donner
give
The word 'donner' is the French equivalent of the English word 'give'. It is used almost always in the same context as 'give', typically when transferring something from one person to another. It can also be used in many other contexts, like 'give me your hand' ('donne-moi ta main') or 'give a gift' ('donner un cadeau'). However, as with all translations, some idiomatic or cultural uses may not translate directly.
Example sentences using: donner
Il va lui donner un livre.
He is going to give him a book.
This sentence is in the near future tense, conveying an action that will happen in the immediate future. 'Donner' here is being used in its basic meaning, 'to give'.
Pouvez-vous me donner un conseil?
Can you give me a piece of advice?
Here, 'donner' is used in a request, where 'un conseil' (a piece of advice) is the object being given.
Je vais vous donner mon numéro de téléphone.
I will give you my phone number.
In this sentence, 'donner' expresses an action which will be done in the immediate future, the giving of a phone number.
Elle a dû donner sa place à une personne âgée.
She had to give up her seat to an elderly person.
In this context, 'donner' means to give up or yield something to someone else. In this case, giving up a seat.
Ne donne pas ton mot si tu ne peux pas le tenir.
Don't give your word if you cannot keep it.
Here 'donner' is used metaphorically, where 'giving your word' means making a promise or a commitment.
Le professeur va donner un devoir de maison.
The teacher is going to give homework.
In this sentence, 'donner' is used to refer to the assignment of homework by a teacher.
Il a préféré donner sa vie pour son pays.
He preferred giving his life for his country.
Here 'donner' is used metaphorically, where 'giving his life' means sacrificing oneself.
Il faut lui donner une chance.
We have to give her a chance.
In this context, 'donner' refers to offering an opportunity to someone.
Je peux donner le mien.
I can give mine.
In this example, 'donner' is used to express the action of giving something that belongs to the speaker.
Elle ne veut pas donner d'argent.
She does not want to give money.
In this sentence, 'donner' is used in a negative form to convey unwillingness to perform the action of giving money.