"I walk...to the gym" ne peut-il pas être "marcher" au lieu d' aller"

John A2Kwiziq community member

"I walk...to the gym" ne peut-il pas être "marcher" au lieu d' aller"

Asked 2 years ago
MaartenC1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor Correct answer

As the lesson notes, in French there is a distinction between marcher and aller à pied. 

There is the general act of walking for which 'marcher' is appropriate - it may be qualified by how, when, why or even 'where' as in a location for walking (je marche dans la forêt), but is not used for the specific act of 'walk(ing) to somewhere'. 

The specific act of using walking as a mode of transport to get somewhere is « aller à pied ». Your example is about « going to somewhere (by foot/by walking) » and « aller à pied » is the best (precise) translation in this case.

JimC1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

Hi John,

What is your question?

It's unclear what it is you need help with?

Jim

ChrisC1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

Just to complement Maarten's answer: aller à pied always needs a destination. You can't just use it for the act of walking by itself.

RaymondC1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

You still don't mention any kind of contrast.

RaymondC1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

You still don't mention any kind of contrast.

RaymondC1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

You still don't mention any kind of contrast.

"I walk...to the gym" ne peut-il pas être "marcher" au lieu d' aller"

Sign in to submit your answer

Don't have an account yet? Join today

Ask a question

Find your French level for FREE

Test your French to the CEFR standard

Find your French level
I'll be right with you...