Mettre/Porter/Habiller

Antonio K.A1Kwiziq community member

Mettre/Porter/Habiller

What is the difference between these three verbs? As far as I can understand, they all mean to dress.

Asked 5 years ago
CécileNative French expert teacher in KwiziqCorrect answer

Hi Antonio, 

Just slightly different meanings 

Mettre = To put on

Porter = to wear

Habiller = to dress someone

S'habiller = to dress 

They will be used differently -

e.g.

Aujourdhui il fait très froid, je mets mon gros manteau d' hiver Today it's very cold, I am putting on my big winter coat

If you describe someone you will say -

Elle porte une jupe, un pull et des bottes en cuir She's wearing a skirt, a sweater, and leather boots

You are more likely to use the 's'habiller' for,  to dress -

Ma mère s'habille toujours de manière élégante = My mother always dresses elegantly 

Hope this helps!

 

Mettre/Porter/Habiller

What is the difference between these three verbs? As far as I can understand, they all mean to dress.

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