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approcher

to approach, to draw near

verb ah-proh-SHEH Less Common
Travel & Places Movement

Usage Note

Approcher can be intransitive (approcher de la ville - 'to approach the city') or transitive (approcher la chaise - 'to move the chair closer'). The reflexive s'approcher de is the most common pattern: s'approcher de quelqu'un ('to approach someone'). Do not confuse it with se rapprocher, which implies becoming closer emotionally or relationally.

Examples

"Elle s'approche doucement de la porte."

Natural Translation

She quietly approaches the door.

Literal Translation

She approaches herself gently to the door.

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