Level A2-B1 (Upper Beginner / Lower Intermediate)
Lesson written by French teacher David Issokson for students who want to learn French online, with native audio by Marie Assel Cambier, a voice artist from France.
The French Word of the Day is apprécier. I specifically selected this word as it has caused some confusion among my students over the years. While the literal translation of apprécier is “to appreciate,” the French use this verb on a deeper level for things they like on an intellectual or personal level (art, music, cuisine, etc.). Listen to Marie’s audio examples and it will become clear!
✅ Meaning
✅ Pronunciation
✅ Example sentences
✅ Related Words & Expressions
✅ Related lessons
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Apprécier Meaning, Pronunciation and Examples
📘 Apprécier meaning
Apprécier is a French verb that literally means “to appreciate.” However, it also carries a deeper nuance — “to like” or “to enjoy” something in a thoughtful, discerning way. It suggests taste, personal judgment, and genuine value. Thus, its meaning can change slightly depending on context. For example, J’apprécie vos paroles aimables means “I appreciate your kind words,” while J’apprécie l’art moderne means “I like modern art.”
🎧 Apprécier pronunciation
The pronunciation of apprécier is /apʁesje/, which sounds like ah-preh-syay.
📝 Apprécier examples & usages
J’apprécie la cuisine française, surtout la ratatouille.
I enjoy French cuisine, especially ratatouille.
J’apprécie beaucoup la musique classique.
I really like classical music.
Avec le temps, j’ai appris à apprécier le jazz.
Over time, I’ve learned to like jazz.
Elle apprécie la simplicité de ce tableau.
She likes the simplicity of this painting.
❤️ J’apprécie vs. Je suis reconnaissant
For expressing gratitude toward someone, you can naturally use both j’apprécie (I appreciate) and je suis reconnaissant(e) (I’m grateful).
➔ J’apprécie votre gentillesse. I appreciate your kindness.
➔ Je vous suis reconnaissant(e) pour votre gentillesse. I am grateful for your kindness.
👉 See also: Reconnaissant (grateful) »
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📊 Apprécier conjugation
Here’s the basic apprécier conjugation in the present tense.
- J’apprécie — I appreciate (I’m appreciating, I do appreciate)
- Tu apprécies — You appreciate (informal)
- Il / Elle apprécie — He / She appreciates
- Nous apprécions — We appreciate
- Vous appréciez — You appreciate
- Ils / Elles apprécient — They appreciate
👉 Apprécier conjugation charts »
👉 Regular ER verbs »
🔗 Related words and expressions
- être reconnaissant — to be grateful/thankful
- j’apprécie beaucoup — I really appreciate it
- aimer — to like, to love
- adorer — to love, to adore
- merci — thank you
- savourer — to savor, to relish, to enjoy fully
- l’estime — esteem, respect, high regard
📚 Related lessons on FrenchLearner!
👉 Je t’aime (I love you) »
👉 Aimer (to like, to love) Word of the Day »
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