mâcher

The French verb "mâcher" means "to chew." It refers to the action of breaking down food in the mouth using the teeth.

Usage:

• Mâcher is a regular -ER verb.
• Example: Il faut bien mâcher la nourriture avant d'avaler. (You should chew your food well before swallowing.)

Synonyms and nuances:

• Mordre: Means "to bite," referring to the initial act of putting teeth into something to break it off. It's different because "mordre" implies a sharp, often quick action, while "mâcher" describes continual movement.
• Croquer: Means "to crunch" or "to bite into" something crisp. It emphasizes the sound or texture of the biting.
• Broyer: Means "to crush" or "grind," often used in a stronger or more mechanical sense (like grinding or crushing spices rather than chewing food).

Summary:

• Mâcher = to chew (grind or grind slowly with teeth before swallowing).
• Use mâcher for the everyday action of chewing food.
• Other verbs relate to biting or breaking food but don’t mean the continuous chewing motion.