verb

gagner

win

C'est obtenir une récompense ou réussir dans une compétition ou un jeu.

Word: gagner

Meaning: The French verb "gagner" primarily means "to win" or "to earn" depending on the context.

Explanation:

  1. To Win

    • When used in the context of competitions, races, games, or challenges, gagner means to win or to be victorious.
    • Example: Il a gagné la course. — He won the race.
  2. To Earn / To Gain

    • It can also mean to earn money or to gain something, such as time or an advantage.
    • Example: Elle gagne beaucoup d'argent. — She earns a lot of money.
    • It can also be used in the sense of gaining or saving something: gagner du temps (to save time), gagner un avantage (to gain an advantage).

Parts of the word:

  • Root Verb: gagn- (comes from the Old French gagnier, related to Old High German weidan meaning to hunt or gain)
  • Ending: -er, infinitive ending for first group verbs in French.

Synonyms:

  • For to win: remporter (to win), triompher (to triumph)
  • For to earn: obtenir (to obtain), recevoir (to receive), récolter (to reap)

Antonyms:

  • For to win: perdre (to lose)
  • For to earn: perdre (to lose—money, time)

Summary:
Gagner means both to win (in competitions) and to earn or gain (money, time, benefits). It is a versatile and commonly used verb in French.

Make “gagner” part of your vocabulary.

Build your French vocabulary with flashcards, audio and spaced repetition.

Examples

Nous voulons gagner ce jeu.verb

We want to win this game.

Tu vas gagner cette course.verb

You are going to win this race.

Je n'ai pas gagné la loterie.verb

I did not win the lottery.

Elles ont gagné un petit concours à l’école.verb

They won a small contest at school.

Keep exploring French

Learn words from the content you love.

Add words from websites, books and videos, then remember them with spaced repetition (SRS).