repasser

The French verb "repasser" has several meanings depending on the context:

1. To iron (clothes):

   • "Repasser une chemise" means to iron a shirt, smoothing out wrinkles with a hot iron.
   • This is the most common everyday meaning.

2. To pass again / to go through again:

   • It can mean to go back over a place or situation, such as "Le train va repasser par cette gare" (The train will pass through that station again).
   • It can also be to do something again, like revisiting a problem or subject.

3. To retake (an exam):

   • Informally, "repasser un examen" means to retake an exam, for example, if you failed the first time.

Synonyms and nuances:

• Ironing clothes:

  • "Repasser" is specifically to iron.
  • "Faire le repassage" refers to the chore or task of ironing.
  • "Appuyer" or "lisser" might relate to smoothing but are less used for ironing.

• Passing again / retaking:

  • "Refaire" means to redo something, more general.
  • "Revoir" means to review or see again.
  • "Retraverser" means to cross or pass through again (more spatial).

In summary, "repasser" most often refers to ironing clothes but can also mean going over something again, physically or figuratively, or retaking an exam depending on the situation.