"Re" in front of the verb?

Hasan D.A1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

when the "re" comes before the verbs(for example redonner) does it give the verbs the meaning of again and back everytime? or does it change according to the verbs?
for example:
Je lui ai redonné son style: I gave back him his pen(?)
Je lui ai redonné mon stylo: I gave him my pen again(?)

thanks for comments

Asked 3 years ago

Like0Answer2

CécileNative French expert teacher in KwiziqCorrect answer

Hi Hasan,

Actually, in your examples, it can mean both to give back or to give again but you will know from the context which one it is.

Bonne Continuation!

Like03 years ago

Jim J.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

Hi Hasan,

It is my understanding that "re" before a verb that is also in the form without "re" suggests a repeat of the meaning. I hesitate to claim that this is universally true, however.

Jim

Like03 years ago

Hasan D. asked:

"Re" in front of the verb?

when the "re" comes before the verbs(for example redonner) does it give the verbs the meaning of again and back everytime? or does it change according to the verbs?
for example:
Je lui ai redonné son style: I gave back him his pen(?)
Je lui ai redonné mon stylo: I gave him my pen again(?)

thanks for comments

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