Choisir is likely the first verb you learned when you wanted to say "to choose" in French. While it's a perfectly good and common option, the French language, with its beautiful nuances, offers a variety of other ways to express the act of choosing. Knowing these different verbs can help you sound more natural, express subtle differences in meaning, and enrich your vocabulary. Whether you're picking an outfit, making a big decision, or simply selecting a word, there's a French verb that fits just right. Let's explore 9 different ways to say "to choose" in French, so you can pick the perfect one every time!

The standard 'to choose' – choisir

The standard "to choose" – choisir

Choisir is the most common and versatile verb for "to choose" or "to select" in French.

It's a regular -ir verb, which means its conjugations follow a predictable pattern. This makes it relatively easy for learners to master.

You can use choisir in almost any context, from daily decisions to more significant life choices, making it a reliable go-to verb in both formal and informal situations.

Typically, choisir is a transitive verb, meaning it directly takes an object: you choose something.

The most common constructions are choisir quelque chose (to choose something) or choisir de faire quelque chose (to choose to do something).

For instance, Je choisis un livre (I choose a book) or Nous avons choisi de partir (We chose to leave).

It's often used with definite articles or demonstrative adjectives when making a specific choice, e.g., choisir le bon chemin (to choose the right path).

While sélectionner (to select) or opter pour (to opt for) exist, choisir remains the most general and frequently used verb for the act of making a choice.

Mastering choisir and its conjugations is fundamental for clearly expressing preferences and decisions in French conversation.

💡 *Je choisis toujours le chocolat. (I always choose chocolate.)
*Elle a choisi une nouvelle voiture. (She chose a new car.)
*Nous devons choisir de rester ou de partir. (We must choose to stay or to leave.)
*Qu'est-ce que tu choisis pour le dîner ? (What are you choosing for dinner?)
*Ils ont choisi de ne pas venir. (They chose not to come.)

The 'to select' – sélectionner

The verb sélectionner in French directly translates to 'to select' or 'to choose' in English, making it a straightforward and widely used verb.

Sélectionner is a transitive verb, meaning it always takes a direct object. It implies a deliberate choice from a group or a set of options.

You'll frequently encounter sélectionner when talking about choosing items from a list, selecting files on a computer, or picking candidates for a position. It conveys a precise and often formal act of choosing.

As a regular -er verb, sélectionner follows a predictable conjugation pattern, making it relatively easy to learn for French speakers at all levels. For example, in the present tense: je sélectionne, tu sélectionnes, il/elle/on sélectionne, nous sélectionnons, vous sélectionnez, ils/elles sélectionnent.

While choisir also means 'to choose,' sélectionner often carries a slightly more formal or technical nuance, implying a selection process based on specific criteria or a larger pool of options. Think of it as 'to handpick' or 'to curate.'

Beyond tangible items, sélectionner can also be used abstractly, such as 'to select criteria' (sélectionner des critères) or 'to select a strategy' (sélectionner une stratégie).

💡 * Nous devons sélectionner les meilleurs candidats pour le poste. (We must select the best candidates for the position.)

• Veuillez sélectionner votre langue préférée. (Please select your preferred language.)
• L'ordinateur a sélectionné tous les fichiers pertinents. (The computer selected all the relevant files.)
• Elle a sélectionné une robe magnifique pour la soirée. (She selected a magnificent dress for the evening.)
• Le jury a sélectionné les œuvres d'art pour l'exposition. (The jury selected the artworks for the exhibition.)

The 'to opt for' – opter pour

The verb opter pour translates directly to 'to opt for' or 'to choose' in English. It signifies making a deliberate choice or decision among several possibilities.

It's crucial to remember that opter is always followed by the preposition pour. You 'opt for' something, not just 'opt' something. This structure is non-negotiable.

Opter pour is typically used when someone makes a conscious and often considered choice between different options. It implies a degree of reflection before the decision.

Good news for learners: opter is a regular -ER verb. This means its conjugation follows the standard pattern for verbs ending in -ER, making it relatively easy to master in various tenses.

While similar to choisir (to choose), opter pour often carries a slightly more formal or administrative tone. It suggests a more definitive and often policy-driven or well-thought-out selection.

💡 *Nous avons opté pour la solution la plus écologique. (We opted for the most ecological solution.)
*Elle a décidé d'opter pour une carrière dans l'enseignement. (She decided to opt for a career in teaching.)
*Si tu dois choisir, tu opteras pour quelle option ? (If you have to choose, which option will you opt for?)
*Les étudiants peuvent opter pour un cours facultatif. (Students can opt for an optional course.)

The 'to elect' or 'to pick' – élire

The verb élire in French primarily means 'to elect' or 'to choose' in a formal or significant context. It implies a deliberate selection, often through a vote or a considered decision.

Its most common usage is in the context of elections, where individuals are chosen for a public office or position. For instance, one might élire un président (elect a president) or élire un représentant (elect a representative).

Beyond political elections, élire can also signify choosing something or someone for a specific purpose, often implying a preference or distinction. You might élire domicile (choose a domicile/residence) or élire un lieu (choose a place) for a particular event.

Élire is an irregular verb belonging to the 3rd group. It is often conjugated similarly to verbs ending in -ir like finir in the present tense, but it has its own specific irregularities, particularly in past tenses and subjunctive moods, making it important to learn its full conjugation.

💡 * Ils vont élire un nouveau maire. (They are going to elect a new mayor.)

• Nous avons élu notre chef de projet. (We elected our project manager.)
• Elle a élu son restaurant préféré. (She picked her favorite restaurant.)
• Le peuple élit ses représentants. (The people elect their representatives.)
• J'ai élu domicile à Paris. (I chose to reside in Paris.)

The 'to prefer' – préférer

The verb préférer means 'to prefer' and is a fundamental verb for expressing choices and preferences in French.

Préférer is used to indicate a preference for one thing or person over another. It's a versatile verb you'll use frequently in everyday conversation.

While préférer is a regular -er verb, it has a slight spelling change in its stem: the 'e' before the 'fér' changes to 'è' in all forms except nous and vous in the present tense (e.g., je préfère, tu préfères, il/elle préfère, ils/elles préfèrent vs. nous préférons, vous préférez).

You can use préférer directly with a noun or an infinitive verb to state what you prefer. For example, 'Je préfère le café' (I prefer coffee) or 'Il préfère lire' (He prefers to read).

To express 'to prefer something to something else,' you typically use préférer followed by the first preference, then à or que before the second preference. For instance, 'Je préfère le thé au café' (I prefer tea to coffee) or 'Je préfère rester que sortir' (I prefer to stay than to go out).

Préférer is a standard verb appropriate in almost any context, making it essential for expressing your likes and dislikes clearly, whether formally or informally.

💡 * Je préfère le chocolat aux fruits. (I prefer chocolate to fruit.)

• Elle préfère regarder des films à lire des livres. (She prefers watching movies to reading books.)
• Nous préférons aller au restaurant ce soir. (We prefer to go to the restaurant tonight.)
• Vous préférez quel vin ? (Which wine do you prefer?)
• Ils préfèrent travailler le matin. (They prefer to work in the morning.)

The 'to designate' or 'to appoint' – désigner

The French verb désigner primarily translates to “to designate,” “to appoint,” or “to name.” It’s a versatile verb used in various contexts, from formal appointments to simply pointing something out.

One of its most common uses is in formal or official contexts, when someone is appointed or designated to a specific role, position, or task. Think of a committee designating a new leader or a company appointing a representative.

Désigner can also mean “to point out” or “to indicate.” This usage is more literal, referring to the act of showing something with a gesture or by drawing attention to it. For example, pointing out a specific item in a list or a person in a crowd.

Furthermore, it can be used to refer to or name something or someone. This often comes up when discussing how a word or phrase refers to a particular concept, or how a person is named for a specific reason.

As a regular -er verb, désigner follows standard conjugation patterns, making it relatively straightforward to learn. It’s a key verb for discussing official decisions, observations, and semantic references in French.

💡 * Il a été désigné pour diriger le projet. (He was designated/appointed to lead the project.)

• Le président a désigné son successeur. (The president appointed his successor.)
• Pouvez-vous me désigner l'entrée ? (Can you point out the entrance to me?)
• Ce terme désigne une idée complexe. (This term designates/refers to a complex idea.)
• Elle a désigné du doigt l'oiseau dans l'arbre. (She pointed her finger at the bird in the tree.)

The common expression 'to make one's choice' – faire son choix

The French expression faire son choix translates directly to 'to make one's choice' or 'to make a decision'. It's a very common and straightforward way to express the act of selecting from options.

This phrase is widely used in everyday conversations, business contexts, and even literature whenever someone needs to decide among several possibilities. It emphasizes the act of making the choice rather than just having one.

The possessive adjective (son, sa, ses, mon, ma, mes, etc.) changes according to the person making the choice. For example, faire mon choix (to make my choice), faire ton choix (to make your choice), or faire leur choix (to make their choice).

💡 *Il est temps de faire son choix. (It's time to make one's choice / to decide.)
*Tu dois faire ton choix avant demain. (You must make your choice before tomorrow.)
*Nous avons fait notre choix. (We have made our choice.)
*Elle a fait le choix de rester. (She made the choice to stay.)
*Les clients peuvent faire leur choix parmi de nombreux produits. (Customers can make their choice among many products.)

The 'to pick out' or 'to retain' (an option) – retenir

The verb retenir is a versatile French verb that translates to several English meanings, primarily 'to pick out,' 'to retain,' or 'to hold back.' Its usage often depends on the context, making it a key verb for advanced learners.

One common use of retenir is to express the idea of 'picking out' or 'choosing' something from a selection, especially when making a reservation or selecting an option. It implies a decision to keep or secure something.

Another significant meaning is 'to retain,' 'to remember,' or 'to keep in mind.' This can apply to information, a lesson, or even a feeling. It suggests holding onto something mentally.

Less commonly, retenir can also mean 'to hold back' or 'to hold,' often in a physical sense, like holding back tears or holding a place. This emphasizes the act of preventing something from moving forward or escaping.

💡 * Nous avons retenu une table pour deux personnes. (We picked out/reserved a table for two people.)

• Je n'arrive pas à retenir tous ces noms. (I can't retain/remember all these names.)
• Elle a retenu son souffle. (She held her breath.)
• Il faut retenir cette leçon. (We must retain/remember this lesson.)
• Le restaurant a retenu notre option. (The restaurant retained/kept our option.)

The 'to discern' or 'to distinguish' (a careful choice)

– discerner

The French verb discerner translates most directly to "to discern" or "to distinguish" in English. It implies a careful act of perception and judgment, going beyond simple seeing or hearing to truly understand the difference or nature of something.

Unlike simply choosing, discerner often refers to the mental process of making a careful choice or sound judgment after evaluating options or information. It suggests a thoughtful process of separating what is true from what is false, or what is good from what is bad.

You'll frequently use discerner when the context involves distinguishing between things that might appear similar or require a keen eye or intellect to tell apart. For instance, discerning between two similar opinions or subtle flavors.

Discerner carries a slightly more formal or intellectual tone than simpler verbs like choisir (to choose) or voir (to see). It's often found in discussions about ethics, philosophy, art, or critical analysis, emphasizing a deep understanding rather than a superficial observation.

💡 * Il est difficile de discerner le vrai du faux dans cette affaire. (It is difficult to discern the truth from the false in this matter.)

• Elle a su discerner ses véritables intentions. (She was able to discern his true intentions.)
• Le critique d'art peut discerner les nuances subtiles entre les œuvres. (The art critic can discern the subtle nuances between the works.)
• Nous devons discerner les priorités pour avancer. (We must discern the priorities to move forward.)
• C'est un don de pouvoir discerner les esprits. (It is a gift to be able to discern spirits.)

Are there other ways to say 'to choose' in French?

Are there other ways to say “to choose” in French?

Our list features the most common ways to say “to choose” in French. But there are other verbs, from formal ones, to more specific ones, to up-and-coming slang ones this middle-aged author might not even be aware of!

You can also do an online search for “comment dire choisir en ___” followed by a specific Francophone country or region.

You might find some interesting synonyms for choisir on this list. Of course, make sure to check a word’s definition and try to see it used in context before you use it.

Pay attention as you read, watch, and listen to things in French — you may discover different verbs to express choosing.

And if you’re looking for ways to talk about different nuances of choosing, or verbs related to selection in French, the WordReference entry for choisir is a great place to start!

I hope you found this article helpful. Here’s what I think is a perfect quote to finish it with, courtesy of André Gide: L'homme ne peut découvrir de nouveaux océans tant qu'il n'a pas le courage de perdre de vue le rivage. (Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore.)