このページをあなたの言語で

English

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

A1 noun #4,000 よく出る 11分で読める

épaule

上位4,000

練習する例文メモとヒント épaule 30秒で

解説 épaule in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'épaule' is primarily a vocabulary word for the body. Students learn it alongside other body parts like 'la tête', 'le bras', and 'la jambe'. The focus is on basic identification and simple physical states. You will learn to say 'J'ai mal à l'épaule' (My shoulder hurts) and 'C'est mon épaule'. At this stage, the most important thing is to remember that it is feminine and starts with a vowel, so the article 'la' becomes 'l''. You will use it in very simple descriptive sentences like 'Il a deux épaules'. The concept of 'mon épaule' vs 'ton épaule' is introduced, but the reflexive usage ('je me lave l'épaule') might be slightly more advanced. A1 learners should focus on recognizing the word in a doctor's office scenario or when describing a picture of a person. It is a foundational noun for physical description.

At the A2 level, you begin to use 'épaule' in more dynamic contexts. You learn common verbs associated with it, like 'porter' (to carry). You might describe your daily routine: 'Je porte mon sac sur l'épaule pour aller au travail'. You also start to see 'épaule' in the context of clothing, such as 'une chemise avec des épaules larges'. The famous French gesture 'hausser les épaules' (to shrug) is often introduced here as part of cultural learning. You can describe people in more detail, using adjectives like 'fortes' or 'fragiles'. You also learn to use prepositions more accurately, such as 'à côté de l'épaule' or 'derrière l'épaule'. At this level, you should be comfortable using 'épaule' in a variety of simple past and future sentences, like 'Hier, j'ai eu mal à l'épaule après le sport'.

無料登録して完全な解説を読む

At the B1 level, 'épaule' enters the realm of idiomatic expressions and more complex sentence structures. You learn phrases like 'avoir la tête sur les épaules' (to be level-headed/sensible). You start to understand the figurative use of the shoulder as a symbol of support. You might read or hear 'Il a besoin d'une épaule pour pleurer'. The verb 'épauler' (to support/help) becomes part of your vocabulary. You can use 'épaule' in more sophisticated descriptions of emotions or social interactions. For example, 'Il a haussé les épaules d'un air indifférent'. You also become more proficient in using the reflexive construction for body parts: 'Il s'est démis l'épaule' (He dislocated his shoulder). Your ability to use 'épaule' in storytelling and expressing opinions increases significantly.

無料登録して完全な解説を読む

At the B2 level, you use 'épaule' with nuance and precision. You understand the difference between 'avoir les épaules larges' (to have broad shoulders) in a literal sense and a metaphorical sense (to be able to take responsibility or withstand criticism). You can discuss abstract concepts using the word, such as 'le poids des responsabilités sur ses épaules'. You are familiar with more technical or literary uses, such as 'regarder par-dessus l'épaule' to imply suspicion or monitoring. You might encounter the word in more specialized texts, such as medical articles or fashion reviews. Your grammar is refined enough to handle complex agreements and placement of adjectives. You can also use the word in formal debates or presentations, perhaps discussing someone's 'carrure' (stature/shoulders) in a political or professional context.

無料登録して完全な解説を読む

At the C1 level, your use of 'épaule' is native-like and stylistically varied. You recognize subtle literary references or rare idioms. You might use 'épaule' in creative writing to evoke specific imagery, like 'une épaule dénudée' in a romantic poem. You understand the historical and social connotations of the word in different French-speaking cultures. You can participate in complex discussions about health, fashion, or sociology where the shoulder might be mentioned. You are comfortable with the verb 'épauler' in professional contexts, meaning to provide high-level strategic support. You can detect the tone of a 'haussement d'épaules' in a text—whether it signifies contempt, helplessness, or casual agreement. Your command of the word allows you to use it effortlessly in any register, from slang to formal academic French.

無料登録して完全な解説を読む

At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of 'épaule' and its place in the French language's history and evolution. You can analyze the use of the word in classical French literature (like Molière or Balzac) and how its connotations have shifted. You understand the etymological roots from the Latin 'spatula' and how that relates to other Romance languages. You can use the word in highly specialized professional fields, such as orthopedic medicine or high-fashion tailoring, with absolute precision. You are able to play with the word in puns or sophisticated metaphors. Your understanding extends to regional variations or archaic uses that might appear in historical documents. Essentially, 'épaule' is no longer just a vocabulary word; it is a versatile tool that you can manipulate to express the finest shades of meaning in complex discourse.

無料登録して完全な解説を読む

練習する例文メモとヒント

épaule 30秒で

Épaule is the French word for shoulder, a feminine noun used for anatomy, fashion, and food.
It is commonly used in the idiom 'hausser les épaules' to mean shrugging in indifference.
Grammatically, it requires 'l'' as an article and follows feminine adjective agreement rules.
Metaphorically, it represents support (épauler) and the capacity to handle responsibility.

The French word épaule refers to the human shoulder, the complex joint where the arm connects to the torso. In a literal sense, it is a fundamental part of the body used in daily movement, carrying loads, and expressing body language. Anatomically, it encompasses the clavicle, scapula, and the humerus. However, in French, its usage extends far beyond the physical body. You will encounter it in fashion, particularly when discussing the structure of a jacket or 'épaulettes' (shoulder pads). In culinary contexts, it refers to a specific cut of meat, such as 'une épaule d'agneau' (a shoulder of lamb), which is known for being flavorful but requiring slow cooking. Socially, the shoulder is a symbol of support and responsibility. To 'épauler' someone is a verb derived from this noun, meaning to stand by them or help them through a difficult time.

Anatomical Context: The physical joint including the muscles like the deltoid and the underlying bone structure.

Il a posé sa main sur mon épaule pour me réconforter.

In sports and fitness, the shoulder is often a point of focus for strength training or injury prevention. When someone is described as having 'une carrure d'épaules', they are noted for their broad or sturdy build. Historically, the shoulder was also where marks or brands were placed on prisoners, a dark history reflected in some older French literature. Today, it remains a primary word in any doctor's visit or description of physical fatigue.

Culinary Context: A cut of meat from the upper foreleg of an animal, often roasted or braised.

Nous avons mangé une épaule de porc rôtie dimanche dernier.

The word is also central to the concept of 'le port d'épaule', which refers to how one carries themselves, suggesting dignity or confidence. When you hear this word, consider whether it is being used literally as a body part or figuratively as a pillar of strength. It is one of the first anatomical words taught in French because of its high frequency in everyday interactions, from complaining about a heavy bag to shrugging in indifference.

Figurative Context: Symbolizing emotional support, burden-sharing, or social responsibility.

Elle a besoin d'une épaule sur laquelle pleurer.

Le sac est trop lourd pour mon épaule gauche.

Il a haussé les épaules quand je lui ai posé la question.

Understanding 'épaule' is essential for navigating French culture, where the 'haussement d'épaules' (shrugging of shoulders) is a famous non-verbal communication tool signifying 'I don't know', 'I don't care', or 'It is what it is'.

Using 'épaule' in a sentence requires an understanding of French possessive adjectives and prepositions. Unlike English, where we often say 'my shoulder', French frequently uses the definite article with a reflexive verb when the owner of the body part is clear. For example, 'Je me suis blessé à l'épaule' (I hurt my shoulder) rather than 'J'ai blessé mon épaule'. This is a key distinction for reaching fluency.

Physical Actions: Verbs like 'hausser' (to shrug), 'baisser' (to lower), or 'tourner' (to turn) are commonly paired with shoulders.

Marie a haussé les épaules sans répondre.

When describing someone, you might use 'épaule' to talk about their physical presence. 'Il a les épaules larges' means he has broad shoulders, which can be literal or metaphorical (meaning he can handle a lot of responsibility). In a medical context, you might say 'J'ai une douleur à l'épaule droite' (I have a pain in my right shoulder). Note that the adjective 'droite' (right) or 'gauche' (left) follows the noun and agrees in gender.

Descriptive Phrases: Using adjectives to describe the state or size of the shoulders.

Le nageur a des épaules très puissantes.

In more advanced sentences, you might see 'épaule' used to describe the location of something. 'Porter un sac à l'épaule' (to carry a bag on the shoulder) uses the preposition 'à'. If you are looking over someone's shoulder, you use 'par-dessus'. 'Il regardait par-dessus mon épaule' (He was looking over my shoulder). This prepositional use is vital for spatial descriptions.

Spatial Prepositions: Using 'sur', 'à', and 'par-dessus' to indicate position relative to the shoulder.

Elle porte toujours son sac sur l'épaule droite.

Ne regarde pas par-dessus mon épaule quand j'écris.

L'oiseau s'est posé sur son épaule.

Finally, consider the verb 'épauler'. While 'épaule' is the noun, 'épauler' means to support someone as if by putting your shoulder under their burden. 'Il m'a épaulé dans ce projet' (He supported me in this project). This transition from noun to verb shows the versatility of the word in expressing human solidarity. Whether you are describing a physical ailment, a fashion choice, or a gesture of support, 'épaule' is a versatile and essential tool in your French vocabulary toolkit.

You will hear 'épaule' in a variety of real-world settings, from the mundane to the professional. In a French 'boulangerie' or 'marché', you might hear it in the context of meat, but more likely, you'll hear it in casual conversation. The 'haussement d'épaules' is so common in France that the word is often used to describe someone's reaction. If a French person says, 'Il a juste haussé les épaules', they are conveying a specific type of Gallic indifference or resignation that is culturally significant. In a medical setting, 'l'épaule' is a frequent topic. Physical therapists (kinésithérapeutes) often deal with 'douleurs à l'épaule' due to the joint's complexity. You might hear 'votre épaule est bloquée' (your shoulder is frozen/stuck). In the world of fashion, especially in Paris, the 'ligne d'épaule' (shoulder line) of a suit or dress is a major talking point for designers.

Fashion Industry: Refers to the cut and structure of garments around the shoulder area.

Cette veste a des épaulettes très marquées.

In sports, particularly rugby which is very popular in Southwest France, 'l'épaule' is frequently mentioned in the context of tackles and scrums. Commentators might say 'il a mis l'épaule' to describe a player using their physical strength to push through. In literature and cinema, 'pleurer sur l'épaule de quelqu'un' (to cry on someone's shoulder) is a common trope for emotional intimacy.

Sports Commentary: Used to describe physical contact or the use of the upper body in contact sports.

Le joueur s'est démis l'épaule pendant le match.

In professional environments, the phrase 'avoir les épaules larges' or 'avoir les épaules solides' is used to describe a leader who can handle stress or blame. You might hear a manager say, 'Il nous faut quelqu'un qui a les épaules pour ce projet' (We need someone who has the shoulders/stamina for this project). This metaphorical use is very common in corporate French. Even in history, the 'épaulette' was a sign of military rank, and you might hear it mentioned in museums or historical documentaries.

Professional/Metaphorical: Refers to the capacity to handle responsibility or stress.

Elle a les épaules assez solides pour diriger l'entreprise.

C'est un poids énorme sur ses épaules.

Le boucher prépare une épaule d'agneau pour le client.

From the doctor's office to the fashion runway and the rugby field, 'épaule' is a word that bridges the physical and the symbolic in the French language.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make with 'épaule' involves its gender and the resulting article usage. Since 'épaule' starts with a vowel, the definite article is 'l'', which hides the gender. Many learners mistakenly assume it is masculine because it doesn't end in a 'traditional' feminine suffix like '-euse' or '-tion'. However, it is feminine: 'une épaule'. This affects adjectives: you must say 'mon épaule gauche' (feminine form of left) and 'une épaule cassée' (with an extra 'e' for the feminine agreement).

Gender Confusion: Mistaking 'épaule' for masculine, leading to incorrect adjective agreement.

Incorrect: Mon épaule est droit. Correct: Mon épaule est droite.

Another common error is using possessive adjectives (mon, ton, son) when a reflexive structure with a definite article is more natural in French. While 'J'ai mal à mon épaule' is technically understandable, a native speaker will almost always say 'J'ai mal à l'épaule'. Using 'mon' here is a classic 'anglicisme'.

Overuse of Possessives: Using 'mon/ma' instead of 'le/la/l'' when referring to one's own body parts.

Incorrect: Il a touché mon épaule. Correct: Il m'a touché l'épaule.

Pronunciation can also be a pitfall. Learners sometimes struggle with the initial 'é'. It should be a clear, closed 'e' sound, like the 'a' in 'gate' but without the 'y' sound at the end. Also, do not pronounce the 'l' at the end of 'épaule' too softly; it should be distinct. Confusion with the word 'pôle' (pole) or 'poule' (chicken) can happen if the vowels aren't handled correctly, though the context usually clarifies the meaning. Finally, using 'épaule' when you mean 'dos' (back) or 'bras' (arm) is a common vocabulary slip for beginners. The shoulder is specifically the joint.

Vocabulary Slip: Confusing the shoulder area with the upper back or the upper arm.

J'ai mal au dos (back) vs J'ai mal à l'épaule.

Il porte un sac sur le dos vs Il porte un sac sur l'épaule.

L'épaule est une articulation, pas un os seul.

Avoiding these pitfalls—gender agreement, reflexive structures, and vowel clarity—will make your use of 'épaule' sound much more natural and native-like.

While 'épaule' is the standard word for shoulder, several related terms can provide more precision depending on the context. If you are talking about the bone specifically, you might use 'l'omoplate' (scapula/shoulder blade) or 'la clavicule' (collarbone). In anatomy, the shoulder is part of the 'ceinture scapulaire' (shoulder girdle). For learners, it's important to distinguish 'épaule' from 'dos' (back) and 'bras' (arm).

épaule vs. omoplate: 'Épaule' is the whole joint area, while 'omoplate' refers specifically to the flat bone at the back.

Il s'est cassé l'omoplate en tombant sur son épaule.

In terms of verbs, 'épauler' is a direct relative meaning to support, but you could also use 'soutenir' (to sustain/support) or 'aider' (to help). However, 'épauler' carries a specific connotation of standing side-by-side with someone. In a physical sense, 'porter' (to carry) is often used with shoulders. If you are talking about a shrug, 'hausser les épaules' is the only common phrase; there isn't a single verb like 'shrug' in French.

épaule vs. port: 'Port' refers to the way one carries their shoulders and head, often used in dance or formal settings.

Elle a un port d'épaules très élégant.

In clothing, you might encounter 'emmanchure' (armhole), which is where the sleeve meets the shoulder of the garment. In culinary terms, 'palette' is sometimes used for a specific part of the shoulder cut in pork. Comparing 'épaule' to 'col' (neck/collar) is also useful, as many idioms involve the transition between the two. Understanding these nuances helps you choose the right word for the right situation, whether you're at the tailor, the butcher, or the doctor.

épaule vs. palette: In butchery, 'épaule' is the general cut, while 'palette' is a specific sub-cut of the shoulder.

J'ai acheté une palette de porc plutôt qu'une épaule entière.

La couture de l'épaule est trop basse sur cette chemise.

Il a besoin d'un soutien, d'une épaule amie.

By mastering 'épaule' and its related terms, you gain a deeper understanding of how French describes the body, movement, and social support.

How Formal Is It?

フォーマル

ニュートラル

カジュアル

Child friendly

スラング

豆知識

The word 'spatula' in English and 'épaule' in French share the same linguistic ancestor because of the flat shape of the bone.

発音ガイド

UK /e.pol/

US /eɪˈpoʊl/

Stress is evenly distributed, with a slight emphasis on the final syllable in natural speech.

韻が合う語

drôle pôle rôle geôle contrôle frôle môle tôle

よくある間違い

Pronouncing the 'h' (which doesn't exist but learners sometimes imagine it).
Making the 'é' sound like 'ee' in English.
Not pronouncing the 'l' clearly at the end.
Confusing the 'o' sound with 'ou' (poule).
Failing to elide: saying 'la épaule' instead of 'l'épaule'.

難易度

読解 1/5

Very easy to recognize in text due to its short length and common usage.

ライティング 2/5

Requires attention to the accent and the feminine gender agreement.

スピーキング 2/5

Vowel sounds and elision (l'épaule) need practice for smooth delivery.

リスニング 1/5

Clear sound, though it can be confused with other 'o' words if not careful.

次に学ぶべきこと

前提知識

bras corps main tête le/la

次に学ぶ

omoplate clavicule épauler dos poitrine

上級

circumduction scapulaire deltoïde trapèze

知っておくべき文法

Elision with L'

La + épaule = L'épaule (because épaule starts with a vowel).

Feminine Adjective Agreement

Une épaule forte (add 'e' if the adjective isn't already feminine).

Body parts with definite articles

Je me lave l'épaule (not 'ma épaule').

Possessive adjectives before vowels

Mon épaule (use 'mon' instead of 'ma' even though it's feminine).

Plural contraction with 'à'

Mal aux épaules (à + les = aux).

無料登録して完全な解説を読む

レベル別の例文

J'ai mal à l'épaule.

I have pain in the shoulder.

Uses 'à l'épaule' with the definite article.

C'est une épaule.

It is a shoulder.

Shows the feminine gender with 'une'.

Touche ton épaule droite.

Touch your right shoulder.

Adjective 'droite' follows the noun.

Il a deux épaules.

He has two shoulders.

Plural form 'épaules'.

Où est ton épaule ?

Where is your shoulder?

Interrogative sentence.

Mon sac est sur mon épaule.

My bag is on my shoulder.

Uses the possessive 'mon' (masculine form used before a vowel).

Elle a une petite épaule.

She has a small shoulder.

Feminine agreement for 'petite'.

L'épaule est une partie du corps.

The shoulder is a part of the body.

Definite article 'L'' before a vowel.

Il porte son enfant sur les épaules.

He is carrying his child on his shoulders.

Plural 'les épaules' used for both.

Elle a haussé les épaules.

She shrugged her shoulders.

Standard idiom for shrugging.

Je mets ma main sur ton épaule.

I put my hand on your shoulder.

Preposition 'sur' indicates position.

Cette veste est trop large aux épaules.

This jacket is too wide at the shoulders.

Plural contraction 'aux'.

Il s'est blessé à l'épaule gauche.

He hurt his left shoulder.

Reflexive 's'est blessé'.

Le sac glisse de mon épaule.

The bag is slipping from my shoulder.

Preposition 'de' indicates origin.

On utilise les épaules pour nager.

We use the shoulders to swim.

General statement.

Elle a des épaules très carrées.

She has very square shoulders.

Adjective 'carrées' in plural feminine.

Tu peux pleurer sur mon épaule si tu veux.

You can cry on my shoulder if you want.

Figurative use for emotional support.

Il a toujours la tête sur les épaules.

He always has his head on his shoulders (he is sensible).

Idiom for being level-headed.

L'entraîneur m'a épaulé pendant ma convalescence.

The coach supported me during my recovery.

Verb 'épauler' meaning to support.

Elle regarde souvent par-dessus son épaule.

She often looks over her shoulder.

Prepositional phrase 'par-dessus'.

Il a besoin d'épaules solides pour ce poste.

He needs solid shoulders for this position.

Metaphor for responsibility.

Je me suis fait opérer de l'épaule.

I had shoulder surgery.

Passive-like construction 'se faire'.

Il portait un fusil à l'épaule.

He was carrying a rifle on his shoulder.

Specific prepositional use 'à l'épaule'.

Le boucher m'a conseillé l'épaule d'agneau.

The butcher recommended the lamb shoulder.

Culinary context.

C'est un fardeau qu'il porte sur ses épaules.

It is a burden he carries on his shoulders.

Metaphorical burden.

Elle a une carrure d'épaules impressionnante.

She has an impressive shoulder build.

Noun 'carrure' relates to shoulder width.

Il a agi avec un simple haussement d'épaules.

He acted with a simple shrug of the shoulders.

Noun phrase 'haussement d'épaules'.

Le sac à bandoulière se porte sur l'épaule.

The shoulder bag is worn on the shoulder.

Reflexive 'se porte'.

Il faut épauler les nouveaux employés.

We must support the new employees.

Professional use of 'épauler'.

Elle s'est déboîté l'épaule lors de la chute.

She dislocated her shoulder during the fall.

Reflexive 's'est déboîté'.

Il a le bras long, mais il manque d'épaules.

He has influence, but lacks the strength to lead.

Contrast between two idioms.

Le froid lui faisait remonter les épaules.

The cold made him hunch his shoulders.

Physical reaction to temperature.

Il ne faut pas regarder par-dessus l'épaule du passé.

One must not look over the shoulder of the past.

Poetic/Philosophical use.

Sa réussite repose sur les épaules de ses collaborateurs.

His success rests on the shoulders of his collaborators.

Metaphor for collective effort.

Elle arborait une robe à épaules dénudées.

She wore an off-the-shoulder dress.

Fashion vocabulary.

Il a donné un coup d'épaule pour ouvrir la porte.

He gave a shoulder shove to open the door.

Idiom for physical force.

Le ministre a les épaules assez larges pour la crise.

The minister is strong enough to handle the crisis.

Political metaphor.

Il a senti une main glacée sur son épaule.

He felt a cold hand on his shoulder.

Narrative tension.

L'articulation de l'épaule est la plus mobile du corps.

The shoulder joint is the most mobile in the body.

Scientific register.

Il a épaulé son fusil avec précision.

He brought his rifle to his shoulder with precision.

Technical use of the verb.

L'œuvre de cet auteur repose sur les épaules de géants.

The work of this author stands on the shoulders of giants.

Classical idiom.

Il a accueilli la nouvelle d'un haussement d'épaules méprisant.

He received the news with a contemptuous shrug.

Nuanced description of gesture.

La structure de l'épaule permet une circumduction complète.

The shoulder structure allows for complete circumduction.

Highly technical medical term.

Elle a épaulé son mari tout au long de sa maladie.

She supported her husband throughout his illness.

Profound emotional support.

L'épaule de la colline était baignée de lumière.

The shoulder of the hill was bathed in light.

Geographical metaphor.

Le tailleur a rectifié la cambrure de l'épaule.

The tailor corrected the curve of the shoulder.

High fashion terminology.

Il porte le monde sur ses épaules, tel Atlas.

He carries the world on his shoulders, like Atlas.

Mythological reference.

Le froid mordant lui sciait les épaules.

The biting cold was cutting through his shoulders.

Literary/Metaphorical verb 'scier'.

よく使う組み合わせ

hausser les épaules

épaule d'agneau

avoir les épaules larges

mal à l'épaule

sac à l'épaule

par-dessus l'épaule

épaules nues

épaule contre épaule

se démettre l'épaule

épaules tombantes

よく使うフレーズ

Sur les épaules

— Carrying something physically or metaphorically.

Il a tout le poids du monde sur les épaules.

À l'épaule

— Positioned at or on the shoulder.

L'arme à l'épaule.

Une épaule amie

— Someone who offers emotional support.

Il a trouvé une épaule amie.

Donner un coup d'épaule

— To help someone out or push something.

Il m'a donné un coup d'épaule pour mon déménagement.

Épaule en dedans

— A specific movement in horse riding (dressage).

Le cavalier effectue une épaule en dedans.

D'épaule à épaule

— Side by side, in solidarity.

Ils ont lutté d'épaule à épaule.

L'épaule en vrac

— Informal way to say one's shoulder is in bad shape/injured.

J'ai l'épaule en vrac après ce match.

Haussement d'épaules

— The act of shrugging.

Son haussement d'épaules m'a agacé.

Ligne d'épaule

— The cut of a garment at the shoulder.

La ligne d'épaule de ce costume est parfaite.

Épaule de porc

— Shoulder of pork (meat cut).

Une épaule de porc braisée.

よく混同される語

épaule vs poule

Poule means chicken. The 'ou' sound is different from the 'au' in épaule.

épaule vs pôle

Pôle means pole (like North Pole). The starting consonant is different.

épaule vs dos

Dos means back. People sometimes point to their upper back but call it the shoulder.

慣用句と表現

"Avoir la tête sur les épaules"

— To be sensible, practical, and level-headed.

C'est un jeune homme qui a la tête sur les épaules.

informal/neutral

"Avoir les épaules larges"

— To be able to take a lot of responsibility or criticism.

Ne t'inquiète pas pour lui, il a les épaules larges.

neutral

"Pleurer sur l'épaule de quelqu'un"

— To seek comfort from someone.

Elle est venue pleurer sur mon épaule.

neutral

"Regarder par-dessus son épaule"

— To be wary or to feel like one is being watched/judged.

Il vit toujours en regardant par-dessus son épaule.

neutral

"Changer son fusil d'épaule"

— To change one's mind, tactics, or political stance.

Le candidat a changé son fusil d'épaule au milieu de la campagne.

neutral

"Vivre aux épaules de quelqu'un"

— To live at someone else's expense (older expression).

Il a vécu aux épaules de ses parents pendant des années.

literary

"Faire l'épaule froide"

— To give someone the cold shoulder (translated from English, but understood).

Elle m'a fait l'épaule froide toute la soirée.

calque

"Avoir une épaule de moins"

— To be weakened or to lose a support.

Depuis le départ de son associé, il a une épaule de moins.

informal

"Mettre l'épaule à la roue"

— To put one's shoulder to the wheel (to help with hard work).

Tout le monde doit mettre l'épaule à la roue pour réussir.

neutral

"Porter sur ses épaules"

— To be solely responsible for something.

Elle porte le projet sur ses épaules.

neutral

間違えやすい

épaule vs omoplate

Both are in the same area.

Omoplate is specifically the bone; épaule is the whole joint area.

L'omoplate est un os de l'épaule.

épaule vs bras

They are connected.

Bras is the arm; épaule is where it starts.

Le bras pend de l'épaule.

épaule vs cou

Close proximity.

Cou is the neck; épaule is below it.

Le cou est entre la tête et les épaules.

épaule vs poitrine

Front of the upper body.

Poitrine is the chest; épaule is to the side.

Il a une large poitrine et de fortes épaules.

épaule vs essieu

Technical/Mechanical context.

Essieu is an axle; sometimes 'épaulement' is used in mechanics.

L'essieu de la voiture.

文型パターン

J'ai mal à [body part].

J'ai mal à l'épaule.

Il/Elle a les épaules [adjective].

Elle a les épaules larges.

Porter [quelque chose] sur l'épaule.

Il porte son sac sur l'épaule.

Hausser les épaules.

Il hausse les épaules quand il est perdu.

Avoir les épaules pour [verbe].

Il a les épaules pour diriger ce projet.

Épauler quelqu'un dans [nom].

Je vais l'épauler dans ses démarches.

Regarder par-dessus l'épaule de [personne].

Ne regarde pas par-dessus mon épaule !

Reposer sur les épaules de [personne].

Tout repose sur ses épaules.

語族

名詞

動詞

形容詞

使い方

frequency

Extremely frequent in both literal and figurative language.

よくある間違い

La épaule → L'épaule
Vowel elision is mandatory.
Mon épaule est cassé → Mon épaule est cassée
Épaule is feminine, so the past participle needs an 'e'.
J'ai mal dans mon épaule → J'ai mal à l'épaule
The preposition 'à' is used for pain in body parts.
Il a haussé ses épaules → Il a haussé les épaules
French uses definite articles for body parts when the owner is clear.
Une épaule d'agneau rôtie → Une épaule d'agneau rôtie
Wait, this is correct! A common mistake is forgetting the 'e' on 'rôtie'.

ヒント

Gender Trap

Don't let the 'l'' fool you. Adjectives must be feminine: 'L'épaule est cassée'.

The Shrug

A shrug in France is often a full-body movement involving the mouth and eyebrows.

At the Market

If you want a tender roast, ask for 'l'épaule d'agneau'.

Clear Vowels

Ensure the 'é' is sharp and the 'o' is round.

Level Head

Use 'la tête sur les épaules' to compliment someone's maturity.

Carrying bags

You carry a bag 'à l'épaule' (hanging) or 'sur l'épaule' (resting).

Doctor Visit

Say 'J'ai une douleur à l'épaule' for a specific pain.

Shoulder pads

'Épaulettes' are making a comeback in vintage fashion!

Support

Use 'épauler' instead of 'aider' to show strong, side-by-side support.

Burdens

We say 'le poids sur les épaules' for stress or duty.

暗記しよう

記憶術

Think of a 'Pole' (the sound 'paule') holding up a tent. Your 'Épaule' is the 'Pole' that holds up your arm.

視覚的連想

Imagine a soldier with large 'épaulettes' (shoulder pads) on their 'épaule'. The visual of the uniform helps link the word to the body part.

Word Web

corps bras articulation sac épauler épaulette dos hausser

チャレンジ

Try to shrug your shoulders and say 'Je ne sais pas' while thinking of the word 'épaule' three times.

語源

Derived from the Vulgar Latin 'spatula', which is the diminutive of 'spatha' (broad sword or flat tool).

元の意味： Originally referred to a flat blade or paddle, which describes the shape of the shoulder blade (scapula).

Indo-European > Italic > Latin > French.

文化的な背景

No specific sensitivities, though 'avoir les épaules larges' can be gendered in older contexts, it is now used for everyone.

English speakers often say 'to give the cold shoulder', which is translated as 'battre froid à quelqu'un' rather than using 'épaule'.

Atlas carrying the world The 80s fashion trend of épaulettes Napoleon's military épaulettes

実生活で練習する

実際の使用場面

At the doctor

J'ai mal ici.
Je ne peux pas lever le bras.
C'est gonflé.
Est-ce cassé ?

Buying clothes

C'est trop serré aux épaules.
Les manches sont trop longues.
Il y a des épaulettes ?
La coupe est bonne.

At the butcher

Je voudrais une épaule d'agneau.
Pour combien de personnes ?
Pouvez-vous la désosser ?
Combien ça pèse ?

Discussing work

Il a les épaules solides.
Je vais l'épauler.
C'est beaucoup de poids sur mes épaules.
Il hausse les épaules.

Sports

Il a utilisé son épaule.
Attention à l'épaule !
Il s'est démis l'épaule.
Échauffe tes épaules.

会話のきっかけ

"Tu as déjà eu mal à l'épaule après avoir porté un sac trop lourd ?"

"Est-ce que tu trouves que les vêtements avec des épaulettes sont encore à la mode ?"

"Qui est la personne sur l'épaule de qui tu peux toujours pleurer ?"

"Penses-tu qu'un bon leader doit avoir les épaules très larges au sens figuré ?"

"Comment dit-on 'shrug' dans ta langue maternelle ?"

日記のテーマ

Décris une fois où tu as dû épauler un ami dans une situation difficile.

Que penses-tu du geste français de hausser les épaules ? Est-ce impoli ?

Imagine que tu portes le monde sur tes épaules comme Atlas. Qu'est-ce que tu ressens ?

Écris sur une blessure sportive que tu as eue à l'épaule ou au bras.

Décris ton style de vêtement préféré en mentionnant la coupe des épaules.

よくある質問

10 問

It is feminine: une épaule, l'épaule, mon épaule (using 'mon' for euphony).

The phrase is 'hausser les épaules'.

In French, we use 'mon' before a feminine noun that starts with a vowel to avoid the clashing 'a' and 'é' sounds.

It means to be able to handle a lot of responsibility or to be resilient against criticism.

Yes, it refers to the shoulder cut of meat, common with lamb (agneau) or pork (porc).

The verb is 'épauler', which means to support or to shoulder a weapon.

The 'h' in 'hausser' is an 'h aspiré', so you don't make a liaison (les épaules -> les | haussent).

It is a shoulder pad used in clothing or a military ornament on the shoulder.

You say 'Je me suis démis l'épaule' or 'Je me suis déboîté l'épaule'.

The plural is 'épaules', pronounced the same way as the singular.

無料登録してヒントとメモを見る