French Phrase
Regarde si la boîte supporte le poids.
Meaning
The sentence asks someone to check whether the box is strong enough to bear a given weight. It is an imperative request that combines a command (Regarde) with a conditional clause (si la boîte supporte le poids).
When to use
Use this phrase when you need to verify the load‑bearing capacity of a container – for example, before stacking heavy items, during a DIY project, or when packing for a move. It works well in informal spoken French or in written instructions that keep a friendly tone.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Regardesilaboîtesupportelepoids.
Regarde (imperative)
‘Regarde’ is the second‑person singular imperative of the verb *regarder* (to look, to check). It is used for direct commands or suggestions.
si (conjunction)
‘si’ introduces a yes/no clause meaning ‘if / whether’. In this construction it links the command to a condition to be verified.
la boîte (noun phrase)
‘la’ is the definite feminine article; ‘boîte’ is a feminine noun meaning ‘box, container’.
supporte (present, 3rd‑person singular)
‘supporte’ is the present indicative of *supporter* (to bear, to support). The subject is the third‑person singular ‘la boîte’.
le poids (noun phrase)
‘le’ is the masculine definite article; ‘poids’ means ‘weight’. The phrase ‘le poids’ refers to a specific weight that is being considered.
🗨In Conversation
Regarde si la boîte supporte le poids.
Check if the box can support the weight.
Oui, elle supporte jusqu’à 20 kg sans problème.
Yes, it can hold up to 20 kg without any problem.
✕Common Mistakes
Regarde le poids.
‘Regarde le poids’ means ‘look at the weight’, not ‘check if the box can hold it’. You need the conjunction ‘si’ to introduce the condition.
Regarde si la boîte supporte du poids.
When talking about a specific weight, use the definite article ‘le’. ‘du poids’ would imply an indefinite amount of weight.
Regarde si la boîte supporte le poids?
The sentence is a command, not a question. Adding a question mark changes the tone and makes it sound like you’re asking for confirmation rather than giving an instruction.
↔Alternatives
Vérifie si la boîte peut supporter le poids.
Verify if the box can support the weight.
Assure‑toi que la boîte supporte le poids.
Make sure the box supports the weight.
Est‑ce que la boîte supporte le poids ?
Does the box support the weight?
Cultural Tip
In French, ‘Regarde si…’ is perfectly natural in spoken language, but in more formal or technical contexts you’ll often hear ‘Vérifie si…’ or ‘Assure‑toi que…’. The imperative ‘Regarde’ can sound a bit casual, so choose the verb that matches the register of your audience. Also, French speakers tend to avoid the literal translation of ‘check the weight’ and instead focus on the container’s capacity, as shown in the alternatives.