Question

What is the difference between "a rendu visite à" and "visiter"? I was told both of them have totally different meanings but I don't understand. Can anyone help?

Answer 1

Answer:

Besides the fact that "visiter" is in the infinitive form, the principal difference is that "visiter" typically applies to a location that you might visit, whereas "rendre visite à" applies to a person or group of people that you might visit.

visiter = visit a location

rendre visite à = pay a visit to

Exemple (cas 1er): Tu me fais visiter la maison? / J'ai trop hâte de visiter le Louvre.

(You will show me around the house? / I so look forward to visiting the Louvre)

Exemple (cas 2d): Je dois rendre visite à mes grands-parents

(I have to pay a visit to my grandparents)

Explanation:

Hope this helps :)