sauver

to save

verb soh-VEH Common

Also means

to rescue

Usage Note

Sauver covers both rescuing a person (sauver quelqu'un) and saving data or a file in computing (sauvegarder is more precise for data backup). The noun un sauveur means 'a savior.' The phrase sauve qui peut literally means 'save himself who can' and is used to describe a chaotic retreat or every-man-for-himself situation.

Examples

"Il a sauvé un enfant de la noyade."

Natural Translation

He saved a child from drowning.

Literal Translation

He saved a child from drowning.

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