discussing international travel or the movement of people, 'franchir la frontière' is the standard way to express crossing from one country to another, emphasizing the legal or physical barrier of the border.

Des milliers de personnes tentent de franchir la frontière chaque jour en quête d'une vie meilleure.

In corporate environments, managers use franchir to talk about project phases. 'Nous avons franchi une étape importante' means a significant milestone has been achieved. It sounds more professional and impactful than simply saying 'we finished a part.'

Aviation and Science: You'll hear it in scientific documentaries when discussing speed or limits. 'Franchir le mur du son' (breaking the sound barrier) is the classic example of this usage.

L'avion a réussi à franchir le mur du son sans aucune difficulté technique.

Le fleuve a franchi sa cote d'alerte à cause des pluies torrentielles.

Il est temps de franchir de nouveaux horizons pour notre entreprise.

While franchir is a versatile verb, English speakers often confuse it with other verbs of movement like 'passer' or 'traverser.' Understanding these distinctions is key to sounding natural in French.

Franchir vs. Traverser: 'Traverser' means to go from one side to the other of a space (like a street or a park). 'Franchir' means to go over a specific limit or barrier (like a fence or a border). You 'traverse' a city, but you 'franchis' its gates.

Faux: J'ai franchi la rue. (Incorrect unless there was a literal barrier in the street). Correct: J'ai traversé la rue.

Another common error is using 'franchir' as an intransitive verb. In English, you can say 'I crossed over,' but in French, you must cross *something*. You cannot simply say 'J'ai franchi' without an object.

Franchir vs. Passer: 'Passer' is very general. 'Franchir' implies a specific effort or a clear boundary. If you 'pass' a door, you just walk through it. If you 'franchis' a door, it might have been locked, guarded, or representing a significant entrance.

Il a passé l'examen (He passed the exam). You wouldn't usually say 'franchi l'examen' unless you are speaking about reaching a specific level within it.

Confusion also arises with the auxiliary verb in the passé composé. Because franchir involves movement, some learners mistakenly use 'être.' Remember: franchir always uses 'avoir.' 'Je suis franchi' is incorrect; it must be 'J'ai franchi.'

Literal vs. Figurative Overuse: Avoid using 'franchir' for every type of 'overcoming.' If you are overcoming a fear, 'vaincre' or 'surmonter' is often better. 'Franchir' is best for hurdles that feel like a line or a step.

Il a surmonté sa peur (He overcame his fear), rather than 'franchi sa peur.'

Elle n'a pas osé franchir le seuil de la maison abandonnée.

Attention à ne pas franchir les limites de la courtoisie.

To expand your vocabulary, it's helpful to compare franchir with its synonyms and related terms. Each has a specific nuance that makes it suitable for different contexts.

Traverser: Emphasis on the space between two points. 'Traverser l'océan' (to cross the ocean) implies the whole journey across the water.
Surmonter: Focuses on the difficulty. 'Surmonter une épreuve' (to overcome an ordeal) suggests a struggle that was won.
Enjamber: A more literal, physical action. It means to 'step over' something, like a puddle or a low wall.

Il a dû enjamber le petit ruisseau pour ne pas se mouiller les pieds.

In more formal or technical contexts, you might use 'dépasser.' This means to go beyond or exceed. While 'franchir' is about the act of crossing the line, 'dépasser' often focuses on being further ahead or higher than a certain point.

Passer: The most common and neutral term. 'Passer la douane' (to go through customs) is more common than 'franchir la douane' unless you want to emphasize the barrier aspect.

Nous avons traversé tout le pays en train cet été.

For abstract obstacles like fears or social barriers, 'briser' (to break) or 'lever' (to lift) might be used. 'Lever un obstacle' means to remove it so you can pass, whereas 'franchir un obstacle' means you went over it while it was still there.

Sauter: To jump. Used when 'franchir' involves a literal leap. 'Sauter par-dessus une barrière' is a synonym for 'franchir une barrière' when jumping is the method.

Le cheval a sauté la haie avec une grande agilité.

Le navire a franchi le détroit pendant la nuit.

Il est nécessaire de dépasser ses propres préjugés pour comprendre les autres.

How Formal Is It?

Curiosidade

The word 'franchir' is a cousin to 'France' and 'frank.' It originally described the actions of the 'Franks,' a Germanic people who were 'free' compared to the conquered populations. Crossing a barrier was seen as an act of a free person.

Guia de pronúncia

UK /fʁɑ̃.ʃiʁ/

US /fʁɑ̃.ʃiʁ/

In French, the stress is generally on the last syllable: fran-CHIR.

Rima com

finir partir sortir réussir ouvrir dormir mentir choisir

Erros comuns

Pronouncing 'ch' like 'k' (it should be 'sh').
Not nasaling the 'an'.
Pronouncing the 'r' like an English 'r'.
Forgetting to pronounce the final 'r'.
Confusing the 'i' sound with 'ai'.

Nível de dificuldade

Leitura 3/5

Easy to recognize in context as it looks like 'franchise' or 'frank'.

Escrita 4/5

Requires correct -ir verb conjugation and understanding of direct objects.

Expressão oral 4/5

The nasal 'an' and the French 'r' can be tricky for beginners.

Audição 3/5

Clear 'sh' and 'r' sounds make it relatively easy to distinguish.

O que aprender depois

Pré-requisitos

Passer Traverser Ligne Porte Finir

Aprenda a seguir

Surmonter Dépasser Outrepasser Accéder Parvenir

Avançado

Transgresser Enjamber Transcender S'affranchir de Infranchissable

Gramática essencial

Regular -IR Verb Conjugation

Nous franchissons (like nous finissons).

Passé Composé with Avoir

J'ai franchi (not Je suis franchi).

Past Participle Agreement

La porte qu'il a franchie (Agreement with 'porte').

Transitive Verb Usage

Franchir [Direct Object] - no preposition.

Gerundive for simultaneous action

En franchissant la porte, il a souri.

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Exemplos por nível

Il franchit la ligne.

He crosses the line.

Simple present tense of a regular -ir verb.

Le chat franchit la porte.

The cat crosses the door(way).

Focus on the physical threshold.

Je franchis le mur.

I cross (go over) the wall.

Used for a physical barrier.

Elle franchit le ruisseau.

She crosses the stream.

Implies a small jump or step over.

Nous franchissons la barrière.

We are crossing the barrier.

Note the 'iss' in the plural conjugation.

Tu franchis le seuil.

You cross the threshold.

Common use for entering a room.

Ils franchissent l'arrivée.

They cross the finish (line).

Plural present tense.

L'enfant franchit le carton.

The child steps over the box.

Simple physical action.

J'ai franchi la frontière hier.

I crossed the border yesterday.

Passé composé with 'avoir'.

Il a franchi tous les obstacles.

He crossed (overcame) all the obstacles.

Introduction of metaphorical 'overcoming'.

Nous allons franchir la montagne.

We are going to cross the mountain.

Futur proche with infinitive.

Elle franchit une nouvelle étape.

She is passing a new stage.

Used for progress in a process.

Tu as franchi la porte du garage.

You crossed the garage door.

Specific physical threshold.

Le train franchit le tunnel.

The train passes through (crosses) the tunnel.

Movement through a defined space.

Ils ont franchi le cap des 10 km.

They crossed the 10 km mark.

Used for distance milestones.

Vous franchissez la rivière en bateau.

You are crossing the river by boat.

Method of crossing.

Il a enfin franchi le pas.

He finally took the plunge (took the step).

Idiomatic expression 'franchir le pas'.

L'entreprise a franchi le million d'euros.

The company crossed the million euro mark.

Used for financial thresholds.

Elle doit franchir ses peurs pour réussir.

She must overcome (cross) her fears to succeed.

Metaphorical use for emotions.

Nous avons franchi une étape décisive.

We have passed a decisive stage.

Common in professional contexts.

Le coureur a franchi la haie avec aisance.

The runner cleared the hurdle with ease.

Standard term for hurdles in sports.

Tu franchiras bientôt la trentaine.

You will soon turn (cross) thirty.

Future tense for age milestones.

Ils franchissent les limites de la ville.

They are crossing the city limits.

Geographical boundaries.

Le prix a franchi un seuil psychologique.

The price crossed a psychological threshold.

Abstract boundary in economics.

Le gouvernement a franchi la ligne rouge.

The government has crossed the red line.

Idiom for exceeding acceptable limits.

Il faut franchir les barrières sociales.

One must break through social barriers.

Sociological context.

Une fois le seuil franchi, tout change.

Once the threshold is crossed, everything changes.

Passive-style use with past participle.

Les étapes qu'il a franchies sont admirables.

The stages he has passed are admirable.

Agreement of the past participle 'franchies' with 'étapes'.

L'avion a franchi le mur du son.

The plane broke the sound barrier.

Technical/Scientific usage.

Elle a franchi le cap des 50 ans avec joie.

She reached the 50-year milestone with joy.

Milestone idiom 'franchir le cap'.

Ils ont franchi une zone de turbulences.

They passed through a zone of turbulence.

Can be literal or metaphorical.

Le projet franchit actuellement sa phase finale.

The project is currently entering its final phase.

Ongoing process description.

Le poète franchit les frontières du réel.

The poet crosses the boundaries of reality.

Literary and abstract usage.

Il a franchi le Rubicon en démissionnant.

He crossed the Rubicon by resigning.

Historical/Idiomatic reference to an irrevocable act.

L'humanité s'apprête à franchir un nouveau seuil technologique.

Humanity is preparing to cross a new technological threshold.

Formal/Academic tone.

Sa plume franchit les époques sans vieillir.

His writing (pen) crosses the eras without aging.

Metaphorical use for time and legacy.

Le candidat a franchi l'obstacle des parrainages.

The candidate overcame the hurdle of endorsements.

Political/Administrative context.

Il est rare de franchir une telle distance en si peu de temps.

It is rare to cover such a distance in so little time.

Formal structure with infinitive.

L'œuvre franchit les limites de l'entendement.

The work goes beyond the limits of understanding.

Philosophical/Artistic critique.

Elle a franchi les rangs pour devenir directrice.

She rose through the ranks to become director.

Career progression metaphor.

L'explorateur franchit l'ultime frontière de la connaissance.

The explorer crosses the ultimate frontier of knowledge.

Highly abstract and elevated style.

Le texte franchit le cadre strict de l'analyse pour devenir poésie.

The text transcends the strict framework of analysis to become poetry.

Nuanced description of transformation.

En franchissant ce portail, vous renoncez à votre passé.

By crossing this portal, you renounce your past.

Gerundive use for condition and consequence.

L'inflation a franchi un point de non-retour.

Inflation has crossed a point of no return.

Economic/Systemic irreversibility.

Chaque mot franchi est une victoire sur le silence.

Each word passed (spoken) is a victory over silence.

Poetic use of the past participle.

Il a fallu franchir des abîmes d'incompréhension.

It was necessary to cross abysses of misunderstanding.

Metaphorical use of 'abîme' with 'franchir'.

La loi franchit les barrières juridiques habituelles.

The law bypasses the usual legal barriers.

Legal/Technical nuance.

Le génie consiste à franchir ce que les autres croient infranchissable.

Genius consists in crossing what others believe impassable.

Philosophical definition using the related adjective 'infranchissable'.

Colocações comuns

Franchir le seuil

Franchir la frontière

Franchir la ligne d'arrivée

Franchir un cap

Franchir une étape

Franchir un obstacle

Franchir le mur du son

Franchir la barre des...

Franchir les limites

Franchir une porte

Frases Comuns

Franchir le pas

— To make a big decision or take a decisive action after hesitating. It's like 'taking the plunge.'

J'ai enfin franchi le pas et j'ai démissionné.

Franchir la ligne rouge

— To cross a limit that should not be passed, often leading to consequences. It refers to unacceptable behavior.

Leur comportement a franchi la ligne rouge.

Franchir le Rubicon

— To take an irrevocable step. Once you do it, there is no going back.

En signant ce contrat, il franchit le Rubicon.

Franchir la rampe

— In theater, to successfully reach the audience. Metaphorically, to become popular or understood.

Cette pièce a du mal à franchir la rampe.

Franchir les échelons

— To climb the social or professional ladder step by step.

Il a franchi tous les échelons de l'entreprise.

Franchir le col

— To pass the highest point of a mountain road before descending.

Nous franchirons le col demain matin.

Franchir une haie

— To jump over a hurdle in a race or a fence in a field.

L'athlète franchit la haie avec grâce.

Franchir le seuil de la pauvreté

— To fall below (or rise above) the statistical line defining poverty.

De plus en plus de familles franchissent le seuil de la pauvreté.

Franchir la barre symbolique

— To reach a number that has a special meaning, like 100 or 1000.

Le site a franchi la barre symbolique des 1000 abonnés.

Franchir un fossé

— To bridge a gap, literally or figuratively (like a cultural gap).

Il faut franchir le fossé entre nos deux cultures.

Frequentemente confundido com

franchir vs Traverser

Traverser is for crossing a space (a park), franchir is for crossing a line/barrier (a fence).

franchir vs Passer

Passer is generic; franchir implies a specific threshold or effort.

franchir vs Dépasser

Dépasser is to go past or exceed; franchir is the specific act of crossing the boundary.

Expressões idiomáticas

"Franchir le pas"

— To decide to do something significant after a period of doubt.

Elle a franchi le pas et s'est mariée.

Common

"Franchir la ligne rouge"

— To exceed the limits of what is acceptable or allowed.

Tu as franchi la ligne rouge avec tes insultes.

Neutral

"Franchir le Rubicon"

— To commit to a course of action from which there is no return.

Il a franchi le Rubicon en révélant le secret.

Literary/Historical

"Franchir le cap"

— To pass a difficult or significant stage/milestone.

L'enfant a franchi le cap de la première année.

Common

"Franchir la porte"

— To enter a place, often implying a start or a new beginning.

Franchir la porte de l'université est un grand moment.

Neutral

"Franchir les distances"

— To overcome the separation between people or places.

L'internet nous aide à franchir les distances.

Poetic

"Franchir un mur"

— To overcome a seemingly impossible barrier (often psychological).

Il a enfin franchi le mur du silence.

Metaphorical

"Franchir le seuil de la conscience"

— To become aware of something that was previously hidden.

Cette idée a fini par franchir le seuil de sa conscience.

Philosophical

"Franchir les mers"

— To travel across oceans, often implying a long and arduous journey.

Ses ancêtres ont franchi les mers pour venir ici.

Literary

"Franchir l'obstacle"

— To successfully deal with a problem that was blocking progress.

Nous avons franchi l'obstacle financier.

Neutral

Fácil de confundir

franchir vs Traverser

Both mean 'to cross' in English.

Traverser focuses on the duration and the area (crossing the desert). Franchir focuses on the point of transition (crossing the finish line).

Je traverse la forêt, mais je franchis la clôture.

franchir vs Passer

Both imply moving from one place to another.

Passer is simple movement. Franchir implies an obstacle or a significant limit.

Passe par ici. Il a franchi le mur.

franchir vs Surmonter

Both mean 'overcoming' something.

Surmonter is usually for difficulties and emotions. Franchir is for physical or numerical limits.

Il surmonte sa peur. Il franchit la montagne.

franchir vs Enjamber

Both involve going over something.

Enjamber is strictly physical (stepping over). Franchir can be metaphorical.

Il enjambe le ruisseau.

franchir vs Outrepasser

Both involve going beyond a limit.

Outrepasser usually means doing something you shouldn't (overstepping authority). Franchir is more neutral or positive.

Il a outrepassé ses droits.

Padrões de frases

S + franchit + Object

Le chien franchit la haie.

S + a franchi + Object

Il a franchi la porte.

S + a réussi à + franchir + Object

Elle a réussi à franchir l'obstacle.

S + va + franchir + le cap de + [Number]

Il va franchir le cap des 40 ans.

Object + que + S + a franchi(e)

La frontière que nous avons franchie.

En franchissant + Object, S + V

En franchissant le seuil, il comprit tout.

Il est temps de + franchir le pas

Il est temps de franchir le pas pour ton avenir.

S + franchit + les limites de + [Abstract Noun]

Cette découverte franchit les limites de la science.

Família de palavras

Substantivos

franchissement (the act of crossing)

franchise (though related to 'franc', it shares the root; means honesty or exemption)

Verbos

affranchir (to free, or to stamp a letter)

Adjetivos

franchissable (crossable)

infranchissable (impassable/un-crossable)

Relacionado

frontière

seuil

obstacle

étape

cap

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Como usar

frequency

Common in news, sports, and formal writing. Moderate in daily casual speech.

Erros comuns

Using 'être' in passé composé. → J'ai franchi.
Even though it involves movement, it is a transitive verb that requires 'avoir'. Using 'être' is a literal translation of 'I am crossed' which is incorrect.
Saying 'franchir la rue'. → Traverser la rue.
You cross a street (space) with 'traverser'. 'Franchir' is for a specific line or barrier. Unless you are jumping over a barricade in the street, use 'traverser'.
Pronouncing 'ch' as 'k'. → Pronounce it like 'sh' in English.
In French, 'ch' is almost always soft (like 'sh') unless it's a Greek root like 'chorale'. 'Franchir' sounds like 'fran-sheer'.
Forgetting the '-iss-' in plural. → Nous franchissons.
Many learners forget that second-group verbs (-ir) require the '-iss-' expansion in the plural forms. 'Nous franchons' is incorrect.
Using 'franchir' for passing time. → Passer le temps.
You can 'franchir' a milestone in time (like a birthday), but for the general passage of hours or days, use 'passer'.

Dicas

Conjugation Check

Remember that 'franchir' belongs to the second group of French verbs. This means in the plural present tense, you add '-iss-'. So, it's 'nous franchissons', 'vous franchissez', and 'ils franchissent'. This makes it sound like 'finir'.

Traverser vs Franchir

Use 'traverser' for the journey across a surface (like a field or ocean). Use 'franchir' for the moment you pass a specific point or barrier (like a fence or a border). This distinction will make your French sound much more natural.

Taking the Plunge

Use 'franchir le pas' when talking about life-changing decisions. It's a very common and useful idiom that immediately elevates your level of French. For example: 'Après dix ans, ils ont enfin franchi le pas et se sont mariés.'

Numerical Milestones

In business or news, use 'franchir' to talk about numbers passing a certain level. 'Franchir la barre des 100 000' is the standard way to report growth or reaching a target. It sounds very professional.

The Finish Line

Associate 'franchir' with the finish line. Both start with 'f'. When you 'franchir' the finish line, you have completed the race. This helps you remember it's about the end point or the limit.

Agreement Rules

In the passé composé, the past participle 'franchi' must agree with the direct object if that object is before the verb. Example: 'Les barrières qu'il a franchies.' Note the 'es' at the end of 'franchies'.

Sound Clues

When listening, if you hear a nasal 'an' followed by a 'sh' sound, it's likely 'franchir.' It's a very distinct sound profile in French that doesn't have many close look-alikes.

Borders

In Europe, 'franchir la frontière' used to be a big deal before the Schengen Area. Now, it's often more metaphorical, but the phrase remains very important in news about migration and international relations.

The French R

Don't forget to pronounce the final 'r' in the infinitive 'franchir.' In many French verbs (like -er verbs), the final 'r' is silent, but in -ir verbs, it is always pronounced clearly.

Confidence

Don't be afraid to use 'franchir' for milestones. Instead of 'J'ai 30 ans,' you can say 'Je viens de franchir le cap des 30 ans' to sound more expressive and emphasize the importance of the age.

Memorize

Mnemônico

Think of 'Franchir' as 'France-near.' When you get 'near France's' border, you have to 'franchir' (cross) it. Or think of a 'Franchise' breaking into a new market—they 'franchir' the barrier to entry.

Associação visual

Imagine a runner in a purple (violet) shirt jumping over a hurdle that has the word 'LIMIT' written on it. As they clear it, they are 'franchissant' the obstacle.

Word Web

Frontière Obstacle Seuil Ligne Cap Étape Mur Pas

Desafio

Try to use 'franchir' in three different ways today: once for a physical movement, once for a number or age, and once using the idiom 'franchir le pas'.

Origem da palavra

Derived from the Old French 'franchir,' which comes from 'franc' (free). Initially, it meant 'to make free' or 'to give freedom to.' Over time, the meaning evolved from 'freeing oneself from an obstacle' to simply 'passing over an obstacle.'

Significado original: To set free or to act freely.

Romance (Latin root 'francus')

Contexto cultural

No specific sensitivities; it is a neutral verb of movement and achievement.

English speakers often use 'cross' for everything. French speakers use 'franchir' to add drama or importance to the crossing. It's the difference between 'crossing a line' and 'overcoming a barrier.'

The crossing of the Rubicon by Julius Caesar (Franchir le Rubicon). The breaking of the sound barrier by Chuck Yeager (Franchir le mur du son). The crossing of the Alps by Napoleon.

Pratique na vida real

Contextos reais

Sports and Racing

Franchir la ligne d'arrivée
Franchir une haie
Franchir le poteau
Franchir un obstacle

Geography and Travel

Franchir la frontière
Franchir le col
Franchir le fleuve
Franchir l'océan

Business and Achievement

Franchir un cap
Franchir une étape
Franchir le seuil de rentabilité
Franchir la barre des ventes

Personal Growth

Franchir le pas
Franchir ses limites
Franchir les obstacles de la vie
Franchir une difficulté

Social and Ethical

Franchir la ligne rouge
Franchir les interdits
Franchir les barrières sociales
Franchir le seuil de la porte

Iniciadores de conversa

"As-tu déjà franchi une frontière à pied ?"

"Quel est le plus grand obstacle que tu as franchi cette année ?"

"À quel âge as-tu franchi le cap de l'indépendance ?"

"Est-ce difficile pour toi de franchir le pas pour un nouveau projet ?"

"Penses-tu que les sportifs franchissent trop souvent leurs limites ?"

Temas para diário

Décris un moment où tu as dû franchir une peur importante.

Quelles sont les étapes que tu as franchies pour apprendre le français ?

Imagine que tu franchis une porte vers le futur. Que vois-tu ?

Réfléchis à une situation où quelqu'un a franchi la ligne rouge avec toi.

Quel cap aimerais-tu franchir dans ta carrière professionnelle ?

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

Generally, no. You should use 'traverser' for a street. You would only use 'franchir' if there were a literal barrier in the middle of the street that you had to step over. 'Traverser' is for the space, 'franchir' is for the obstacle.

It always uses 'avoir.' Even though it's a verb of movement, it follows the regular -ir pattern. Example: 'J'ai franchi la ligne.' Using 'être' is a common mistake for learners.

It's a very common idiom meaning to make a big decision or take a decisive step. It's like saying 'to take the plunge' in English. For example, deciding to get married or start a business.

It is neutral to formal. It is used in everyday speech for things like borders or finish lines, but it also appears in very formal literature and news reporting. It sounds slightly more sophisticated than 'passer.'

It is 'nous franchissons.' Like 'finir,' it adds the '-iss-' suffix before the ending in the plural forms of the present tense. This is a hallmark of second-group verbs.

Yes, but usually for milestones like ages or specific dates. You can 'franchir le cap des 50 ans' (turn 50), but you don't 'franchir une heure' (pass an hour). Use 'passer' for the passage of time generally.

There isn't one single word, but 's'arrêter' (to stop) or 'reculer' (to back up) are common opposites in context. 'Échouer' (to fail) is used if you try to cross but don't succeed.

It is just 'franchir.' It is a direct transitive verb. You say 'franchir la porte,' not 'franchir de la porte.' Adding a preposition is a common error.

Yes, it is possible and sounds quite poetic. However, 'surmonter sa peur' or 'vaincre sa peur' are more common in everyday conversation. 'Franchir' implies the fear was a wall you had to get over.

It means an impassable or insurmountable obstacle. It's a very common adjective derived from the verb, used to describe something that cannot be crossed or overcome.

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