ouvrir
open
The word 'ouvrir' in French is the equivalent of 'open' in English. It is a verb and it can be used in several contexts such as opening a door - 'ouvrir la porte', opening a book - 'ouvrir un livre', and opening a window - 'ouvrir une fenêtre'. Just like in English, it can be used both literally and figuratively in a sentence.
Example sentences using: ouvrir
Pourriez-vous ouvrir la porte, s'il vous plaît?
Could you open the door, please?
This is a polite way of asking someone to open the door. It uses the verb 'ouvrir' which means 'to open'.
Il faut ouvrir les fenêtres pour aérer la pièce.
You need to open the windows to air out the room.
This sentence uses 'ouvrir' to express the need of opening the windows to make the room breathable. The verb 'ouvrir' is in infinitive form that conveys the act of opening.
Je vais ouvrir une bouteille de vin pour le dîner.
I will open a bottle of wine for dinner.
In this example, the verb 'ouvrir' is used to express a future action of opening a wine bottle for an event or for a meal.
Elle ne peut pas ouvrir les yeux sous l'eau.
She can't open her eyes under water.
This sentence uses 'ouvrir' to describe the ability or inability to do something, in this case - opening eyes underwater.
N'oublie pas d'ouvrir ton parapluie quand il commence à pleuvoir.
Don't forget to open your umbrella when it starts to rain.
This sentence advises opening an umbrella - a common practical use of 'ouvrir', when it rains.
Parfois, il est difficile d'ouvrir une conversation avec des inconnus.
Sometimes, it's hard to start a conversation with strangers.
The verb 'ouvrir' is used figuratively to express starting or initiating a conversation. It demonstrates how 'ouvrir' is not only used for literal meanings of opening something physical, but also for abstract ideas.
Ouvrir une boîte de conserve sans ouvre-boîte est presque impossible.
Opening a can without a can opener is almost impossible.
This example suggests the difficulty of a task, with 'ouvrir' representing the intended action of opening a can without the directly relevant tool.
Il est essentiel d'ouvrir l'esprit pour apprendre de nouvelles choses.
It's essential to open your mind to learn new things.
This illustrative sentence uses 'ouvrir' in an abstract form to mean being receptive or open-minded.
L'épicier était prêt à ouvrir son magasin tôt le matin.
The grocer was ready to open his shop early in the morning.
Here, 'ouvrir' is used to denote the starting of business hours for a shop, indicating the opening of a commercial establishment.
Vous devrez ouvrir votre livre à la page trente.
You will need to open your book to page thirty.
This sentence uses 'ouvrir' in the context of the action to be performed - opening a book to a specific page. It also demonstrates a common use of 'ouvrir' in academic settings.