épargner

Senses

1. 1.

   to save (money)

   to set aside or accumulate money for future use

2. 2.

   to spare

   to exempt someone from something unpleasant or difficult

3. 3.

   to avoid wasting

   to use economically or preserve a resource

Examples

• "Elle épargne de l'argent chaque mois pour ses vacances."

  She saves money each month for her vacation.

• "Je veux t'épargner cette mauvaise nouvelle."

  I want to spare you this bad news.

• "Épargne tes forces, tu en auras besoin demain."

  Save your strength; you'll need it tomorrow.

Usage

Épargner is a common verb with two main senses: financial (saving money) and interpersonal (sparing someone distress). The reflexive form s'épargner means "to spare oneself." Often used in the present tense with a frequency adverb (chaque mois, régulièrement).