The English verb 'to set' is incredibly versatile, isn't it? You can set the table, set a date, set a goal, or even watch the sun set. This flexibility means that in French, there isn't just one single verb that covers all these meanings. Instead, French uses a variety of specific verbs depending on the context. If you've ever been stumped on how to translate 'to set', you're in the right place! Let's dive into nine common ways to express this handy verb in French and set you on the path to fluency.

The general 'to put' or 'to set' – Mettre

The verb mettre is one of the most fundamental and versatile verbs in French. While its primary translation is 'to put' or 'to set', its meaning can change dramatically based on the context, making it essential for everyday conversation.

The most straightforward use of mettre is to describe the action of placing something somewhere. It's the direct equivalent of 'to put'. For example, Je mets le livre sur l'étagère translates to 'I put the book on the shelf'.

A very common, daily use of mettre is for clothing. In this context, it means 'to put on' or 'to wear'. If you want to say 'I'm putting on my coat,' you would say, Je mets mon manteau. This is a key usage that learners should master early on.

Mettre is a cornerstone of many French idiomatic expressions. For example, mettre la table means 'to set the table,' mettre du temps means 'to take time,' and se mettre à means 'to begin' or 'to start' something.

Be aware that mettre is an irregular verb, so its conjugation doesn't follow the typical pattern for -re verbs. Its present tense conjugation is je mets, tu mets, il/elle met, nous mettons, vous mettez, ils/elles mettent. Memorizing this pattern is crucial as many other verbs are conjugated similarly (e.g., permettre, promettre).

💡 * Mets ton manteau avant de sortir.

• Elle a mis les fleurs dans un vase.
• Nous mettons la table pour le dîner.
• Il s'est mis à pleurer sans raison.
• Combien de sucre tu mets dans ton café ?

The 'to set' for dates, prices, and appointments – Fixer

When you need a verb that means 'to set,' 'to establish,' or 'to arrange' in French, fixer is your go-to choice. While it looks like the English word 'fix,' its primary meaning isn't about repairing something but rather about making something firm or definite.

The core idea behind fixer is to determine and establish something with certainty. Think of it as pinning down a detail that was previously undecided. This applies to abstract concepts like rules and prices as well as concrete plans like meetings.

One of the most common uses of fixer is for scheduling. You use it to set a date for an event or arrange an appointment. For example, the phrase fixer un rendez-vous means 'to set an appointment,' and fixer une date means 'to set a date.'

Fixer is also essential in business and formal contexts. A company will fixer le prix (set the price) of a product, and an organization might fixer des règles (establish rules) for its members to follow.

This is a classic 'false friend'! While you 'fix' a broken car in English, you do not fixer it in French. For repairing something, the correct verb is réparer. Remember: fixer is for setting things, réparer is for mending them.

💡 * On doit fixer une date pour la réunion.

• Le gouvernement a fixé un prix maximum pour l'essence.
• Pouvons-nous fixer un rendez-vous pour la semaine prochaine ?
• Les parents ont fixé des règles claires pour leurs enfants.

The 'to set' for alarms and devices – Régler

When you need to talk about setting an alarm, a clock, or another device in French, the most common and precise verb to use is régler.

At its core, régler means 'to adjust,' 'to regulate,' or 'to set.' It implies making a precise adjustment to a mechanism or system so that it functions correctly.

Régler is a regular -er verb, but it has a slight spelling change in some forms to maintain the correct pronunciation. For example, it becomes je règle (I set) and nous réglons (we set).

While it's perfect for setting your alarm clock (régler le réveil), its use extends to many other devices. You can use it to set the temperature on a thermostat (régler le thermostat), adjust the volume (régler le volume), or set a watch (régler sa montre).

It's also useful to know that régler has other important meanings. It can mean 'to pay' a bill (régler une facture) or 'to settle' a problem (régler un problème). Context is key to understanding which meaning is intended.

💡 * N'oublie pas de régler ton réveil pour 6 heures. (Don't forget to set your alarm for 6 o'clock.)

• Pouvez-vous régler la climatisation ? Il fait trop froid ici. (Can you adjust the air conditioning? It's too cold in here.)
• J'ai dû régler ma montre car elle retardait. (I had to set my watch because it was slow.)
• Après la discussion, nous avons réglé le problème. (After the discussion, we settled the problem.)

The 'to set down' or 'to place' – Poser

Poser is a regular French -er verb that directly translates to 'to put down,' 'to set down,' or 'to place.' It's the go-to verb for the action of physically setting an object onto a surface.

You use poser when describing the deliberate action of placing something somewhere. Think of it as the opposite of picking something up (prendre or ramasser). It implies a gentle and controlled action.

Crucially, poser is the verb used in the essential phrase poser une question, which means 'to ask a question.' While English uses 'to ask,' French 'poses' a question. This is a fundamental expression for all learners.

Similar to its English cognate, poser can also mean 'to pose,' as in for a photograph or a painting. It can also be used in contexts like installing something, such as poser du carrelage (to lay tile).

💡 * Elle a posé son livre sur le bureau. (She placed her book on the desk.)

• Le journaliste a posé une question difficile au politicien. (The journalist asked the politician a difficult question.)
• Pouvez-vous poser les assiettes sur la table, s'il vous plaît ? (Can you put the plates on the table, please?)
• Les mannequins posent pour le photographe. (The models are posing for the photographer.)

The 'to set' a record or establish – Établir

Meet établir, the French verb for formally establishing something or setting a new standard. It's a versatile and common verb used in more formal contexts.

The verb établir translates directly to 'to establish,' 'to set up,' or 'to found.' It carries the idea of creating something with a sense of permanence, structure, or official recognition.

A key use of établir is for setting records, standards, or facts. You will frequently encounter it in sports or news, such as établir un record (to set a record) or établir la vérité (to establish the truth).

Établir is also a staple in professional and official language. For instance, you can établir une entreprise (establish a company), établir des règles (establish rules), or établir une connexion (establish a connection).

Grammatically, établir is a regular second-group -ir verb, just like finir. This means it adds the infix -iss- in plural forms: nous établissons (we establish), vous établissez (you establish), and ils/elles établissent (they establish).

💡 * L'athlète a établi un nouveau record du monde. (The athlete set a new world record.)

• Nous devons établir des règles claires pour tout le monde. (We must establish clear rules for everyone.)
• Le rapport établit un lien direct entre les deux incidents. (The report establishes a direct link between the two incidents.)
• Ils ont établi leur entreprise il y a plus de vingt ans. (They established their company more than twenty years ago.)

The 'to set' parameters or define – Définir

The verb définir is the primary French equivalent for 'to define' or 'to set' in a formal or technical context.

At its most basic, définir directly translates to 'to define.' You use it just like in English to explain the meaning of a word, concept, or idea. For instance, a dictionary's purpose is to définir les mots (define words).

In a more technical or professional setting, définir is the correct verb for 'to set' or 'to establish' abstract parameters. This includes setting objectives, rules, criteria, or a strategy. It implies a clear, deliberate action of establishing boundaries or specifications.

Définir is a regular -ir verb, conjugated like finir. Its present tense forms are: je définis, tu définis, il/elle définit, nous définissons, vous définissez, ils/elles définissent. This regular pattern makes it straightforward to use in various tenses.

💡 * Pouvez-vous définir ce terme pour moi ? (Can you define this term for me?)

• Nous devons définir des objectifs clairs pour le projet. (We need to set clear objectives for the project.)
• Le programmeur doit définir les variables avant de les utiliser. (The programmer must define the variables before using them.)
• La loi définit les droits et les devoirs de chaque citoyen. (The law defines the rights and duties of each citizen.)

1. The verb for 'to set up' equipment: Installer

The French verb installer is the direct equivalent of the English "to install" or "to set up." It is the go-to verb when you are talking about setting up physical equipment, machinery, software, or applications.

Beyond its technical meaning, installer is also used more broadly to mean "to set up," "to place," or "to settle" someone or something in a location. The reflexive form, s'installer, means "to settle in," "to move in," or "to sit down."

Installer is a regular -er verb, which makes its conjugation predictable and easy for learners. It follows the same pattern as common verbs like parler (to speak) or chanter (to sing).

💡 * J'ai besoin d'aide pour installer ma nouvelle imprimante. (I need help to set up my new printer.)

• Le technicien va venir installer la fibre optique demain. (The technician is coming to install the fiber optic tomorrow.)
• Nous nous sommes installés dans notre nouvel appartement. (We settled into our new apartment.)
• N'oubliez pas d'installer la dernière mise à jour du logiciel. (Don't forget to install the latest software update.)

1. The 'to set' for the sun – Se coucher

The verb se coucher literally means "to lie down" or "to go to bed." It's a reflexive verb you'll frequently hear when people talk about their daily routines, like Je me couche à 22h (I go to bed at 10 p.m.).

French beautifully extends this idea of "going to bed" to celestial bodies. When the sun disappears below the horizon, it is metaphorically going to rest. Thus, le soleil se couche is the standard way to say "the sun sets" or "the sun is setting."

From this verb, we get the noun le coucher de soleil (or le coucher du soleil), which translates directly to "the sunset." This phrase is essential for describing those picturesque evening skies.

💡 * Le soleil se couche plus tôt en hiver.

• Nous avons admiré le magnifique coucher de soleil depuis la plage.
• À quelle heure est-ce que le soleil se couche ce soir ?
• Les couleurs du ciel pendant le coucher de soleil étaient incroyables.

1. Monter: To Set a Jewel or a Stage

While monter is most famously known for meaning 'to go up,' 'to climb,' or 'to get on,' it also carries a crucial meaning related to assembly and creation. This is how we get to the translation 'to set' in specific contexts like jewelry or theater.

In jewelry making (la joaillerie), monter means 'to set' or 'to mount' a precious stone into a piece of metal. The verb describes the intricate process of securing the gem. For example, monter un diamant sur une bague translates to 'to set a diamond on a ring.'

In the world of performance, monter means 'to put together,' 'to build,' or 'to set up.' You can monter une scène (to set up a stage) or monter un spectacle (to put on a show). It implies assembling all the necessary elements, from the physical set to the performance itself.

The common thread in these uses is the idea of building or assembling from individual parts. Whether you are mounting a small gem into a setting or constructing a large stage for a concert, the verb monter captures this sense of creation and assembly.

💡 * Le joaillier va monter ce saphir sur une bague en or blanc. (The jeweler is going to set this sapphire on a white gold ring.)

• L'équipe technique a monté la scène en seulement deux jours. (The technical crew set up the stage in just two days.)
• Notre troupe de théâtre va monter une pièce de Molière l'année prochaine. (Our theater troupe is going to put on a Molière play next year.)
• Cette émeraude est montée sur un pendentif simple. (This emerald is set on a simple pendant.)

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

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

Our list features the most common and versatile verbs for 'to set' in French, like mettre, poser, fixer, and régler. However, because 'to set' is such a flexible verb in English, there are many other context-specific and idiomatic translations you might encounter.

The best way to find the right word is to focus on the specific meaning. Are you setting a date (fixer une date), setting the table (mettre la table), or setting a record (établir un record)? Thinking about the context will always guide you to the correct French equivalent.

For tricky phrases, try searching for the full English expression in a reliable translation tool. For instance, searching for 'set a trap' will quickly show you the French expression tendre un piège—a translation you might not guess on your own.

If you want to explore the countless variations, the WordReference entry for the English verb 'set' is an invaluable resource. It provides a long list of translations based on different contexts and includes helpful examples.

Pay attention to these verbs as you consume French media. Notice how native speakers use them in movies, books, and conversations. This kind of immersion is the best way to develop an intuitive understanding of which verb to use and when.

I hope this guide has helped clarify the many ways to translate 'to set' into French. Mastering these verbs is a fantastic milestone in your language journey. As the French proverb says, “C'est en forgeant qu'on devient forgeron” (Practice makes perfect).