gagner

Senses

1. 1.

   to win

   to be victorious in a competition or game

2. 2.

   to earn

   to receive money as payment or profit

3. 3.

   to gain

   to obtain or acquire something (time, space, advantage)

4. 4.

   to reach

   to arrive at a destination or objective

Examples

• "Elle a gagné la course."

  She won the race.

• "Il gagne bien sa vie en tant que médecin."

  He earns a good living as a doctor.

• "Nous avons gagné du temps en prenant le raccourci."

  We gained time by taking the shortcut.

Usage

Gagner is a regular -ER verb. The most common sense is "to win," but "to earn" is equally frequent in modern French. Note the phrase "gagner du temps" (to save/gain time) and "gagner sa vie" (to earn one's living).