* garder: This is the most general and versatile way to say "to keep." It can be used for physical objects, ideas, or emotions.
* "Je garde mon livre." (I keep my book.)
* "Il garde son secret." (He keeps his secret.)
* "Elle garde le sourire." (She keeps smiling.)
* conserver: This is used when you want to emphasize that something is being preserved or maintained.
* "Il conserve ses vieilles photos." (He keeps his old photos.)
* "Le gouvernement conserve les archives." (The government keeps the archives.)
* retenir: This is used when you want to emphasize that you are holding onto something, either physically or mentally.
* "Je retiens l'information." (I keep the information in mind.)
* "Elle retient son souffle." (She holds her breath.)
* avoir: This is used when you are referring to possessing something.
* "J'ai mon téléphone." (I keep my phone.)
* "Elle a une maison." (She keeps a house.)
The specific translation of "to keep" will depend on the context and nuance you want to express.