verb

montrer

show

Faire voir quelque chose à quelqu’un pour qu’il puisse le regarder ou le comprendre.

The French verb "montrer" means "to show" or "to display." It is a regular -ER verb and is commonly used in everyday conversation.

Meaning:

  • To present or make something visible to others.
  • To indicate or point out something.

Example:

  • Je vais te montrer ma nouvelle maison. — I’m going to show you my new house.

Synonyms and differences:

  • Présenter: Means "to present," often with a more formal or deliberate sense, like introducing someone or something.
    Example: Je te présente mon ami. (I introduce you to my friend.)

  • Afficher: Means "to display," often used with signs, notices, or digital screens.
    Example: Le prix est affiché sur le produit. (The price is displayed on the product.)

  • Démontrer: Means "to demonstrate" or "to prove," used when showing evidence or explaining how something works.
    Example: Le scientifique démontre son hypothèse. (The scientist demonstrates his hypothesis.)

  • Indiquer: Means "to indicate" or "to point out," often with information or directions.
    Example: Le guide indique le chemin. (The guide points out the way.)

Summary:

  • "Montrer" is used for general showing or making something visible.
  • Use présenter for introducing or showing formally.
  • Use afficher for signs or visible displays.
  • Use démontrer for proving or explaining.
  • Use indiquer for pointing out or indicating information.

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Examples

Peux-tu me montrer le chemin ?verb

Can you show me the way?

Marie va montrer son dessin à sa mère.verb

Marie is going to show her drawing to her mother.

Montrez-moi votre passeport, s'il vous plaît.verb

Show me your passport, please.

Elle montre son livre à ses amis.verb

She shows her book to her friends.

Ils montrent leurs photos.verb

They show their photos.

Il m’a montré sa nouvelle maison hier.verb

He showed me his new house yesterday.

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