lire

Senses

1. 1.

   to read

   to perceive and interpret written or printed words

2. 2.

   to read (aloud)

   to speak the words of a text for others to hear

3. 3.

   to read someone's mind/face

   to understand or interpret someone's thoughts or expressions

Examples

• "Je lis un roman avant de me coucher."

  I read a novel before going to bed.

• "Elle a lu l'email à voix haute."

  She read the email aloud.

• "Je lis la peur dans tes yeux."

  I can read fear in your eyes.

Usage

Common, everyday verb. Use the present tense forms je lis, tu lis, il/elle lit, nous lisons, vous lisez, ils/elles lisent. Past participle is lu. Often followed by a direct object (un livre, le journal) or a preposition (dans, sur).