In French, the verbs regarder and voir both relate to perception but are used in distinct ways. Regarder means to watch or to look at, emphasizing active, intentional observation. In contrast, voir means to see and is used for passive, involuntary perception.
- Regarder = to watch/look at (active, intentional)
- Voir = to see (passive, involuntary)
Usage of Regarder: Active Viewing
Regarder is used when someone deliberately directs their attention to something, such as watching a movie or looking at a picture.
- Use regarder for TV, movies, sports, presentations, or any situation where you actively focus your eyes.
- The subject exerts control over their gaze.
Example Sentences
- Je regarde la télé tous les soirs.
I watch TV every evening.
(active, ongoing attention)
- Nous regardons un film au cinéma.
We are watching a movie at the cinema.
(deliberate viewing)
- Elle regarde les enfants jouer.
She watches the children playing.
(focused observation)
Because the action involves actively watching, **regarder** is correct.
'regarder' applies when you actively watch or focus on something.
Usage of Voir: Passive Seeing
Voir expresses the idea of seeing something unintentionally or simply noticing it as part of your visual field. It covers both physical sight and the metaphorical idea of understanding (similar to "I see what you mean").
- Use voir for casual/glimpsing sight, spotting someone, or when something comes into view without effort.
- It’s about what you naturally see, not what you choose to focus on.
Example Sentences
- Je vois un oiseau dans le jardin.
I see a bird in the garden.
(passive noticing)
- Tu vois ce que je veux dire?
Do you see what I mean?
(understanding)
- Ils voient souvent leurs voisins.
They often see their neighbors.
(casual, not intentional watching)
Because the seeing is more about noticing (passive), 'voir' is appropriate.
'voir' is for passive or casual seeing, not for purposeful watching.
Conjugation Comparison: Regarder vs Voir
| Subject | Regarder (to watch) | Voir (to see) |
|---|---|---|
| Je | regarde | vois |
| Tu | regardes | vois |
| Il/Elle | regarde | voit |
| Nous | regardons | voyons |
| Vous | regardez | voyez |
| Ils/Elles | regardent | voient |
- Both verbs follow different patterns: regarder is a regular -er verb, while voir is irregular.
'voir' is irregular; 'regarder' is a regular -er verb.
'Nous regardons' and 'nous voyons' are correct.
Summary
- Use regarder for active, intentional watching (TV, movies, etc.).
- Use voir for passive or casual seeing/noticing (spotting, noticing).
For active viewing, use 'regarder.'
'Voir' is correct for passively noticing someone.
'voir' is for passive/casual seeing; not for active watching.
'regarder' is for intentional, focused viewing.