garder

Senses

1. 1.

   to keep

   to retain possession or control of something

2. 2.

   to watch; to guard

   to keep watch over or protect someone or something

3. 3.

   to look after; to mind

   to care for or supervise (children, animals, property)

4. 4.

   to save; to preserve

   to set aside or maintain something for future use

Examples

• "Je vais garder cette lettre précieuse."

  I'm going to keep this precious letter.

• "Elle garde les enfants le samedi."

  She looks after the children on Saturdays.

• "Le chien garde la maison toute la nuit."

  The dog guards the house all night.

Usage

One of the most common French verbs. *Garder* is broader than English "keep"-it covers retaining, watching, and caring. Common in fixed phrases: *garder en tête* (bear in mind), *garder rancune* (hold a grudge), *garder le silence* (remain silent). Easily confused with *tenir* (hold) or *conserver* (preserve) in some contexts.