Dictionary · French

tacher

verb

Senses

  1. 1.

    to stain; to spot

    to mark with dirt, blood, or other discoloring matter

  2. 2.

    to soil; to tarnish

    to damage or sully reputation or character

Examples

  • "Elle a taché sa robe avec du vin rouge."

    She stained her dress with red wine.

  • "Ce scandale a taché sa réputation."

    This scandal tarnished his reputation.

  • "Attention, ne tache pas le canapé!"

    Be careful, don't stain the sofa!

Usage

Tacher is a regular -er verb. Use the reflexive form se tacher when the subject stains themselves or their own belongings. Do not confuse with tâcher (with circumflex), which means 'to try' or 'to attempt.' Common in everyday contexts when discussing accidents with dirt, food, or drink.

Conjugation

Full table

Présent

indicative
jetache
tutaches
il/elletache
noustachons
voustachez
ils/ellestachent

Imparfait

indicative
jetachais
tutachais
il/elletachait
noustachions
voustachiez
ils/ellestachaient

Passé Simple

indicative
jetachai
tutachas
il/elletacha
noustachâmes
voustachâtes
ils/ellestachèrent

Futur Simple

indicative
jetacherai
tutacheras
il/elletachera
noustacherons
voustacherez
ils/ellestacheront