Introduction
The verb garder is an essential part of the French language, conveying the idea of keeping, holding onto, or retaining something. It is used in a variety of contexts, from physical possession to abstract concepts like memories or responsibilities.
Conjugation of Garder
Present Tense
| Person | Conjugation |
|---|
| Je | garde |
| Tu | gardes |
| Il/Elle/On | garde |
| Nous | gardons |
| Vous | gardez |
| Ils/Elles | gardent |
Imperfect Tense
| Person | Conjugation |
|---|
| Je | gardais |
| Tu | gardais |
| Il/Elle/On | gardait |
| Nous | gardions |
| Vous | gardiez |
| Ils/Elles | gardaient |
Past Participle
Passé Composé
| Person | Conjugation |
|---|
| Je | ai gardé |
| Tu | as gardé |
| Il/Elle/On | a gardé |
| Nous | avons gardé |
| Vous | avez gardé |
| Ils/Elles | ont gardé |
Usage of Garder
Common Expressions
- Garder un secret
- Garder la maison
- Garder son calme
- Garder en mémoire
- Garder des enfants
Examples in Sentences
- Je garde toujours mes promesses.
- Nous avons gardé les vieilles photos de famille.
- Il gardait son chien dans le jardin.
- Vous devez garder ce document important.
- Elles ont gardé le silence pendant toute la réunion.
Conclusion
The verb garder is a versatile tool in French, allowing speakers to express notions of retention, protection, and preservation. Whether you're talking about keeping a secret, maintaining calm, or holding onto cherished memories, garder helps convey the importance of what is being held or preserved.
