A2.2
bug_report
arrow_back_ios
Rendre 🆚 Devenir + Adjective
arrow_forward_ios

In French, "rendre" and "devenir" followed by an adjective are used to express changes of state, but they involve different nuances and dynamics.

"Rendre" + Adjective

The expression "rendre" followed by an adjective generally indicates that the action of the subject causes a change of state in the object. In other words, there is a direct influence or action that causes the change.

  • Gagner au loto rend riche. (Winning the lottery makes you rich.)
  • Le froid m'a rendu malade. (The cold made me sick.)
  • La mort de son chien le rend triste. (The death of his dog makes him sad.)

"Devenir" + Adjective

"Devenir" followed by an adjective expresses a change of state or transformation that occurs within the subject itself, without the necessary implication of an external action. The change is often perceived as more gradual or natural.

  • Il est devenu triste après la nouvelle. (He became sad after the news.)
  • Le ciel devient rouge au coucher du soleil. (The sky turns red at sunset.)

Distinction and Usage

Choosing between "rendre" and "devenir" depends on the nature of the change of state you want to express:

  • Use "rendre" to indicate that an external action causes the change of state.
  • Opt for "devenir" to express an intrinsic or natural change of state.