French · Everyday Verbs
"to win" in French: gagner
gagner
To win in French is gagner: on a gagné le match, tu gagnes souvent. Gagner also means to earn: gagner de l'argent. Je gagne means I win or I earn, by context.
After a game
On a gagné trois à un.Speak with an AI partner · 7 days free
How to pronounce gagner
Say it
ga-NYAY
/ɡa.ɲe/
Gagner: ga-NYAY. Soft gn like canyon; stress on the end.
"to win" in French: quick reference
| French | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| gagner | to win / to earn Games, money, time. | Games, money, time. |
| on a gagné | we won Past celebration. | Past celebration. |
| gagner du temps | to save time Everyday idiom. | Everyday idiom. |
| gagnant / gagnante | winner Related noun/adj. | Related noun/adj. |
How to use gagner in real life
- 1After a game
On a gagné trois à un.
We won three to one.
On a gagné.
- 2Board game night
Tu gagnes toujours à ce jeu.
You always win at this game.
Tu gagnes.
- 3Work talk
Elle gagne bien sa vie à Paris.
She earns a good living in Paris.
Gagner = earn.
Mistakes English speakers make with gagner
Incorrect: On a winé le match.
Correct: On a gagné le match.
Past participle is gagné.
Incorrect: Je win toujours.
Correct: Je gagne toujours.
Use gagner / gagne.
Good to know
Gagner du temps and gagner sa vie are as common as sports wins. Lotteries say le gagnant; tickets say peut gagner.
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
Celebrating a match
ChatPal
On a gagné ! Tu as vu le but ?
We won! Did you see the goal?
You
Oui, on gagne enfin à domicile.
Yes — we're finally winning at home.
ChatPal
Si on gagne encore samedi, on est qualifiés.
If we win again Saturday, we're through.
You
Je réserve déjà les places.
I'm already booking seats.
This is a sample. In ChatPal you have this conversation out loud and get feedback on what you say.
Practice this conversation in ChatPal"to win" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "to win" in French
How do you say to win in French?
Gagner.
Can gagner mean earn?
Yes: gagner de l'argent, gagner sa vie.
How do you say we won?
On a gagné / nous avons gagné.
How do you pronounce gagner?
ga-NYAY.
Learn a word, then use it out loud
- Step 1: See it in context
- Step 2: Say it out loud
- Step 3: Get feedback
- Step 4: Use it in real scenarios
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