Level B1 (Intermediate)
The French verb entendre is more than just “to hear”; its reflexive form, s’entendre, means “to get along”! This short lesson will clarify both uses, helping you master this common and versatile verb. You’ll learn its:
Meaning
Pronunciation with IPA
Example sentences
Present tense conjugation
Meaning
The French verb entendre primarily means to hear. However, when used in its reflexive form, s’entendre, its meaning shifts to to get along. This versatile verb allows you to express both the act of perceiving sound and the harmonious relationship between people.
Pronunciation
Example sentences
For this first sentence, the expression avoir besoin de + infinitive means “to need to”.
J’entends très bien ta voix. Tu n’as pas besoin de parler si fort !
I hear your voice very well. You don’t need to talk so loudly!
For this sentence s’entendre is a reciprocal reflexive verb meaning “to get along”.
Heureusement, nos enfants s’entendent très bien. Ils adorent jouer ensemble.
Fortunately, our kids get along very well with each other. They love playing together.
For this final sentence, the reflexive s’entendre avec means to get along with. Mec means guy but can also mean boyfriend.
Isabelle s’entend très bien avec son mec.
Isabelle gets along very well with her boyfriend.
Present tense conjugation
Entendre is a regular RE verb. This means that it’s endings are the same as vendre (to sell) when conjugated in the present tense.
J’entends I hear
Tu entends You hear (singular, informal)
Il, elle entend He, she hears
Nous entendons We hear
Vous entendez You hear (plural, formal)
Ils, elles entendent They hear
Related lessons
Reference
