sur

This is the 10th most frequent French word.


sur

"Sur" in French means "on" or "upon."


Here, 'sur' is used to indicate a physical position or location: 'on'.

Le livre est sur la table.

The book is on the table.


In this sentence, 'sur' conveys dependence or reliance: 'on' as in 'based on' or 'relying on'.

Il s'appuie sur son expérience pour résoudre ce problème.

He relies on his experience to solve this problem.


Here, 'sur' is used in a numerical or proportional context: 'out of' or 'among'.

Sur cent, seulement dix ont réussi l'examen.

Out of one hundred, only ten passed the exam.