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A2 noun 10 min de lectura

la langue

Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos la langue en 30 segundos

Explicación la langue in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'la langue' is primarily learned as a basic body part. Students learn to identify it along with 'la bouche' (mouth), 'les dents' (teeth), and 'les yeux' (eyes). The focus is on simple identification and very basic physiological actions. A student at this level should be able to say 'C'est ma langue' (This is my tongue) or 'La langue est rouge' (The tongue is red). They might also encounter it in the context of 'la langue française' as they begin their studies, but the anatomical meaning is usually introduced in early units about the human body. The grammatical focus is on its gender (feminine) and the use of basic articles. Simple sentences like 'Le chat a une petite langue' are common. Learners also learn the verb 'tirer' in the context of 'tirer la langue' (to stick out one's tongue), which is a common gesture even for children.

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At the A2 level, learners begin to use 'la langue' in more descriptive and functional contexts. They might describe symptoms to a doctor, such as 'J'ai mal à la langue' (My tongue hurts) or 'Ma langue est brûlée' (My tongue is burned). They also start to explore the culinary side, recognizing 'la langue de bœuf' on a menu. The distinction between 'la langue' (the language system) and the organ becomes clearer through more varied reading materials. Students at this level are expected to use basic adjectives to describe the tongue's appearance or function. They also encounter the first common idioms, such as 'avoir le mot sur le bout de la langue' (to have the word on the tip of the tongue), which is very relatable for language learners. The use of the definite article for body parts ('se mordre la langue') becomes a key grammatical point.

At the B1 level, the word 'la langue' becomes a tool for more complex expression. Learners are introduced to a wider range of idioms and figurative uses. They learn 'donner sa langue au chat' (to give up guessing) and 'avoir la langue bien pendue' (to be talkative). These expressions allow for more natural and colorful conversation. In terms of linguistics, B1 students discuss 'la langue maternelle' (native language) and 'les langues étrangères' (foreign languages) in more detail, expressing opinions about language learning and cultural identity. They also begin to see how 'la langue' is used in literature and media to represent national pride or communication barriers. The grammatical structures become more advanced, incorporating the word into complex sentences with relative pronouns, such as 'La langue que nous parlons définit notre culture'.

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At the B2 level, learners explore the nuances of 'la langue' in professional and academic settings. They must distinguish clearly between 'la langue' and 'le langage' in discussions about linguistics or sociology. They encounter terms like 'la langue de bois' (political doublespeak) and 'la langue vivante/morte'. The word is used in debates about French identity, the role of the Académie Française, and the evolution of the French language. Learners are expected to understand and use 'la langue' in more abstract ways, such as 'la langue du droit' (the language of law) or 'la langue de la diplomatie'. They also refine their use of the word in medical or scientific descriptions, understanding more technical adjectives. At this level, the learner should be able to use the word fluently in both its literal anatomical sense and its various metaphorical applications.

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At the C1 level, 'la langue' is treated with a high degree of sophistication. The learner explores the philosophical implications of the word, such as the relationship between 'la langue' (the collective system) and 'la parole' (the individual act of speaking), a distinction popularized by Ferdinand de Saussure. They study how 'la langue' shapes thought and perception. Idioms are used with precision and irony. The learner can analyze the 'registres de langue' (levels of formality) and how 'la langue' varies across the Francophone world (regionalisms). They might read complex texts about the history of 'la langue française' from Latin to the modern day. The word becomes a focal point for analyzing literature, where an author's 'langue' refers to their unique style and mastery of the medium. C1 learners can discuss 'la langue' as a living organism that evolves, adapts, and occasionally conflicts with traditional norms.

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At the C2 level, the mastery of 'la langue' is near-native. The learner understands the deepest etymological roots and the most obscure idiomatic expressions. They can engage in high-level academic discourse about 'la politique de la langue' (language policy) or 'la didactique des langues'. The word 'la langue' is used to navigate the most subtle nuances of meaning in poetry and classical literature. A C2 learner can distinguish between 'la langue' as a structural entity and its role in 'le discours' (discourse). They are comfortable using and explaining rare expressions like 'prendre langue avec quelqu'un' (to establish contact). At this level, the distinction between the physical tongue and the abstract language is merely a starting point for exploring the entire landscape of human expression, cognition, and cultural heritage. The learner's own 'langue' is characterized by precision, elegance, and a profound understanding of the word's multifaceted nature.

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Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos

la langue en 30 segundos

A feminine noun referring to the muscular organ in the mouth used for tasting and speaking.
Also means 'language' as a system of communication (e.g., French, Spanish).
Commonly used in medical, culinary, and linguistic contexts throughout French culture.
Features in many idiomatic expressions regarding speech, secrets, and honesty.

The French term la langue is a fascinating noun that serves a dual purpose in the French language, though its primary anatomical definition refers to the fleshy, muscular organ located within the mouth. As an organ, it is the primary tool for gustatory perception (tasting), mechanical digestion (moving food), and the articulation of speech. In a broader, more abstract sense, the word also translates to 'language'—the system of communication used by a particular community or country. Understanding when to use la langue requires a grasp of both its physical presence and its metaphorical weight. In everyday conversation, you will encounter this word frequently when discussing health, food, or the act of communication itself.

Anatomical Context: When referring to the body part, 'la langue' is used to describe everything from a doctor's request to 'show your tongue' to the physical sensation of burning one's tongue on hot coffee.
Linguistic Context: It refers to a specific language like French (la langue française) or English (la langue anglaise), distinguishing a specific system from the general faculty of speech (le langage).

Le médecin m'a demandé de tirer la langue pour examiner ma gorge.

Beyond these basic uses, la langue appears in numerous idiomatic expressions that describe personality traits or social behaviors. For instance, someone who talks too much or reveals secrets is often described as having a 'longue langue' or a 'langue bien pendue'. Conversely, a person who is cautious with their words might be advised to 'tourner sa langue sept fois dans sa bouche' (turn their tongue seven times in their mouth) before speaking. This physical organ is seen as the gateway to truth, deception, and social interaction, making it a central concept in French culture and thought.

J'ai le mot sur le bout de la langue, mais je ne m'en souviens plus.

Culinary Usage: In French gastronomy, 'la langue de bœuf' (beef tongue) is a traditional dish, often served with a piquant sauce or in a pot-au-feu.

In summary, 'la langue' is not just a muscle; it is a bridge between the physical world of taste and the abstract world of human connection. Whether you are at a pharmacy explaining a sore mouth, at a restaurant ordering a delicacy, or in a classroom learning a new idiom, this word will be your constant companion in your French learning journey.

Using la langue correctly involves understanding its grammatical role as a feminine noun and its various semantic applications. In a sentence, it typically functions as a direct object or the subject of a physiological action. For example, when discussing the act of tasting, the tongue is the active agent. When discussing medical symptoms, it is the site of the condition. The versatility of the word allows it to move seamlessly between literal and figurative meanings, often within the same conversation.

Direct Physical Action: Verbs like 'tirer' (to pull/stick out), 'brûler' (to burn), and 'mordre' (to bite) are commonly used with 'la langue'.

L'enfant a tiré la langue à sa sœur pour la taquiner.

When you want to describe the state of the tongue, you use adjectives that agree with its feminine gender. You might describe it as 'chargée' (coated/white, usually when sick), 'râpeuse' (rough, like a cat's tongue), or 'bien pendue' (talkative). It is important to note that while English speakers might say 'my tongue hurts', French speakers often use the construction 'avoir mal à la langue' or 'ma langue me fait mal'.

Elle s'est mordu la langue en mangeant trop vite.

Furthermore, the word is indispensable in phrases related to communication. 'La langue maternelle' (mother tongue) is the first language a person learns. 'La langue vivante' refers to a modern, spoken language, while 'la langue morte' refers to an extinct one like Latin. In these cases, the word describes the soul of a culture rather than a muscle in the mouth. The structure 'en [adjective] langue' is also common, such as 'en langue étrangère' (in a foreign language).

Descriptive Phrases: Use 'la langue' to describe the physical characteristics of the organ, such as 'une langue rose' (a pink tongue) or 'une langue de chat' (a cat's tongue, also a type of biscuit).

La girafe utilise sa longue langue bleue pour attraper les feuilles.

In summary, whether you are describing a physical sensation, a medical condition, or a linguistic skill, 'la langue' is the core noun you will need. Pay close attention to the gender agreement and the specific verbs that accompany it to sound more natural and fluent.

The word la langue is ubiquitous in French life, echoing through various environments from the clinical to the culinary. If you visit a French doctor (un médecin) with a sore throat, one of the first things you will hear is 'Ouvrez la bouche et tirez la langue'. This is a standard part of a physical examination. Similarly, in a pharmacy, you might hear customers asking for 'un gratte-langue' (a tongue scraper) or something to soothe a 'langue brûlée' after drinking a tea that was too hot.

À la boucherie : 'Je voudrais une langue de bœuf bien fraîche, s'il vous plaît.'

In the world of French gastronomy, you will frequently see la langue on traditional menus. 'Langue de bœuf sauce piquante' is a classic bistro dish that many French people associate with family meals or school cafeterias. Even in the bakery (la boulangerie), you might encounter 'langues de chat', which are thin, delicate biscuits shaped like a cat's tongue. These culinary references keep the word firmly planted in the sensory world of taste and texture.

In schools and universities, the word is heard constantly in the context of 'langues étrangères' (foreign languages). Teachers will talk about 'la structure de la langue' or 'la maîtrise de la langue'. On the news, politicians are often accused of using 'la langue de bois' (wooden language), which refers to vague, deceptive, or overly bureaucratic speech designed to avoid answering questions directly. This is a very common term in French political commentary.

Le politicien a encore utilisé la langue de bois pour éviter de répondre.

Daily Expressions: In casual conversation, you'll hear 'donner sa langue au chat' when someone gives up on a riddle, or 'avoir la langue qui fourche' when someone makes a slip of the tongue.

Finally, in literature and cinema, la langue is often romanticized or used to symbolize national identity. The phrase 'la langue de Molière' is a common periphrasis for the French language itself, emphasizing its prestige and literary history. Whether it's the physical act of tasting a croissant or the complex act of debating philosophy, the word 'langue' is at the heart of the French experience.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make is confusing la langue with le langage. While both can translate to 'language' in English, they are not interchangeable in French. La langue refers to a specific system of signs used by a group (like French, Spanish, or the anatomical organ), whereas le langage refers to the general faculty of communication or a specific style of speaking (like 'le langage informatique' or 'un langage soutenu'). Using 'le langage' to refer to the organ in your mouth is a major error that will confuse native speakers.

Gender Confusion: Mistaking 'la langue' for a masculine noun is common. Always remember: 'une langue', 'la langue', 'ma langue'.

Incorrect: J'ai brûlé mon langue.
Correct: J'ai brûlé ma langue.

Another common pitfall is the literal translation of English idioms. For example, in English, we say 'it's on the tip of my tongue'. In French, the structure is very similar: 'c'est sur le bout de la langue'. However, English speakers often forget the 'le bout' (the end/tip) and try to say 'sur ma langue', which sounds like the word is physically sitting on top of the tongue rather than being just out of reach of memory. Similarly, 'cat got your tongue' is not translated literally; instead, the French say 'donner sa langue au chat' (to give one's tongue to the cat), but this means 'I give up/I don't know the answer', not 'Why are you being quiet?'.

Pronunciation also poses a challenge. The 'an' in langue is a nasal vowel /ɑ̃/, and the 'gue' ending is a hard 'g' sound /ɡ/ followed by a silent 'e'. Many learners accidentally pronounce the 'u' or make the 'g' sound like a 'j'. Practicing the nasal 'an' and the sharp stop of the 'g' is essential for being understood. Lastly, remember that 'langue' is used for the organ of animals too, but for birds, we often use 'le bec' for the whole mouth area, though they do have tongues!

Incorrect: Il parle le langage français.
Correct: Il parle la langue française.

By avoiding these common traps—gender errors, literal idiom translations, and the 'langue/langage' confusion—you will significantly improve your accuracy and sound much more like a native speaker.

While la langue is the most common word for the tongue, there are several related terms and synonyms that are used in specific contexts. Understanding these nuances will help you choose the right word for the right situation. For the physical organ, there aren't many direct synonyms in everyday speech, but in medical or anatomical contexts, you might hear more technical terms or descriptions of its parts, such as 'les papilles' (taste buds).

Le Langage: Often confused with 'la langue', this refers to the general ability to communicate or a specific style (e.g., 'langage familier').
La Parole: This refers to the act of speaking or a person's word/promise. For example, 'perdre la parole' (to lose the ability to speak).

Il a perdu l'usage de la parole après son accident, mais sa langue n'est pas blessée.

In terms of taste, 'le palais' (the palate) is often used to describe someone's sense of taste or discernment in food. While the tongue does the tasting, the 'palais' is where the appreciation happens. You might say someone has 'un palais fin' (a refined palate). For the throat area, 'le gosier' is a more colloquial or old-fashioned term for the throat or gullet, often used in expressions about drinking or singing.

La languette de ma chaussure est mal placée.

When referring to a 'tongue of land' (a narrow strip of land), French uses 'une langue de terre'. This shows how the physical shape of the organ influences geographic descriptions. In the context of fire, 'une langue de feu' (a tongue of flame) is used just as it is in English. These metaphorical uses demonstrate the word's versatility beyond anatomy and linguistics.

L'idiome: A more technical or formal word for a language or dialect specific to a region or group.

By learning these alternatives, you can specify whether you are talking about the physical act of speaking (la parole), the system of communication (la langue), the style of speech (le langage), or even the small part of your shoe (la languette). This precision is key to reaching higher levels of French proficiency.

How Formal Is It?

Dato curioso

The word 'lingua' is the root for many English words like 'lingual', 'bilingual', and 'linguistics', showing the shared heritage.

Guía de pronunciación

UK /lɑ̃ɡ/

US /lɑ̃ɡ/

The stress is on the single syllable 'langue'.

Rima con

gangue harangue mangue sangue tangue blangue rangue pangue

Errores comunes

Pronouncing the 'u' (e.g., 'lan-gu-é')
Making the 'g' soft like a 'j' sound
Failing to nasalize the 'an' vowel
Pronouncing it like the English word 'lang'

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 2/5

Easy to recognize due to English cognates like 'language'.

Escritura 3/5

The 'ue' ending and nasal 'an' require attention.

Expresión oral 4/5

The nasal vowel /ɑ̃/ followed by a hard /ɡ/ can be tricky for beginners.

Escucha 3/5

Can be confused with 'longue' (long) if not heard clearly.

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

la bouche parler le muscle le corps français

Aprende después

le langage la parole le goût les papilles bilingue

Avanzado

la phonétique la linguistique le glossaire l'idiome le vernaculaire

Gramática que debes saber

Definite articles with body parts

Je me lave la langue (not 'ma langue').

Feminine adjective agreement

Une langue rose.

Nasal vowel 'an'

Langue, manger, chanter.

Hard 'g' before 'u'

Langue, guitare, guerre.

Plural formation with 's'

Les langues étrangères.

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Ejemplos por nivel

Le chat a une petite langue rose.

The cat has a small pink tongue.

Feminine noun 'langue' with feminine adjective 'rose'.

Montre-moi ta langue.

Show me your tongue.

Imperative form of 'montrer' with the feminine possessive 'ta'.

La langue est dans la bouche.

The tongue is in the mouth.

Simple subject-verb-prepositional phrase structure.

Il a une langue bleue.

He has a blue tongue.

Adjective 'bleue' agrees with the feminine 'langue'.

La langue française est belle.

The French language is beautiful.

Here 'langue' means 'language'.

Je me suis mordu la langue.

I bit my tongue.

Reflexive verb 'se mordre' with the definite article 'la'.

Le serpent a une langue fourchue.

The snake has a forked tongue.

Adjective 'fourchue' means forked.

Tirer la langue est impoli.

Sticking out the tongue is rude.

Infinitive 'tirer' used as a subject.

Le médecin examine ma langue.

The doctor is examining my tongue.

Subject-verb-object structure.

J'ai brûlé ma langue avec le café.

I burned my tongue with the coffee.

Past tense 'ai brûlé' with the feminine object.

La langue de bœuf est un plat traditionnel.

Beef tongue is a traditional dish.

Compound noun phrase 'langue de bœuf'.

Elle a le mot sur le bout de la langue.

She has the word on the tip of her tongue.

Common idiom 'sur le bout de la langue'.

Ma langue est un peu blanche aujourd'hui.

My tongue is a bit white today.

Adjective 'blanche' is the feminine of 'blanc'.

Le chien lèche ma main avec sa langue.

The dog licks my hand with its tongue.

Prepositional phrase 'avec sa langue'.

Il faut se brosser la langue aussi.

You must brush your tongue too.

Reflexive construction 'se brosser'.

Sa langue est très rugueuse.

Its tongue is very rough.

Feminine adjective 'rugueuse'.

Ne donne pas ta langue au chat tout de suite !

Don't give up guessing just yet!

Idiom 'donner sa langue au chat' in the imperative.

Elle a la langue bien pendue, elle parle sans arrêt.

She is very talkative, she speaks non-stop.

Idiom 'avoir la langue bien pendue'.

La langue maternelle est importante pour l'identité.

The mother tongue is important for identity.

Adjective 'maternelle' modifies 'langue'.

Il a tourné sa langue sept fois avant de répondre.

He thought carefully before answering.

Idiom about thinking before speaking.

La langue est un muscle très puissant.

The tongue is a very powerful muscle.

Subject 'La langue' with a predicate 'un muscle'.

On peut goûter les saveurs grâce à la langue.

We can taste flavors thanks to the tongue.

Prepositional phrase 'grâce à'.

C'est une mauvaise langue, elle critique tout le monde.

She's a backbiter, she criticizes everyone.

Idiom 'être une mauvaise langue'.

Il a eu une petite coupure sur la langue.

He had a small cut on his tongue.

Preposition 'sur' indicating location.

Le politicien utilise souvent la langue de bois.

The politician often uses vague, evasive language.

Idiom 'langue de bois'.

La langue française évolue avec le temps.

The French language evolves over time.

Abstract use of 'langue' as a system.

Il est difficile de maîtriser une langue étrangère.

It is difficult to master a foreign language.

Infinitive phrase as the subject.

L'inflammation de la langue s'appelle une glossite.

Inflammation of the tongue is called glossitis.

Technical medical context.

Elle a pris langue avec le directeur pour le projet.

She got in touch with the director for the project.

Idiom 'prendre langue avec' meaning to establish contact.

La structure de la langue influence notre pensée.

The structure of language influences our thought.

Sociolinguistic context.

Le venin est injecté, mais la langue ne le touche pas.

The venom is injected, but the tongue doesn't touch it.

Biological description.

Il a mordu sa langue par inadvertance.

He bit his tongue inadvertently.

Adverbial phrase 'par inadvertance'.

Sa langue est d'une précision chirurgicale.

His use of language is surgically precise.

Metaphorical use of 'langue' for style.

L'auteur manie la langue avec une rare élégance.

The author handles the language with rare elegance.

Verb 'manier' often used with 'langue' for writers.

Il faut protéger les langues régionales en France.

Regional languages in France must be protected.

Plural use of 'langues'.

La langue est le miroir d'une société.

Language is the mirror of a society.

Philosophical metaphor.

Elle possède une langue de vipère redoutable.

She has a formidable, venomous tongue (gossip).

Idiom 'langue de vipère'.

Le rapport entre la langue et le réel est complexe.

The relationship between language and reality is complex.

Philosophical/Linguistic context.

Le texte est écrit dans une langue très soutenue.

The text is written in a very formal register.

Adjective 'soutenue' refers to formal register.

Il a la langue bien trop longue pour son propre bien.

He talks too much for his own good.

Idiomatic variation.

L'ontologie de la langue est au cœur de sa thèse.

The ontology of language is at the heart of his thesis.

Highly academic context.

Il s'agit d'une langue vernaculaire peu documentée.

It is a poorly documented vernacular language.

Technical linguistic term 'vernaculaire'.

La langue se délie après quelques verres de vin.

The tongue loosens up after a few glasses of wine.

Idiom 'la langue se délie'.

Sa maîtrise de la langue de Molière est absolue.

His mastery of the French language is absolute.

Periphrasis 'la langue de Molière' for French.

Le poète tord la langue pour créer du sens.

The poet twists the language to create meaning.

Literary metaphor.

L'herméneutique de la langue demande de la rigueur.

The hermeneutics of language requires rigor.

High-level academic vocabulary.

Il a délié sa langue pour confesser son crime.

He loosened his tongue to confess his crime.

Figurative use 'délier sa langue'.

La langue n'est pas qu'un outil, c'est un monde.

Language is not just a tool, it is a world.

Existential statement about language.

Colocaciones comunes

tirer la langue

langue maternelle

langue étrangère

se mordre la langue

langue de bœuf

langue vivante

langue morte

le bout de la langue

maîtrise de la langue

gratte-langue

Frases Comunes

Quelle est votre langue maternelle ?

— Asking someone what their first language is.

Quelle est votre langue maternelle, le français ou l'arabe ?

Tirez la langue.

— A command usually given by a doctor to examine the throat.

Ouvrez la bouche et tirez la langue, s'il vous plaît.

Je donne ma langue au chat.

— Saying you give up on trying to guess something.

C'est trop difficile, je donne ma langue au chat.

Avoir la langue bien pendue.

— To be very talkative or outspoken.

Attention à ce que tu dis, elle a la langue bien pendue.

C'est sur le bout de la langue.

— When you almost remember something but not quite.

Son adresse est sur le bout de ma langue.

Une langue de bois.

— Vague or deceptive political talk.

Il répond toujours avec une langue de bois.

Prendre langue avec quelqu'un.

— To make contact or start a conversation with someone.

Le détective a pris langue avec le témoin.

Se mordre la langue.

— To regret saying something or to physically bite the tongue.

Il s'est mordu la langue après cette remarque idiote.

Une mauvaise langue.

— Someone who gossips or says bad things about others.

Ne l'écoute pas, c'est une mauvaise langue.

Tourner sa langue sept fois dans sa bouche.

— To think carefully before speaking.

Tu devrais tourner ta langue sept fois avant de parler.

Se confunde a menudo con

la langue vs le langage

Langage is the faculty of speech; langue is the specific system or organ.

la langue vs longue

Longue is the feminine adjective for 'long'; sounds similar but different vowel.

la langue vs la languette

Languette is a small tongue, like on a shoe or a musical instrument.

Modismos y expresiones

"Donner sa langue au chat"

— To stop trying to guess a riddle or answer.

Je ne trouve pas la solution, je donne ma langue au chat.

informal

"Avoir la langue bien pendue"

— To be talkative or to have a ready answer.

Ce petit garçon a déjà la langue bien pendue !

neutral

"Avoir un mot sur le bout de la langue"

— To be about to remember something.

Attends, j'ai son nom sur le bout de la langue.

neutral

"La langue de bois"

— Vague, evasive speech typical of politicians.

Le ministre a pratiqué la langue de bois pendant toute l'interview.

neutral

"Être une mauvaise langue"

— To be a person who speaks ill of others.

Elle raconte des horreurs sur tout le monde, quelle mauvaise langue !

informal

"Avoir la langue de vipère"

— To be very malicious in one's speech.

Méfie-toi d'elle, elle a une langue de vipère.

informal

"Tourner sept fois sa langue dans sa bouche"

— To reflect deeply before saying something.

Avant de critiquer, tourne sept fois ta langue dans ta bouche.

neutral

"La langue lui a fourché"

— To make a slip of the tongue.

Pardon, ma langue a fourché, je voulais dire mardi.

neutral

"Prendre langue"

— To establish communication or contact.

Nous avons pris langue avec nos homologues canadiens.

formal

"Tirer la langue"

— To be in a difficult situation (often financial) or exhausted.

En fin de mois, beaucoup de gens tirent la langue.

informal

Fácil de confundir

la langue vs le langage

Both translate to 'language' in English.

Langue is a specific code (French, Spanish) or the organ. Langage is the general ability to communicate.

Le langage humain est complexe, mais la langue française est ma préférée.

la langue vs la parole

Both involve speaking.

Parole is the act of speaking or a specific word said. Langue is the tool or system used.

Il a la parole facile dans sa langue maternelle.

la langue vs longue

Auditory similarity.

Longue is an adjective (long). Langue is a noun (tongue).

Elle a une langue très longue.

la langue vs le palais

Both are in the mouth and related to taste.

Palais is the roof of the mouth. Langue is the muscle on the floor of the mouth.

Le palais et la langue travaillent ensemble pour le goût.

la langue vs le goût

The tongue is the organ of taste.

Goût is the sense or the flavor itself. Langue is the physical organ.

La langue permet de percevoir le goût.

Patrones de oraciones

C'est une [adjective] langue.

C'est une petite langue.

J'ai mal à la langue.

J'ai mal à la langue après avoir mangé.

Je donne ma langue au chat.

Je ne sais pas, je donne ma langue au chat.

C'est sa langue maternelle.

L'italien est sa langue maternelle.

Il manie la langue avec...

Il manie la langue avec brio.

La langue de Molière est...

La langue de Molière est riche.

Avoir la langue bien pendue.

Elle a la langue bien pendue ce matin.

Tirer la langue à quelqu'un.

Il a tiré la langue à son ami.

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

langage

languette

linguiste

linguistique

langagier

Verbos

languir

Adjetivos

linguistique

langagier

bilingue

multilingue

Relacionado

bouche

parole

goût

mots

élocution

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Cómo usarlo

frequency

Extremely high in both literal and figurative senses.

Errores comunes

Using 'le langue' → la langue
The noun is feminine. This is a very common gender error for beginners.
Saying 'mon langue maternelle' → ma langue maternelle
Possessive adjectives must agree with the feminine gender of 'langue'.
Confusing 'langue' with 'langage' for 'French' → la langue française
A specific language is always 'une langue'. 'Langage' is for the abstract faculty.
Pronouncing the 'u' in 'langue' → /lɑ̃ɡ/
The 'u' is a graphic marker for the hard 'g' and should not be vocalized.
Translating 'cat got your tongue' literally → donner sa langue au chat
The French idiom means 'to give up guessing', not 'why are you silent'.

Consejos

Gender Agreement

Always pair 'langue' with feminine adjectives like 'maternelle', 'étrangère', or 'blanche'.

The Hard G

Ensure the 'g' is hard. If you say it like a 'j', you might be misunderstood.

Body Parts Rule

Use 'la' instead of 'ma' when the owner is the subject: 'Je me mords la langue'.

Cat Idiom

Use 'donner sa langue au chat' instead of saying 'I don't know' to sound more native in games.

Political Slang

Recognize 'langue de bois' in news to understand when a journalist is being critical.

Doctor Visits

Remember 'tirez la langue' so you know what to do if a French doctor examines you.

The Silent U

Don't forget the 'u' in 'langue' even though you don't hear it; it's essential for the 'g' sound.

Langue vs Langage

If it's a specific language like 'French', it's always 'langue'.

Menu Reading

Look for 'langue de bœuf' in traditional restaurants for a classic French experience.

Visual Link

Associate 'langue' with 'language' to remember the communication meaning instantly.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Imagine a LONG tongue trying to taste a MANGUE (mango). 'Langue' sounds a bit like 'long' and 'mangue'.

Asociación visual

Picture a pink tongue sticking out of a mouth with the French flag painted on it to remember it means both the organ and the language.

Word Web

bouche goût parler français muscle mordre tirer maternelle

Desafío

Try to say 'La langue de bœuf est sur le bout de ma langue' three times fast without your tongue tripping!

Origen de la palabra

From the Latin word 'lingua', which also meant both the physical organ and the language system.

Significado original: The tongue, speech, or language.

Indo-European > Italic > Romance > French.

Contexto cultural

Be careful when using 'tirer la langue' in formal settings as it can be seen as childish or mocking.

In English, we often use 'tongue' for the organ and 'language' for communication. In French, one word does both jobs.

La langue de Molière (French language) Le film 'Ma langue au chat' L'expression 'Langue de bois' in news.

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

At the Doctor

Ouvrez la bouche.
Tirez la langue.
Ma langue est blanche.
J'ai mal à la langue.

Language Learning

C'est ma langue maternelle.
Je parle trois langues.
La langue est difficile.
Une langue étrangère.

At a Restaurant

La langue de bœuf.
C'est très tendre.
Une sauce piquante.
Avez-vous de la langue ?

Socializing

Je donne ma langue au chat.
Ne sois pas une mauvaise langue.
Il a la langue bien pendue.
Sur le bout de la langue.

With Children

Ne tire pas la langue !
C'est pas beau de faire ça.
Fais attention à ta langue.
Le chat te lèche ?

Inicios de conversación

"Combien de langues parlez-vous couramment ?"

"Avez-vous déjà goûté à la langue de bœuf ?"

"Quelle est votre langue maternelle ?"

"Est-ce que vous trouvez la langue française difficile ?"

"Avez-vous souvent des mots sur le bout de la langue ?"

Temas para diario

Décrivez une situation où vous avez eu un mot sur le bout de la langue.

Pourquoi est-il important d'apprendre une langue étrangère selon vous ?

Avez-vous déjà mangé quelque chose qui vous a brûlé la langue ? Racontez.

Que pensez-vous de l'expression 'la langue de bois' en politique ?

Quelle langue aimeriez-vous apprendre après le français ?

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

Yes, 'la langue' is always feminine, regardless of whether it belongs to a male or female person or animal. You would say 'sa langue' for a man's tongue.

Use 'langue' for specific languages (French, English) or the body part. Use 'langage' for the general concept of communication or styles of speech (computer language, formal language).

It is 'la langue maternelle'. 'Maternelle' agrees with the feminine noun 'langue'.

It means 'to give up guessing'. It's used when you can't find the answer to a riddle or a question.

Yes, 'la langue de bœuf' is a traditional dish often found in bistros and home cooking, usually served with a sauce.

The phrase is 'sur le bout de la langue'. 'Bout' means end or tip.

It literally means 'wooden language' and refers to the evasive, vague, and cliché-ridden speech often used by politicians to avoid answering questions.

Yes, 'une langue de terre' is a common geographical term for a narrow strip of land extending into the water.

You don't. The 'ue' is silent; it only serves to make the 'g' sound hard (like in 'game').

Literally, yes. Figuratively, it can mean being exhausted or struggling financially ('to be at the end of one's rope').

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