verb
naitre
be born
Definition & meaning
The verb naître is the French equivalent of "to be born." It refers to the moment an organism comes into existence or enters the world.
Beyond the literal sense, naître can be used figuratively to describe:
- The start or emergence of something: An idea, a feeling, or an event coming into being. For example: Une passion est née (A passion was born).
- The beginning of something abstract: Such as the origin of a movement, a river, or a trend. For example: La source où naît la rivière (The source where the river begins).
Grammar & Word origin
Grammar:
- naître is an irregular verb (third group).
- It is a classic example of a verb that requires the auxiliary verb être in compound tenses (e.g., je suis né).
- It is a strictly intransitive verb in most contexts.
Origin: The word comes from the Latin verb nasci, which also means "to be born."
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms:
- Apparaître (to appear/emerge)
- Éclore (to hatch/bloom/come to light)
- Venir au monde (to come into the world)
- Voir le jour (to see the day/be born)
Antonyms:
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Examples
L'enfant va naître ce soir.verb
The child is going to be born tonight.
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