un corps 30秒で
- Un corps is the French word for 'a body', referring to the physical anatomy of humans or animals, and it is a masculine noun.
- It remains spelled with an 's' in both singular and plural forms, and the 'p' and 's' are always silent in pronunciation.
- Beyond biology, it describes professional groups, celestial objects, the main part of a text, and the consistency of liquids like wine or sauce.
- Common idioms include 'à corps perdu' (headlong) and 'faire corps avec' (to be at one with), showing its versatility in French.
The French word un corps is a fundamental noun that primarily translates to 'a body' in English. While its most immediate association is with the physical anatomy of a human or animal, its semantic range in French is impressively broad, covering biological, social, scientific, and metaphorical domains. At its core, it refers to the entire physical structure of a living being, but it also extends to dead bodies, celestial objects, and even organized groups of people. Understanding 'un corps' requires looking beyond the skin and bones to see how French speakers conceptualize physical presence and collective identity. Whether you are at a doctor's office, a gym, an art gallery, or a political rally, the word 'corps' will likely surface in various contexts.
- Physical Anatomy
- In everyday conversation, 'le corps' is used to describe the human physique. It encompasses everything from the head to the toes. French culture often emphasizes the harmony between the mind and the body, leading to the frequent use of this word in health and wellness contexts. For example, 'écouter son corps' (to listen to one's body) is a common phrase used by athletes and health professionals alike.
Il est important de prendre soin de son corps par une alimentation équilibrée et de l'exercice régulier.
- Professional and Collective Groups
- One of the most distinct uses of 'corps' in French is to describe a professional guild or an organized group. This is where we get the term 'corps de métier' (trade body) or 'le corps enseignant' (the teaching staff). In this sense, the word suggests a unified entity where individuals function together like organs in a physical body. This collective use is vital for B1 learners to understand as it appears frequently in news and formal discussions about society.
Le corps diplomatique s'est réuni pour discuter de la crise internationale.
- Scientific and Abstract Contexts
- In science, 'un corps' refers to any distinct object or substance. Astronomers talk about 'corps célestes' (celestial bodies) like planets and stars. In physics, it refers to a mass of matter. Furthermore, in literature or law, 'le corps du texte' refers to the main part of a document, excluding the introduction or footnotes. This versatility makes it an essential word for technical and academic French.
Les scientifiques étudient les corps étrangers retrouvés dans l'échantillon de sol martien.
Finally, it is worth noting the use of 'corps' in the context of death. In forensic or news reports, 'un corps' is often the term for a corpse or a cadaver. While the word 'cadavre' exists, 'corps' is frequently used as a more neutral or clinical term. For example, 'découvrir un corps' is a standard way to say 'to discover a body'. This wide variety of meanings—from the living athlete to the celestial star and the professional group—makes 'un corps' a cornerstone of the French vocabulary.
Using 'un corps' correctly involves more than just knowing its definition; it requires understanding its grammatical quirks and the specific verbs it frequently pairs with. Because the word ends in 's' in its singular form, it can be tricky for English speakers who are used to 's' indicating plurality. In French, 'corps' is an invariable noun in terms of spelling between singular and plural. The change is indicated solely by the article: le corps (the body) versus les corps (the bodies). This is a common feature in French for words ending in 's', 'x', or 'z'.
- Common Verb Pairings
- When talking about the physical body, French speakers often use verbs like 'entretenir' (to maintain), 'muscler' (to build muscle in), or 'transformer' (to transform). In medical contexts, you might 'examiner le corps' (examine the body). When discussing groups, the verb 'faire corps' is particularly idiomatic, meaning to act as one or to be united.
Elle a décidé de muscler son corps avant le début de la saison de compétition.
- Prepositional Phrases
- Prepositions change the nuance of 'corps'. 'Au corps' can mean 'on the body' or 'to the core'. 'À corps perdu' is a beautiful adverbial phrase meaning 'headlong' or 'with all one's might', literally 'with a lost body'. 'Corps à corps' refers to hand-to-hand combat or a very close physical proximity, such as in dancing or wrestling.
Les deux lutteurs se sont engagés dans un corps à corps intense pendant plusieurs minutes.
- Abstract and Social Usage
- In more advanced French (B2/C1), you will see 'corps' used to describe social structures. 'Le corps social' refers to society as a whole. 'Prendre corps' is a very common expression meaning 'to take shape' or 'to become real', used for ideas, projects, or fears that are starting to manifest physically or concretely.
Son projet de roman commence enfin à prendre corps après des mois de recherche.
Whether you are describing the physical attributes of a person—'un corps athlétique', 'un corps frêle'—or discussing the structure of a government—'les grands corps de l'État'—the word remains stable. The key is to match the surrounding adjectives and articles to the masculine gender. Practice using it in both its literal sense (health, anatomy) and its figurative sense (groups, projects) to truly master its placement in French syntax.
If you were to spend a day in a French-speaking city, you would encounter the word corps in surprisingly diverse environments. It is not just a word for the biology classroom; it is woven into the fabric of daily life, media, and professional discourse. Understanding these contexts will help you recognize the word even when it isn't referring to a literal human body.
- In the Gym and Wellness Centers
- France has a strong culture of 'bien-être' (well-being). In a gym (salle de sport), you will hear coaches talk about 'le renforcement du corps' (body strengthening) or 'le respect du corps'. Advertisements for skincare products frequently mention 'le corps' to distinguish them from face products ('soins du visage' vs 'soins du corps').
Ce lait hydratant est conçu spécifiquement pour le corps et non pour le visage.
- On the News and in Newspapers
- In journalism, 'corps' appears in two main ways. First, in crime reporting ('faits divers'), you will hear about the 'découverte d'un corps' after an accident or a crime. Second, in political reporting, you will hear about 'les corps constitués' or 'le corps électoral'. The latter refers to the entire body of voters in a country. This demonstrates the word's role in describing legal and democratic structures.
Le corps électoral est appelé aux urnes ce dimanche pour le second tour des élections.
- In Professional and Academic Settings
- At a university or a large company, 'le corps enseignant' or 'le corps médical' are standard terms for the staff. If you are reading a technical manual or a long essay, the phrase 'le corps du texte' or 'le corps du message' will be used to refer to the main content. In a kitchen, a chef might talk about giving 'du corps' to a sauce, meaning to give it texture and thickness.
Il faut laisser réduire la sauce pour lui donner plus de corps.
From the philosophical 'dualité corps-esprit' discussed in a Parisian café to the 'corps de ballet' performing at the Opéra Garnier, the word is everywhere. It represents both the individual physical self and the collective social self, making it a powerful and versatile tool for any French learner.
Learning to use un corps correctly involves navigating a few linguistic traps. Because the word has silent letters and a specific grammatical behavior, English speakers often make predictable errors. Avoiding these will immediately make your French sound more natural and accurate.
- The 'S' Trap
- The most common mistake for beginners is trying to remove the 's' for the singular form. In French, the 's' is part of the root word. There is no such word as 'un corp'. It is always 'un corps'. Conversely, some learners try to add an extra 's' or 'es' for the plural, which is also incorrect. The word is 'un corps' and 'des corps'. The spelling never changes; only the article and accompanying adjectives do.
Incorrect: J'ai mal à tout mon corp.
Correct: J'ai mal à tout mon corps.
- Pronunciation Pitfalls
- English speakers often want to pronounce the 'p' or the 's' because they are visible. In French, both are silent. The word is pronounced /kɔʁ/, rhyming with the French word 'fort' or 'mort'. Pronouncing the 'p' makes it sound like 'coupe', and pronouncing the 's' makes it sound like 'corse' (Corsica). Keep it simple: one syllable, silent ending.
- Overusing 'Cadavre'
- When talking about a dead body, English speakers often reach for the cognate 'cadavre'. While correct, 'cadavre' can sound very clinical or even harsh. In many contexts, such as a funeral or a news report, 'le corps du défunt' (the body of the deceased) or simply 'le corps' is more respectful and common. Using 'corps' shows a better grasp of French social nuances.
La famille a demandé à voir le corps une dernière fois avant la cérémonie.
Finally, be careful with the expression 'avoir du corps'. If you say a person 'a du corps', it doesn't mean they have a body (everyone does!). It is usually used for wine or sauces to mean they are 'full-bodied' or 'thick'. If you want to say someone has a nice physique, use 'il/elle a un beau corps'. Mastering these small distinctions will prevent confusion and elevate your fluency.
To enrich your French, it's helpful to know words that are related to un corps but carry different shades of meaning. Depending on whether you are talking about biology, appearance, or a group, there might be a more precise word than 'corps'.
- Physique vs. Corps
- While 'le corps' is the physical structure, 'le physique' refers more to the outward appearance or 'look' of a person. If you say 'il a un physique imposant', you are talking about how he looks to others. 'Corps' is more about the biological entity itself. Use 'physique' when discussing aesthetics and 'corps' when discussing health or the physical shell.
Elle ne s'intéresse pas seulement au physique, elle cherche quelqu'un avec une belle âme.
- Organisme vs. Corps
- 'Un organisme' is a more technical, biological term. It refers to the body as a system of living parts. You will hear this in medical or scientific contexts, such as 'les effets de l'alcool sur l'organisme'. While 'corps' can be used here too, 'organisme' emphasizes the internal biological processes.
Les vitamines sont essentielles au bon fonctionnement de l'organisme.
- Silhouette vs. Corps
- 'La silhouette' refers to the outline or shape of the body. In fashion or when describing someone from a distance, 'silhouette' is often preferred. 'Elle a une silhouette élégante' sounds more descriptive of her shape than 'elle a un beau corps', which is more general.
On apercevait sa silhouette se dessiner dans le brouillard.
By choosing between 'corps', 'physique', 'organisme', and 'silhouette', you can provide much more detail in your descriptions. As a B1 learner, starting to use these synonyms will help you move away from repetitive language and express more complex ideas about the human form and its various representations.
レベル別の例文
Le corps humain a deux bras et deux jambes.
The human body has two arms and two legs.
Note that 'corps' ends in 's' even in the singular.
Elle lave son corps avec du savon.
She washes her body with soap.
Use 'son' (her/his) before 'corps' for possession.
Le bébé a un petit corps.
The baby has a small body.
Adjectives like 'petit' come before 'corps'.
J'ai mal partout dans le corps.
I have pain everywhere in the body.
'Mal au corps' is a common way to describe general pain.
Mon corps est fatigué après le travail.
My body is tired after work.
The verb 'être' (to be) agrees with 'mon corps' (masculine singular).
Il dessine un corps sur le papier.
He draws a body on the paper.
'Un' is the masculine singular indefinite article.
Le corps a besoin d'eau.
The body needs water.
General truths often use the definite article 'le'.
Regarde le corps de ce chat !
Look at this cat's body!
'De ce' indicates possession/relation.
Il met de la crème sur son corps tous les matins.
He puts cream on his body every morning.
'Sur' is the preposition for 'on'.
Le sport est bon pour le corps et l'esprit.
Sport is good for the body and the mind.
A very common A2 pairing: corps and esprit.
Le garde du corps protège le président.
The bodyguard protects the president.
'Garde du corps' is a compound noun.
Elle a un corps très souple grâce au yoga.
She has a very flexible body thanks to yoga.
'Souple' is an adjective describing 'corps'.
Il faut écouter son corps quand on est fatigué.
You must listen to your body when you are tired.
'Écouter son corps' is a common health advice.
Le médecin examine le corps du patient.
The doctor examines the patient's body.
'Examine' is the present tense of 'examiner'.
Les vêtements noirs amincissent le corps.
Black clothes make the body look thinner.
'Amincissent' is from the verb 'amincir'.
Il a des tatouages sur tout le corps.
He has tattoos all over his body.
'Tout le corps' means the whole body.
Le corps enseignant a décidé de faire grève.
The teaching staff decided to go on strike.
Here 'corps' refers to a professional group.
Il s'est lancé dans ce projet à corps perdu.
He threw himself into this project with all his might.
'À corps perdu' is an idiomatic adverbial phrase.
Le vin a beaucoup de corps et un goût boisé.
The wine is full-bodied and has a woody taste.
'Avoir du corps' refers to the texture/strength of a liquid.
Elle fait corps avec son instrument quand elle joue.
She is at one with her instrument when she plays.
'Faire corps avec' means to be perfectly united with something.
Le corps diplomatique a été invité au palais.
The diplomatic corps was invited to the palace.
Another example of 'corps' as a collective group.
L'image du corps est un sujet important pour les adolescents.
Body image is an important subject for teenagers.
'L'image du corps' is a fixed sociological term.
Le corps de l'avion a été endommagé pendant l'atterrissage.
The fuselage of the plane was damaged during landing.
In mechanics, 'corps' can mean the main structure or fuselage.
Ils ont retrouvé un corps près de la rivière.
They found a body near the river.
In a news context, 'corps' often means a deceased person.
Cette idée commence enfin à prendre corps dans mon esprit.
This idea is finally starting to take shape in my mind.
'Prendre corps' means to become concrete or manifest.
Le corps étranger a dû être retiré chirurgicalement.
The foreign body had to be removed surgically.
'Corps étranger' is a medical term for an external object.
Le corps électoral est convoqué pour les élections législatives.
The electorate is called for the legislative elections.
'Corps électoral' refers to all eligible voters.
Il y a une dualité constante entre le corps et l'âme.
There is a constant duality between the body and the soul.
A philosophical use of 'corps'.
Le corps de ballet de l'Opéra de Paris est mondialement connu.
The Paris Opera Ballet is world-famous.
'Corps de ballet' is a standard term in dance.
Le corps du texte doit être écrit en police Arial 12.
The body of the text must be written in Arial 12 font.
Refers to the main content of a document.
Les corps célestes comme les planètes gravitent autour du soleil.
Celestial bodies like planets gravitate around the sun.
'Corps céleste' is an astronomical term.
Il a pris le problème à bras-le-corps pour le résoudre rapidement.
He tackled the problem head-on to solve it quickly.
'À bras-le-corps' is a figurative expression for tackling something vigorously.
Le corps social réagit vivement aux nouvelles réformes économiques.
Society as a whole is reacting strongly to the new economic reforms.
'Le corps social' is a sociological term for society.
L'autopsie a révélé la présence de substances toxiques dans le corps.
The autopsy revealed the presence of toxic substances in the body.
A clinical/forensic use of the word.
Le philosophe interroge la perception du corps propre.
The philosopher examines the perception of one's own body.
'Le corps propre' is a specific phenomenological term (Merleau-Ponty).
Les grands corps de l'État assurent la continuité de l'administration.
The major state bodies ensure the continuity of the administration.
Refers to elite administrative groups like the Conseil d'État.
Il faut donner du corps à cet argument avec des exemples concrets.
We need to give substance to this argument with concrete examples.
Figurative use meaning to give weight or substance.
L'artiste explore la fragilité du corps humain à travers ses sculptures.
The artist explores the fragility of the human body through his sculptures.
Used in the context of artistic themes.
Le corps de logis de ce château date du XVIIe siècle.
The main building of this castle dates from the 17th century.
'Corps de logis' is an architectural term.
L'esprit de corps est essentiel pour l'efficacité d'une unité militaire.
Team spirit is essential for the effectiveness of a military unit.
'Esprit de corps' is a fixed expression.
Le concept de 'corps glorieux' occupe une place centrale dans sa thèse de théologie.
The concept of the 'glorified body' holds a central place in his theology thesis.
A highly specialized theological term.
L'avocat a invoqué l'habeas corpus pour contester la détention de son client.
The lawyer invoked habeas corpus to challenge his client's detention.
While Latin, 'corpus' here is used in a French legal context.
La pièce de théâtre met en scène la décomposition du corps politique.
The play depicts the decomposition of the body politic.
'Le corps politique' is a sophisticated metaphorical term.
Il a fallu extraire le corps de pompe pour effectuer les réparations nécessaires.
The pump casing had to be extracted to perform the necessary repairs.
A technical engineering term.
L'écrivain utilise le corps comme une métaphore de la prison de l'âme.
The writer uses the body as a metaphor for the prison of the soul.
Advanced literary analysis usage.
Le corps d'armée s'est déployé le long de la frontière en un temps record.
The army corps deployed along the border in record time.
'Corps d'armée' is a specific military unit size.
Le droit pénal définit précisément ce qui constitue un corps du délit.
Criminal law precisely defines what constitutes the body of the crime.
'Corps du délit' is a technical legal term.
La matérialité du corps s'efface devant la puissance de sa présence scénique.
The materiality of the body fades before the power of her stage presence.
High-level abstract aesthetic description.
よく使う組み合わせ
よく使うフレーズ
— To have substance, thickness, or a strong character (often used for wine or arguments).
Ce vin rouge a beaucoup de corps.
— To be perfectly united with something or someone.
Le cavalier fait corps avec son cheval.
— To take shape or become concrete (for an idea or project).
Son rêve commence enfin à prendre corps.
— To do something with total commitment, headlong, or frantically.
Il s'est jeté dans le travail à corps perdu.
Summary
The word 'un corps' is a versatile masculine noun that covers everything from physical anatomy and dead bodies to professional guilds and celestial objects. For example, 'Il prend soin de son corps' (He takes care of his body) shows its most common use.
- Un corps is the French word for 'a body', referring to the physical anatomy of humans or animals, and it is a masculine noun.
- It remains spelled with an 's' in both singular and plural forms, and the 'p' and 's' are always silent in pronunciation.
- Beyond biology, it describes professional groups, celestial objects, the main part of a text, and the consistency of liquids like wine or sauce.
- Common idioms include 'à corps perdu' (headlong) and 'faire corps avec' (to be at one with), showing its versatility in French.
関連コンテンツ
bodyの関連語
cage thoracique
B1胸郭は、心臓や肺を保護する骨の構造です。
éliminer
A2取り除く、除去する。生理学的には、体から老廃物を排出することを意味します。
flanc
B1脇腹（わきばら）や山腹（さんぷく）。
hanche
A2股関節（こかんせつ）は、骨盤と大腿骨をつなぐ身体の部分です。
larynx
B1The organ of voice in the throat.
minceur
A2「Minceur」は、細身であることや、スリムな状態を指す名詞です。
mollet
A2ふくらはぎは、膝の下の足の後ろにある肉厚の部分です。
nuque
A2項（うなじ）は、首の後ろの部分のことです。
oreilles
B1The organs of hearing and balance.
poitrine
A2人間の胸部。首とお腹の間の部分。
