lire
read
The French verb 'lire' means 'to read'. Just like in English, it can be used in several contexts such as reading a book, a sign, a map etc. It is an irregular verb and so, has different conjugations for different tenses and moods. For example, 'Il lit un livre' translates to 'He is reading a book'.
Example sentences using: lire
Je veux lire ce livre.
I want to read this book.
A simple sentence where 'lire' is used to express the desire to read a certain book. The verb 'lire' is conjugated for the first person singular.
Il est important de lire tous les jours.
It is important to read every day.
In this sentence, 'lire' is used to highlight the importance of reading daily. The verb is in infinitive form.
Nous aimons lire des histoires à nos enfants.
We love reading stories to our children.
The verb 'lire' is used to express the activity of reading, specifically stories, to children. The verb is in the first person plural form.
Pouvez-vous lire cette ligne pour moi?
Can you read this line for me?
Here, 'lire' is used as an action verb in a question sentence, the action being asked is to read a specific line of text. It is in the second person form.
Elle adore lire avant de se coucher.
She loves reading before going to bed.
In this sentence, 'lire' is used to describe the person's habit of reading before bedtime. 'Lire' is in infinitive form.
Je suis en train de lire un excellent livre.
I am in the process of reading an excellent book.
This sentence uses 'lire' to describe the ongoing process of reading a book. The phrase 'en train de' is used in French to indicate an action in progress.
Il sait lire en français.
He can read in French.
In this example, 'lire' is used to describe an ability, specifically the ability to read in French. 'Lire' is in the infinitive form.
Je dois lire ce rapport avant la réunion.
I have to read this report before the meeting.
Here, 'lire' is used to denote a requirement or obligation to read a report before a meeting. The verb is in the first person singular form.
Tu dois apprendre à lire les instructions.
You must learn to read the instructions.
In this sentence, 'lire' is used as part of an advice urging the person to learn to read the instructions. The verb is in its infinitive form.
Nous allons lire votre manuscrit avec attention.
We are going to read your manuscript carefully.
This sentence uses 'lire' to describe the action of reading a manuscript with care. 'Lire' is in the first person plural future form.