porter at A1 — the present tense (carry AND wear)
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One French verb covers two English ones.
Carrying and wearing
porter means both to carry and to wear, and French sees no difference: in both cases the thing is on you. « Je porte un sac » — I’m carrying a bag. « Je porte une robe » — I’m wearing a dress. Context alone decides.
This is why learners hunting for a separate “to wear” never find one. There isn’t one. Do not reach for s’habiller, which means to get dressed — the action, not the state.
💡 Focus at this level: Basics — carrying and wearing
👨🏫 How to use « porter » at this level
1. One verb, two meanings. Let context do the work.
2. Porter ≠ s’habiller. Wearing is a state; getting dressed is an event.
3. Describe what people wear. « Elle porte un manteau noir. »
Je porte un sac lourd.I’m carrying a heavy bag.
Elle porte une robe bleue.She’s wearing a blue dress.
Tu portes des lunettes ?Do you wear glasses?
Il porte les valises.He’s carrying the suitcases.
🎮 Practise « porter »
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