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commenter

A2 verb #1,500 most common 12 min read

commenter

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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips commenter in 30 Seconds

Explanation commenter in your Level:

At the A1 beginner level, the verb 'commenter' is introduced primarily in the context of modern technology and social media, which is highly relatable for most learners. Beginners learn that 'commenter' means 'to comment', a direct and easy-to-remember cognate. At this stage, the focus is on recognizing the word on websites, apps, and platforms like YouTube, Instagram, or Facebook. You will see buttons that say 'Commenter' next to 'J'aime' (Like) and 'Partager' (Share). The conjugation taught at this level is the basic present tense for regular -er verbs. Learners practice simple sentences using 'je' (I) and 'tu' (you), such as 'Je commente la photo' (I comment on the photo) or 'Tu commentes la vidéo' (You comment on the video). It is crucial at this early stage to establish the grammatical rule that 'commenter' does not take the preposition 'sur' in French, unlike its English counterpart. Teachers emphasize avoiding 'je commente sur la photo'. Vocabulary exercises often pair 'commenter' with common digital nouns: une photo, une vidéo, un statut, un article. The imperative form is also introduced briefly, as learners frequently hear 'Commentez !' (Comment!) in instructional videos. Overall, at the A1 level, 'commenter' is a functional, everyday word used to describe basic digital interactions and simple expressions of opinion online.

Moving into the A2 elementary level, the usage of 'commenter' expands beyond simple social media interactions into broader everyday conversations. Learners begin to use the verb to describe the act of discussing or giving opinions on daily events, news, and the actions of others. The past tense (passé composé) is introduced and practiced extensively: 'J'ai commenté' (I commented), 'Il a commenté' (He commented). This allows learners to talk about past interactions, such as 'J'ai commenté son nouveau manteau' (I commented on her new coat) or 'Nous avons commenté le film hier soir' (We discussed/commented on the movie last night). The near future tense (futur proche) is also utilized: 'Je vais commenter' (I am going to comment). At this level, the distinction between the verb 'commenter' and the noun 'un commentaire' (a comment) is solidified, ensuring learners can use both accurately. For example, 'Je vais laisser un commentaire' (I am going to leave a comment) versus 'Je vais commenter'. Contexts broaden to include sports (commenter un match) and casual gossip or observation. Learners are encouraged to use 'commenter' to express their reactions to simple texts or stories read in class, bridging the gap between passive consumption of information and active participation in discussions.

At the B1 intermediate level, 'commenter' becomes a tool for more structured expression and argumentation. Learners are expected to understand and use the verb in various tenses, including the imparfait (past continuous) and the conditionnel (conditional). For instance, 'Je commentais souvent ses articles' (I used to comment on his articles often) or 'Je commenterais bien cette décision, mais je n'ai pas le temps' (I would comment on this decision, but I don't have the time). The vocabulary surrounding the verb becomes more sophisticated. Instead of just commenting on photos, learners comment on 'l'actualité' (current events), 'des événements politiques' (political events), or 'des phénomènes sociaux' (social phenomena). In educational settings, B1 students might be asked to 'commenter un graphique' (comment on a graph) or 'commenter une citation' (comment on a quote), requiring them to not just give an opinion, but to provide a basic analysis or explanation. The concept of refusing to comment is also introduced, using phrases like 'Je préfère ne pas commenter' (I prefer not to comment) or the journalistic 'sans commentaire' (no comment). At this stage, learners are developing the ability to engage in debates and use 'commenter' to introduce their perspective on more complex, abstract topics.

In the B2 upper-intermediate level, the verb 'commenter' takes on a distinctly academic and professional dimension. Learners are introduced to the formal French educational exercise known as 'le commentaire de texte' or 'le commentaire composé', where the verb 'commenter' means to perform a rigorous, structured literary or historical analysis. This requires a deep understanding of nuance, tone, and authorial intent. In professional contexts, B2 learners use 'commenter' to discuss business reports, analyze data trends, and provide constructive feedback. The subjunctive mood is applied: 'Il est important que nous commentions ces résultats' (It is important that we comment on these results). Learners also explore the passive voice and pronominal usage: 'Cette décision a été très commentée par la presse' (This decision was heavily commented on by the press) or 'Cela ne se commente pas' (That speaks for itself / That shouldn't be commented on). The vocabulary becomes highly nuanced, distinguishing 'commenter' from synonyms like 'analyser', 'critiquer', and 'interpréter'. B2 speakers can fluidly navigate between the casual, digital use of the word and its formal, analytical applications, demonstrating a strong grasp of register and contextual appropriateness in francophone environments.

At the C1 advanced level, mastery of 'commenter' involves understanding its subtle connotations, idiomatic uses, and socio-cultural implications. C1 speakers use the verb effortlessly in complex sentence structures, employing advanced grammar such as the plus-que-parfait or the conditionnel passé. They understand that 'commenter' can sometimes carry a slightly pejorative undertone, implying idle gossip or unnecessary intervention, as in 'Il passe son temps à commenter la vie des autres' (He spends his time commenting on other people's lives). Conversely, they recognize its critical importance in journalistic and intellectual discourse. C1 learners can engage in high-level debates, using 'commenter' to dissect political speeches, philosophical concepts, or societal shifts. They are adept at using nominalizations and related vocabulary, such as 'un commentateur politique' (a political commentator) or 'une voix off qui commente' (a voiceover providing commentary). They can also play with the language, using phrases like 'se passer de commentaires' (to need no commentary / to speak for itself) with native-like fluency. At this level, the focus is not on how to conjugate or use the word grammatically, but on deploying it strategically to persuade, analyze, critique, or diplomatically evade a topic in highly sophisticated francophone settings.

At the C2 mastery level, the use of 'commenter' is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. The verb is utilized with absolute precision across all registers, from the most esoteric academic literary criticism to sharp, witty repartee in social situations. C2 speakers intuitively grasp the historical and cultural weight of the 'commentaire' in French intellectual tradition, tracing back to classical rhetoric and textual exegesis. They can deconstruct how the media 'commente' an event, analyzing the meta-narrative and the bias inherent in the commentary itself. They manipulate the verb for rhetorical effect, perhaps using litotes or irony: 'Je vous laisse le soin de commenter cette absurdité' (I leave it to you to comment on this absurdity). They are fully comfortable with the rarest grammatical forms and can seamlessly integrate the verb into complex, multi-clause arguments. At this pinnacle of language proficiency, 'commenter' is not just a vocabulary word; it is a conceptual tool used to engage with, interpret, and shape the francophone intellectual and cultural landscape, reflecting a profound mastery of French thought and expression.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

commenter in 30 Seconds

Means 'to comment' or 'to remark'.
Regular -er verb, easy to conjugate.
Takes a direct object (no 'sur').
Used heavily in social media and sports.

The French verb 'commenter' is a highly versatile and frequently used word that translates directly to 'to comment', 'to remark upon', or 'to provide commentary' in English. It belongs to the first group of French verbs, ending in '-er', making its conjugation highly regular and predictable for learners. At its core, 'commenter' involves expressing an opinion, analyzing a situation, or providing a narrative description of an event as it unfolds. This verb is ubiquitous in modern French, bridging the gap between traditional literary analysis and contemporary digital communication. When you use 'commenter', you are actively engaging with a subject, whether it is a piece of news, a social media post, a sports match, or a work of art. The act of commenting implies a level of observation and subsequent articulation of thoughts. In everyday conversation, people might use it to discuss a friend's new outfit, a controversial political decision, or a surprising plot twist in a movie. The word carries a neutral connotation by default, but the nature of the commentary can range from highly critical to overwhelmingly positive, depending entirely on the context and the speaker's intent. Understanding the nuances of 'commenter' requires looking at its various applications across different domains of life.

Linguistic Classification: Regular -er verb, transitive (takes a direct object), derived from the Latin 'commentari'.

Il adore commenter l'actualité politique avec ses collègues.

Furthermore, the evolution of the internet has significantly expanded the everyday usage of this verb. Today, 'commenter' is the standard term used across all social media platforms for leaving a written response under a photo, video, or status update. This digital application has made the word an essential part of the vocabulary for anyone navigating the modern francophone web. However, its traditional uses remain just as strong. In academic settings, students are frequently asked to 'commenter un texte', which involves a deep, structured literary analysis rather than a simple opinion. In sports broadcasting, a journalist's job is to 'commenter le match', providing real-time play-by-play descriptions and expert analysis to the audience.

Digital Context: Leaving a written remark on a blog, forum, or social media platform like Instagram or Facebook.

N'hésitez pas à commenter cette vidéo si vous l'avez aimée.

Le journaliste va commenter le match de football ce soir.

The verb can also be used in a more passive or observational sense, where someone might 'commenter' on a situation without necessarily intervening. It is a tool for processing and sharing one's perspective on the world.

Academic Context: Analyzing a literary excerpt, historical document, or philosophical concept in a structured essay or presentation.

Les élèves doivent commenter ce poème de Baudelaire pour demain.

Je préfère ne pas commenter cette rumeur absurde.

Ultimately, mastering the verb 'commenter' allows learners to express their opinions, engage in discussions, and participate fully in both the digital and physical francophone communities. It is a fundamental building block for moving beyond simple factual statements and entering the realm of subjective expression and critical analysis.

Using the verb 'commenter' correctly in French is relatively straightforward due to its regular conjugation pattern, but mastering its syntax and contextual nuances requires attention to detail. As a regular verb of the first group, it follows the standard endings for all tenses: -e, -es, -e, -ons, -ez, -ent in the present indicative. For example, 'je commente', 'tu commentes', 'il/elle commente', 'nous commentons', 'vous commentez', 'ils/elles commentent'. The past participle is 'commenté', used with the auxiliary verb 'avoir' to form compound tenses like the passé composé: 'j'ai commenté'.

Direct Transitive Usage: The most important grammatical rule is that 'commenter' is almost always a direct transitive verb. It takes a direct object without a preposition.

Elle a passé la soirée à commenter les tenues des invités.

This direct object rule is crucial. You say 'commenter une photo' (to comment on a photo), 'commenter un article' (to comment on an article), and 'commenter une décision' (to comment on a decision). The absence of the preposition 'sur' is a key marker of proficient French. In professional or journalistic contexts, 'commenter' is often used to introduce an expert's opinion or a public figure's reaction to an event. You will frequently hear phrases like 'Le ministre a refusé de commenter l'affaire' (The minister refused to comment on the matter).

Pronominal Usage: While rare, 'se commenter' can be used in a passive sense to mean 'is commented upon' or 'can be commented on'.

Une telle erreur ne se commente pas, elle se corrige.

Il est interdit de commenter les décisions de l'arbitre.

In the imperative form, 'commenter' is widely used online as a call to action. Content creators will say 'Aimez, partagez et commentez !' (Like, share, and comment!). This usage is highly informal and direct. When expressing an intention to provide feedback, you might use the near future tense: 'Je vais commenter ton brouillon ce soir' (I am going to comment on your draft tonight).

Negative Usage: Using 'commenter' in the negative often implies a deliberate withholding of opinion, often for diplomatic or legal reasons.

La police n'a pas souhaité commenter l'enquête en cours.

Nous vous invitons à commenter cet article dans l'espace ci-dessous.

By practicing these different structures—direct object, negative forms, and digital imperatives—learners can seamlessly integrate 'commenter' into their active French vocabulary, ensuring they sound natural and grammatically correct in a wide variety of communicative situations.

The verb 'commenter' is omnipresent in the francophone world, echoing through various spheres of daily life, media, and academia. Its versatility means you will encounter it in highly formal news broadcasts as well as in the most casual text messages between friends. One of the most prominent places you will hear and see 'commenter' today is on the internet and social media. Every platform that allows user interaction relies on this concept. YouTubers, Instagram influencers, and TikTok creators constantly urge their audiences to 'commenter' to boost engagement algorithms. In this digital landscape, the verb has become synonymous with digital participation and community building.

Social Media: The digital sphere is the most common modern context, where 'commenter' means to leave a typed response under digital content.

N'oublie pas de liker et de commenter ma nouvelle photo de profil !

Beyond the digital world, traditional media relies heavily on this verb. In sports broadcasting, the act of providing play-by-play analysis is entirely encapsulated by 'commenter'. A sports commentator is called 'un commentateur' or 'une commentatrice', and their primary job is to 'commenter le match'. You will hear this usage during the Tour de France, the FIFA World Cup, or the Roland Garros tennis tournament.

Sports Broadcasting: Providing real-time narrative and analytical descriptions of a sporting event for television or radio audiences.

C'est un ancien joueur professionnel qui va commenter la finale.

Les journalistes ont passé une heure à commenter le discours du président.

In the realm of news and politics, 'commenter' takes on a more serious tone. Journalists 'commentent l'actualité' (comment on the news), providing editorial insights and context to raw facts. Politicians are often asked to 'commenter' on recent events, scandals, or policy changes. In these situations, the verb is linked to accountability and public relations.

Education and Academia: In French schools, 'commenter' is a rigorous academic exercise involving the detailed textual analysis of literature or historical documents.

Pour l'examen, vous devrez commenter cet extrait des Misérables.

Il passe sa vie à commenter les choix des autres sans jamais rien faire lui-même.

Finally, in everyday gossip and casual conversation, 'commenter' is used when people discuss the actions, appearances, or lives of others. Whether it's analyzing a reality TV show episode or discussing neighborhood news, 'commenter' is the verb that captures the human desire to share opinions and connect through shared observations.

While 'commenter' is a relatively simple verb to conjugate, English speakers frequently stumble over its syntax and prepositional usage due to direct translation habits. The most pervasive and glaring mistake is the addition of the preposition 'sur' after the verb. In English, we say 'to comment ON something'. This leads many learners to say 'commenter sur quelque chose' in French. However, in standard French grammar, 'commenter' is a direct transitive verb. It must be followed directly by its object without any intervening preposition.

The Preposition Trap: Adding 'sur' after 'commenter' is a classic anglicism. Always connect the verb directly to the noun it modifies.

Incorrect: Je veux commenter sur cette photo. / Correct: Je veux commenter cette photo.

Another common error involves confusing the verb 'commenter' with the noun 'un commentaire'. Sometimes learners try to use the noun as a verb, or vice versa, especially in written French where spelling mistakes can blur the lines. Remember that the verb ends in '-er' (or its conjugated forms), while the noun ends in '-aire'. You can 'faire un commentaire' (make a comment) or you can 'commenter' (to comment), but you cannot 'faire un commenter'.

Verb vs. Noun Confusion: Ensure you are using the infinitive verb form '-er' when an action is required, and the noun form '-aire' when referring to the remark itself.

Il a laissé un mauvais commentaire après avoir fini de commenter le service.

Merci de ne pas commenter mes choix personnels.

A third mistake is related to register and context. While 'commenter' is perfectly fine for social media and general opinions, using it in highly formal situations where 'analyser' (to analyze) or 'critiquer' (to critique/review) would be more appropriate can make your French sound slightly colloquial. For instance, a scientist wouldn't just 'commenter' data; they would 'analyser' it.

Overuse in Formal Contexts: Relying too heavily on 'commenter' when more precise analytical verbs are required in academic or professional writing.

Le professeur nous a demandé de commenter et d'analyser les résultats de l'expérience.

Elle passe son temps à commenter les moindres faits et gestes de ses voisins.

By being mindful of the missing 'sur', distinguishing between the verb and the noun, and choosing the right word for the right level of formality, learners can easily avoid these common pitfalls and use 'commenter' with native-like accuracy.

The French language offers a rich variety of verbs that share similarities with 'commenter', each carrying its own specific nuance, tone, and appropriate context. Understanding these synonyms and related terms allows learners to express themselves with greater precision and avoid repetitive vocabulary. One of the most common synonyms is 'remarquer' (to remark or to notice). While 'commenter' implies an active expression of an opinion, 'remarquer' is more about the act of observation, though it can also mean pointing something out verbally. Another closely related verb is 'discuter' (to discuss). You might 'discuter' a topic with friends, which involves a back-and-forth exchange, whereas 'commenter' can be a one-sided delivery of an opinion.

Analyser (To analyze): Used in more formal, scientific, or academic contexts where a deep, methodical examination is required, going beyond a simple comment.

Au lieu de simplement commenter, il faut analyser les causes du problème.

For expressing opinions, 'donner son avis' (to give one's opinion) is a highly frequent phrasal alternative. It is slightly more personal than 'commenter'. If the commentary is inherently negative or judgmental, the verb 'critiquer' (to criticize or to review) is more appropriate. Note that in French, 'critiquer' can mean to write a formal review (like a movie critic) or to speak negatively about someone.

Critiquer (To criticize / to review): Carries a stronger connotation of judgment, either as a professional evaluation of art or as a negative personal attack.

Les journalistes aiment commenter et critiquer les décisions du gouvernement.

Il est facile de commenter après coup, quand on connaît la fin de l'histoire.

In the context of explaining or interpreting something obscure, the verb 'interpréter' (to interpret) or 'expliquer' (to explain) might be used instead of 'commenter'. While a commentator might explain what is happening, 'expliquer' focuses purely on making something understandable, whereas 'commenter' always retains a layer of personal perspective or added narrative.

Observer (To observe): Focuses on the act of watching and noting details, often preceding the act of commenting.

Avant de commenter, prenez le temps d'observer attentivement la situation.

Je vous laisse commenter ces chiffres impressionnants.

By expanding your vocabulary to include these related verbs, you can tailor your French to the exact situation, whether you are casually chatting on Facebook, writing a university thesis, or engaging in a heated political debate.

How Formal Is It?

Difficulty Rating

Grammar to Know

Conjugation of regular -er verbs in the present tense.

Direct object pronouns (le, la, les) replacing the object of 'commenter'.

The imperative mood for giving instructions (Commentez !).

The passé composé with the auxiliary 'avoir'.

Avoiding anglicisms (omitting prepositions after direct transitive verbs).

Examples by Level

Je commente la photo.

I comment on the photo.

Present tense, 1st person singular. Notice there is no 'sur' (on).

Tu aimes commenter les vidéos ?

Do you like commenting on videos?

Infinitive form used after the conjugated verb 'aimer'.

Il commente le statut de son ami.

He comments on his friend's status.

Present tense, 3rd person singular.

Nous commentons le match.

We are commenting on the match.

Present tense, 1st person plural.

Commentez cette publication !

Comment on this post!

Imperative form, formal or plural.

Elle ne commente pas beaucoup.

She doesn't comment much.

Negative form in the present tense.

Je vais commenter ton article.

I am going to comment on your article.

Near future tense (aller + infinitive).

Ils commentent les photos de vacances.

They are commenting on the vacation photos.

Present tense, 3rd person plural.

J'ai commenté sa nouvelle robe.

I commented on her new dress.

Passé composé with auxiliary 'avoir'.

Pourquoi tu as commenté ça ?

Why did you comment that?

Passé composé in a question.

Le journaliste va commenter l'événement en direct.

The journalist is going to comment on the event live.

Futur proche used for a scheduled event.

Nous avons passé la soirée à commenter le film.

We spent the evening discussing/commenting on the movie.

Infinitive after the preposition 'à'.

Elle adore commenter tout ce qu'elle voit.

She loves commenting on everything she sees.

Infinitive after a verb of preference.

Je ne veux pas commenter cette rumeur.

I don't want to comment on this rumor.

Negative infinitive construction.

Ils ont commenté le match de foot hier.

They commented on the football match yesterday.

Passé composé indicating a completed past action.

N'oublie pas de commenter la vidéo !

Don't forget to comment on the video!

Imperative negative with infinitive.

Je commentais souvent ses publications quand j'avais le temps.

I used to comment on his posts often when I had the time.

Imparfait used for a repeated past habit.

Le professeur nous a demandé de commenter ce graphique.

The teacher asked us to comment on this graph.

Infinitive used in an indirect command.

Si je pouvais, je commenterais cette décision injuste.

If I could, I would comment on this unfair decision.

Conditional present used in a hypothetical 'si' clause.

La police a refusé de commenter l'affaire en cours.

The police refused to comment on the ongoing case.

Formal usage, infinitive after 'refuser de'.

Il est en train de commenter les résultats des élections.

He is currently commenting on the election results.

Expression 'être en train de' for an action in progress.

C'est une image qui a été beaucoup commentée sur les réseaux sociaux.

It's an image that was heavily commented on on social media.

Passive voice in the passé composé.

Je préfère écouter plutôt que de commenter.

I prefer to listen rather than to comment.

Comparative structure with infinitives.

Elle a commenté l'article avec beaucoup d'ironie.

She commented on the article with a lot of irony.

Adverbial phrase modifying the verb.

Pour demain, vous devrez commenter cet extrait de Baudelaire.

For tomorrow, you will have to write a commentary on this excerpt from Baudelaire.

Academic context, futur simple.

Il est essentiel que les experts commentent ces nouvelles données.

It is essential that the experts comment on these new data.

Subjunctive present triggered by 'Il est essentiel que'.

Son attitude arrogante a été largement commentée par ses collègues.

His arrogant attitude was widely commented upon by his colleagues.

Passive voice with an adverb of intensity.

Bien qu'il ait commenté la situation, ses propos sont restés vagues.

Although he commented on the situation, his remarks remained vague.

Subjunctive past after 'Bien que'.

C'est un sujet délicat qui ne se commente pas à la légère.

It's a delicate subject that shouldn't be commented on lightly.

Pronominal passive usage.

Le journaliste a passé une heure à commenter les moindres détails du traité.

The journalist spent an hour commenting on the finest details of the treaty.

Advanced vocabulary integration.

Je vous invite à commenter ce rapport avant la réunion de demain.

I invite you to comment on this report before tomorrow's meeting.

Professional register.

Après avoir commenté le texte, l'étudiant a répondu aux questions du jury.

After having commented on the text, the student answered the jury's questions.

Past infinitive (Après avoir + participe passé).

Il s'est abstenu de commenter la polémique, jugeant l'exercice stérile.

He refrained from commenting on the controversy, deeming the exercise pointless.

Advanced vocabulary ('s'abstenir de', 'stérile') and present participle.

La façon dont les médias ont commenté cette crise révèle un biais cognitif profond.

The way the media commented on this crisis reveals a deep cognitive bias.

Complex sentence structure analyzing a process.

On lui a reproché de commenter l'actualité avec une condescendance non dissimulée.

He was criticized for commenting on current events with undisguised condescension.

Passive construction with 'On' and advanced noun phrases.

Cette œuvre magistrale se passe de commentaires.

This masterful work needs no commentary / speaks for itself.

Idiomatic pronominal expression.

J'eusse préféré qu'il ne commentât point mes choix de vie.

I would have preferred that he not comment on my life choices.

Imperfect subjunctive (highly literary/formal).

Le critique a passé l'ouvrage au crible, commentant chaque chapitre avec acuité.

The critic scrutinized the work, commenting on each chapter with sharpness.

Gerundive form used to show simultaneous action.

Loin de moi l'idée de commenter vos décisions stratégiques, mais une révision s'impose.

Far be it from me to comment on your strategic decisions, but a review is necessary.

Rhetorical device (litotes) to soften a critique.

L'éditorialiste a brillamment commenté les soubresauts de l'économie mondiale.

The editorialist brilliantly commented on the upheavals of the global economy.

Advanced vocabulary ('soubresauts').

L'exégèse de ce texte requiert de le commenter à l'aune de son contexte socio-historique.

The exegesis of this text requires commenting on it in the light of its socio-historical context.

Highly academic vocabulary and complex prepositional phrase ('à l'aune de').

Il est fascinant d'observer comment la doxa commente et digère les idées subversives.

It is fascinating to observe how the doxa comments on and digests subversive ideas.

Use of philosophical terms ('doxa', 'subversif').

Qu'il ait cru bon de commenter cette broutille en dit long sur sa vacuité intellectuelle.

That he saw fit to comment on this trifle speaks volumes about his intellectual emptiness.

Subjunctive in subject position, highly critical tone.

Le philosophe s'est attaché à commenter les fragments présocratiques avec une minutie d'orfèvre.

The philosopher dedicated himself to commenting on the pre-Socratic fragments with the meticulousness of a goldsmith.

Poetic/literary comparison ('minutie d'orfèvre').

Toute tentative de commenter l'ineffable se heurte inévitablement aux limites du langage.

Any attempt to comment on the ineffable inevitably collides with the limits of language.

Abstract philosophical discourse.

La cour a rendu un arrêt qui, sans commenter le fond, a cassé la décision sur la forme.

The court issued a ruling which, without commenting on the substance, quashed the decision on procedural grounds.

Precise legal terminology ('le fond', 'la forme', 'casser').

L'art de commenter réside souvent dans ce que l'on choisit de taire.

The art of commenting often lies in what one chooses to leave unsaid.

Aphoristic sentence structure.

Il s'érigea en censeur, commentant chaque déviation de la norme avec une morgue insupportable.

He set himself up as a censor, commenting on every deviation from the norm with unbearable arrogance.

Literary past tense (passé simple) and rare vocabulary ('morgue').

Synonyms

remarquer analyser critiquer discuter interpréter expliquer annoter évaluer

Antonyms

ignorer taire approuver silencieusement s'abstenir

Common Collocations

commenter l'actualité

commenter un match

commenter une publication

commenter un texte

refuser de commenter

commenter en direct

commenter abondamment

commenter une décision

commenter un article

commenter les résultats

Common Phrases

sans commenter

rien à commenter

commenter à chaud

commenter la nouvelle

aimer et commenter

commenter l'événement

commenter la situation

commenter le choix

commenter les faits

commenter la photo

Often Confused With

commenter vs un commentaire (noun)

commenter vs analyser (verb)

commenter vs remarquer (verb)

Idioms & Expressions

"se passer de commentaires"

"n'appeler aucun commentaire"

"susciter des commentaires"

"y aller de son commentaire"

"faire l'objet de commentaires"

"déclencher une avalanche de commentaires"

"être très commenté"

"un silence qui se passe de commentaires"

"commenter les moindres faits et gestes"

"nourrir les commentaires"

Easily Confused

commenter vs

Sentence Patterns

How to Use It

nuances

Can imply a simple remark or a deep, structured analysis depending entirely on context.

formality

Neutral, adaptable to both highly formal and very informal contexts.

regionalisms

Universally understood across the francophone world without regional variation.

Common Mistakes

Saying 'commenter sur la photo' instead of 'commenter la photo'.
Writing 'un commenter' instead of 'un commentaire' for the noun.
Pronouncing the '-ent' in 'ils commentent'.
Using 'commenter' when 'analyser' is more appropriate in a scientific context.
Forgetting the double 'm' in spelling.

Tips

Drop the 'sur'

Never translate 'to comment on' word-for-word. Erase 'sur' from your mind when using this verb. It's always 'commenter quelque chose'.

Verb vs. Noun Spelling

Pay close attention to spelling in writing. The verb is 'commenter' (with -er). The noun is 'commentaire' (with -aire). Mixing them up is a common typo.

The Academic Commentaire

If you study in France, be prepared for the 'commentaire composé'. It's not just an opinion; it's a highly structured, multi-page literary analysis.

Pronunciation of 'ent'

Remember that in the third person plural (ils/elles commentent), the '-ent' ending is completely silent. It sounds exactly like 'il commente'.

Social Media Lingo

To sound natural online, use the imperative 'Commentez !' or the infinitive 'N'hésitez pas à commenter' when asking for engagement.

Vary Your Vocabulary

In formal essays, don't use 'commenter' in every paragraph. Switch it up with 'analyser', 'étudier', or 'examiner' to show off your vocabulary.

Sports Broadcasts

Watching French sports with commentary is a great way to hear this verb in action and learn sports vocabulary simultaneously.

Learn 'Sans commentaire'

Memorize the phrase 'sans commentaire'. It's incredibly useful when you want to playfully (or seriously) refuse to answer a question.

Direct Object Pronouns

Because it takes a direct object, use 'le', 'la', or 'les' to replace the noun. 'Je commente la photo' becomes 'Je la commente'.

Double M

Don't forget the double 'm' in the middle of the word. It's 'commenter', not 'comenter'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a COMMENTATOR at a sports game; their job is to COMMENTER on the action.

Word Origin

Latin

Cultural Context

The academic 'commentaire' is highly structured, usually requiring an introduction, three main parts, and a conclusion.

French journalism places a high value on editorializing; thus, journalists don't just report facts, they 'commentent' them extensively.

In the French digital space, 'commentez' is the standard call to action used by influencers, just like in English.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Conversation Starters

"As-tu vu la dernière publication de Marie ? Qu'est-ce que tu en as commenté ?"

"Que penses-tu du match d'hier ? Le journaliste a mal commenté l'action, non ?"

"Je n'aime pas quand les gens passent leur temps à commenter la vie des autres. Et toi ?"

"As-tu déjà dû commenter un texte difficile pour l'école ?"

"Pourquoi les politiciens refusent-ils souvent de commenter les scandales ?"

Journal Prompts

Décrivez une fois où vous avez regretté d'avoir commenté une publication en ligne.

Si vous deviez commenter un match de votre sport préféré, que diriez-vous ?

Pourquoi est-il important de réfléchir avant de commenter l'actualité ?

Racontez un souvenir lié à un 'commentaire de texte' à l'école.

Quel événement récent aimeriez-vous commenter et pourquoi ?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, this is a very common mistake made by English speakers. In French, 'commenter' is a direct transitive verb. You do not say 'commenter sur la photo'. You must say 'commenter la photo'.

'Commenter' is the verb meaning 'to comment'. It ends in '-er' and is conjugated (je commente, tu commentes). 'Un commentaire' is the noun meaning 'a comment'. It ends in '-aire'.

Yes, absolutely. In fact, 'commenter un texte' is a standard academic exercise in France. However, in scientific or highly technical writing, verbs like 'analyser' or 'examiner' might be preferred for variety.

The exact equivalent is 'Sans commentaire'. It is used exactly the same way as in English, often by politicians or celebrities refusing to answer a question.

Yes, it is a completely regular verb of the first group (-er). It follows the standard conjugation patterns for all tenses without any stem changes or irregularities.

A sports commentator is called 'un commentateur sportif' (masculine) or 'une commentatrice sportive' (feminine). Their job is to 'commenter le match'.

Yes, it is the standard verb used across all platforms. You will see buttons that say 'Commenter' and influencers will ask you to 'liker et commenter'.

It is an idiomatic expression meaning 'to speak for itself' or 'to need no commentary'. It is used when a situation is so obvious or shocking that words are unnecessary.

It is 'je commente'. Remember to add the 'e' at the end for the first person singular present tense, as it is a regular -er verb.

It can carry a critical tone depending on the context. If someone 'passe son temps à commenter', it often implies they are gossiping or judging others negatively.