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B1 adjective 15분 분량

costaud

연습하기 예시 노트와 팁 costaud 30초 만에

설명 costaud in your Level:

At the A1 level, you are just beginning to learn how to describe people and things. You might already know the word 'fort' (strong) or 'grand' (big). 'Costaud' is a slightly more advanced word that you can use to add variety to your descriptions. At this stage, think of 'costaud' as a way to say someone is 'big and strong.' For example, if you see a man who looks like a superhero or someone who lifts heavy boxes, you can say 'Il est costaud.' It is important to remember that 'costaud' is for the masculine and 'costaude' is for the feminine. You don't need to worry about the metaphorical meanings yet. Just focus on using it to describe people's bodies. It's a fun word to use because it sounds very 'French' and native-like. When you see a strong person in a picture or in real life, try saying 'C'est un homme costaud.' This will help you get used to the sound of the word. Remember that the 'd' at the end of 'costaud' is silent, so it sounds like 'koh-stoh.' In the feminine form 'costaude,' you do pronounce the 'd,' so it sounds like 'koh-stode.' Practicing this difference early on will help you a lot as you progress in your French studies. Don't be afraid to use it in simple sentences like 'Mon père est costaud' or 'Le sac est costaud.' Even at A1, using words like this makes your French sound more natural and less like a textbook. It's a great 'bonus' word to have in your vocabulary.

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At the A2 level, you can start using 'costaud' in more complete sentences and in more varied contexts. You are now able to describe not just people, but also objects and animals. For example, you might describe a large dog as 'un chien costaud' or a very thick book as 'un livre costaud.' You should also be comfortable with the plural forms: 'Ils sont costauds' or 'Elles sont costaudes.' At this level, you can begin to understand that 'costaud' is a bit more informal than 'fort' or 'robuste.' You might hear it in movies or in casual conversations between friends. It's a great word to use when you want to emphasize that something is not just strong, but also sturdy and well-made. For instance, if you are buying furniture, you might look for a 'table costaude' that won't break easily. You can also start to use it with intensifiers like 'très' or 'vraiment'—'Il est vraiment costaud !' This adds more emotion and detail to your speech. Another thing to practice at A2 is the placement of the adjective. Remember that it almost always comes after the noun. So, it's 'un garçon costaud' and not 'un costaud garçon.' By using 'costaud' correctly at this level, you show that you are moving beyond the most basic vocabulary and starting to understand the nuances of how French people actually speak in their daily lives.

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As a B1 learner, you are expected to handle more complex social situations and express yourself with more nuance. 'Costaud' is a perfect word for this level because it has both physical and metaphorical meanings. You should now be using 'costaud' to describe difficult tasks or situations. For example, if you had a very hard day at work, you could say, 'C'est une journée costaude.' Or if you are facing a difficult challenge, you might call it 'un défi costaud.' This shows that you understand how physical strength can be a metaphor for mental or situational difficulty. You should also be aware of the register of the word. You know that it's 'familier' (informal), so you might use it with friends or colleagues you know well, but you might choose 'robuste' or 'ardu' in a more formal presentation. At B1, you can also start to recognize the word in different media, like sports news or comic books. You might notice that it's often used with a sense of admiration—'C'est du costaud !' is a common expression used when someone is impressed by the quality or strength of something. You should also be careful with agreement in more complex sentences, ensuring that 'costaud' matches the noun even when they are separated by other words. For example, 'Cette armoire, bien qu'elle soit ancienne, reste très costaude.' This level of control over the word and its various meanings is a key indicator of your progress toward fluency.

At the B2 level, you should have a deep and intuitive understanding of 'costaud' and its place in the French language. You can use it fluently in both its physical and metaphorical senses without hesitation. You are now able to appreciate the subtle differences between 'costaud,' 'balaise,' 'baraqué,' and 'robuste.' You know that 'costaud' is the most versatile and 'safe' informal choice, whereas 'balaise' is more slangy and 'robuste' is more technical or formal. You can use 'costaud' to describe a wide range of things: a full-bodied wine, a powerful engine, a difficult philosophical concept, or a physically imposing person. You are also capable of using it in idiomatic ways or as a noun ('un costaud'). At B2, you should also be able to discuss the word itself, perhaps explaining to a lower-level student why they should use 'fort' for coffee but 'costaud' for a mover. Your pronunciation should be spot-on, including the liaison in plural forms if applicable (though rare with this word) and the clear distinction between the masculine and feminine sounds. You might also start to use it in more creative writing or in debates to emphasize the 'weight' of an argument—'Votre raisonnement est costaud, mais il y a une faille.' This ability to use 'informal' vocabulary in a sophisticated way is a hallmark of the B2 level. You aren't just communicating; you are performing with the language.

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By the C1 level, 'costaud' is a word you use with complete spontaneity and stylistic awareness. You understand its cultural weight and the archetypes it evokes in French society—the 'costaud' as a figure of reliable, unpretentious strength. You can use it to add flavor to your speech, knowing exactly when a colloquial term like 'costaud' will be more effective than a formal one to build rapport or emphasize a point. You are also aware of regional variations; for instance, how the word might be used slightly differently in Quebec versus France or Belgium. You can incorporate 'costaud' into complex rhetorical structures, using it to contrast with other qualities—'Il est peut-être costaud, mais il manque de souplesse, tant physiquement que mentalement.' You also recognize the word when it appears in literature or higher-level journalism, where it might be used to give a 'common touch' to a description or to describe a particularly 'beefy' piece of legislation or a 'heavyweight' in the political arena. At C1, you are not just using the word correctly; you are using it strategically. You understand the irony if you call a very small person 'costaud' and the respect if you use it for a veteran of a difficult trade. Your mastery of the word is such that it has become a natural part of your expressive identity in French.

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At the C2 level, your understanding of 'costaud' is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. You have a comprehensive grasp of its etymology, its historical evolution, and its full range of modern connotations. You can use it in any context, from the most casual slang to sophisticated literary pastiche. You might use it to discuss the aesthetics of 'sturdiness' in architecture or to critique the 'heaviness' of a musical composition. You are fully aware of all the synonyms and can navigate between them with perfect precision, choosing 'costaud' over 'puissant' or 'herculéen' for its specific earthy, grounded quality. You can also play with the word, using it in puns or creative metaphors that push the boundaries of its traditional meaning. You understand its role in the 'argot' of different eras and how it has remained a stable part of the French lexicon while other slang terms have faded away. For you, 'costaud' is more than just a word; it is a tool for fine-tuning the texture of your communication. Whether you are writing a novel, delivering a keynote speech, or joking with friends, you know exactly how 'costaud' will resonate with your audience. You have reached a level where the language is not just a system of rules, but a playground for expression, and 'costaud' is one of the many toys you master perfectly.

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연습하기 예시 노트와 팁

costaud 30초 만에

Costaud describes someone who is physically strong and solidly built, often implying broad shoulders and a rugged appearance.
It is a colloquial term, meaning it is very common in everyday conversation but slightly informal for academic writing.
The word also applies to objects that are sturdy and to tasks or exams that are particularly difficult or demanding.
Grammatically, it must agree with the noun: costaud (m), costaude (f), costauds (m.pl), costaudes (f.pl).

The French adjective costaud is a multifaceted term primarily used to describe physical robustness, strength, and a sturdy build. While the English word 'strong' is its most frequent translation, 'costaud' carries a specific connotation of being 'well-built' or 'beefy' rather than just having high muscular output. It is a colloquial yet widely accepted term that bridges the gap between informal slang and standard French. When you call someone costaud, you are often commenting on their physical presence—their broad shoulders, thick limbs, and overall appearance of being able to withstand physical pressure or perform heavy labor. It is the quintessential word for a furniture mover, a rugby player, or a sturdy piece of oak furniture. Beyond the physical, it has evolved to describe things that are difficult, intense, or requiring significant effort, such as a tough exam or a powerful wind.

Physicality: Relating to a person who is solidly built, often implying they are both tall and broad-shouldered.

Regarde ce déménageur, il est vraiment costaud, il porte le piano tout seul.

In social contexts, 'costaud' is generally positive. It implies a sense of reliability and strength. However, it is important to distinguish it from 'gros' (fat). A costaud person is thick with muscle or bone, not necessarily adipose tissue. It is a compliment to a young man's growth, often used by elders to remark on how much a child has developed. 'Tu es devenu costaud !' is a common phrase heard at family reunions. It suggests the person has reached a level of physical maturity and capability. In the professional world, particularly in trades involving manual labor, being 'costaud' is a job requirement and a badge of honor. It suggests you are 'taillé pour le boulot' (cut out for the job).

Metaphorical Use: Used to describe a task, an object, or an abstract concept that is demanding, solid, or powerful.

L'examen de mathématiques était vraiment costaud cette année, personne n'a fini à temps.

The word also adapts to femininity, becoming 'costaude'. While historically more common for men, it is increasingly used for women, especially in the context of sports like crossfit or weightlifting. It describes a woman who is strong and capable. Furthermore, the word can describe objects. A 'chaise costaude' is a chair that won't break under weight. A 'vent costaud' is a wind that might knock you over. This versatility makes it one of the most useful adjectives in the B1 learner's toolkit. It adds a layer of descriptive texture that the simple word 'fort' lacks, providing a more vivid image of the subject's physical or functional integrity.

Il nous faut un carton plus costaud pour emballer ces livres lourds.

Register: Colloquial (familier) but suitable for most everyday conversations and informal writing.

C'est un argument costaud que tu avances là, j'ai du mal à te contredire.

Le café est un peu trop costaud pour moi ce matin.

Ultimately, 'costaud' is about substance. Whether it is the substance of a person's muscles, the substance of a material, or the substance of a challenge, the word denotes a high density of quality or effort. It is a word of respect for durability. When a French speaker says 'C'est du costaud !', they are expressing admiration for something that is built to last or someone who cannot be easily defeated. It is a vibrant, energetic word that captures the essence of strength in its most tangible form.

Using 'costaud' correctly requires an understanding of basic French adjective agreement and its placement within a sentence. As an adjective, it must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. The masculine singular is 'costaud', the feminine singular is 'costaude', the masculine plural is 'costauds', and the feminine plural is 'costaudes'. Note that the final 'd' in the masculine singular is silent, but it is pronounced in the feminine and plural forms when followed by an 'e' or when liaison occurs. This phonetic shift is crucial for learners to master to sound natural.

Agreement Rules: Masculine: costaud(s) | Feminine: costaude(s). The 'd' is heard in the feminine form.

Ma sœur est très costaude, elle fait du judo depuis dix ans.

In terms of placement, 'costaud' usually follows the noun it describes, which is the standard position for most French adjectives. For example, 'un homme costaud' (a strong man). However, like many common adjectives, it can occasionally be placed before the noun for stylistic emphasis or in certain fixed expressions, though this is much rarer and can change the rhythm of the sentence. In most cases, sticking to the post-noun position is the safest and most common way to use it. It is also frequently used as a predicate adjective following verbs like 'être' (to be), 'sembler' (to seem), or 'devenir' (to become).

Placement: Usually follows the noun: 'Un gaillard costaud'. Can be used after state verbs: 'Il devient costaud'.

Ces étagères ont l'air costauds, elles supporteront tous tes livres.

When using 'costaud' to describe difficulty, it often modifies abstract nouns like 'travail' (work), 'épreuve' (test/ordeal), or 'morceau' (piece/task). 'Un gros morceau' and 'un morceau costaud' both imply a significant challenge. For instance, 'S'attaquer à ce projet est un morceau costaud' (Tackling this project is a tough task). In these cases, the adjective conveys a sense of density or weightiness in the effort required. It can also modify sensory experiences, such as a 'dose costaude' (a strong dose) of medicine or a 'vent costaud' (a strong wind), where it describes intensity.

On a un programme costaud pour la randonnée de demain, préparez vos chaussures !

Intensifiers: Commonly paired with 'vraiment' (really), 'plutôt' (rather), or 'sacrément' (damn/extremely - colloquial).

C'est un sacrément costaud gaillard, celui-là !

Les fondations de la maison doivent être costaudes pour résister aux séismes.

Finally, 'costaud' can be used as a noun in certain contexts, though this is less common. 'Un costaud' refers to a strongman or a tough guy. 'Appelle les costauds pour bouger l'armoire' (Call the strong guys to move the wardrobe). This substantivization highlights the word's deep roots in describing physical archetypes. Whether used as an adjective or a noun, the key is the emphasis on structural or physical integrity. Mastering these variations allows the learner to move beyond basic adjectives and express nuances of strength and durability with the confidence of a native speaker.

The word 'costaud' is ubiquitous in everyday French life, echoing through gyms, construction sites, sports stadiums, and family kitchens. If you walk into a 'salle de sport' (gym) in Paris or Lyon, you will inevitably hear people describing their progress or the physical attributes of others using 'costaud'. It is the standard way to describe someone who has 'bulked up'. Unlike 'musclé', which focuses purely on the muscles, 'costaud' suggests a more holistic, rugged strength. It’s the word used for the guy who can lift the heaviest plates without breaking a sweat. In the world of sports, particularly rugby—a sport deeply beloved in the south of France—commentators frequently use 'costaud' to describe a pack of forwards or a particularly resilient defense. It implies a physical dominance that is both impressive and intimidating.

Sports & Fitness: Common in rugby, wrestling, and bodybuilding to describe powerful athletes.

L'équipe adverse a une mêlée très costaude, ça va être dur de les faire reculer.

In the realm of manual labor and trade, 'costaud' is a functional descriptor. Construction workers, plumbers, and mechanics use it to describe materials, tools, and the physical requirements of their tasks. A 'perceuse costaude' (a sturdy drill) is one that won't fail during a long day on the job. A 'gars costaud' is the colleague you ask for help when a heavy beam needs to be positioned. This usage highlights the word's association with reliability and practical utility. It is not about aesthetics; it is about performance and the ability to endure. You will also hear it in the context of DIY projects at home, where a father might tell his son that a shelf needs to be 'plus costaude' to hold all his trophies.

Workplace & DIY: Used to describe heavy-duty tools, materials, and the strength needed for manual tasks.

Il nous faut un échafaudage costaud pour travailler sur cette façade.

Perhaps most interestingly for students, 'costaud' is frequently heard in academic and intellectual circles to describe difficulty. A student emerging from a 'concours' (competitive exam) might sigh and say, 'C'était costaud !' This doesn't mean the paper was physically heavy, but that the intellectual challenge was intense and grueling. It equates mental effort with physical labor. Similarly, a politician might describe a new law or a budgetary challenge as 'un dossier costaud'. This metaphorical extension is a key part of modern French, allowing speakers to color their descriptions of abstract difficulties with the vividness of physical strength. Even in the kitchen, a 'vin costaud' refers to a full-bodied, powerful wine that has a strong presence on the palate.

Ce vin rouge est un peu costaud, il accompagnera parfaitement le gibier.

Intellectual & Sensory: Used for difficult exams, complex problems, or strong flavors in food and drink.

Le dernier chapitre du livre est vraiment costaud à comprendre.

In summary, 'costaud' is a word that lives in the real world. It is practical, descriptive, and slightly informal. It captures a specific French appreciation for robustness, whether that is found in a person's physique, the quality of a tool, the intensity of a wine, or the difficulty of a life challenge. Hearing it used in these diverse contexts will help you grasp the 'vibe' of the word beyond its dictionary definition, allowing you to use it with the same nuanced flair as a native speaker.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when using 'costaud' is confusing it with the generic adjective 'fort' (strong). While they are often interchangeable, 'fort' is more versatile and 'costaud' is more specific. For example, you would say 'un café fort' for strong coffee, but calling it 'un café costaud' sounds slightly odd or overly personified, though it is sometimes used colloquially to mean 'very powerful'. However, you would never say 'une odeur costaude' for a strong smell; 'une odeur forte' is the only correct option. 'Costaud' almost always implies a structural or physical 'sturdiness' that 'fort' does not necessarily require. Understanding this distinction is key to reaching a B2 or C1 level of fluency.

Costaud vs. Fort: 'Fort' is for intensity (smell, light, sound); 'Costaud' is for physical or structural robustness.

Incorrect: Cette musique est trop costaude. Correct: Cette musique est trop forte.

Another common error involves gender agreement. Because the masculine 'costaud' ends in a consonant sound (though the 'd' is silent), learners often forget to add and pronounce the 'e' for the feminine 'costaude'. In the feminine form, the 'd' becomes clearly audible: /kos.tod/. Failing to pronounce this 'd' when describing a woman or a feminine noun like 'une armoire' makes the sentence grammatically incorrect and can lead to confusion. Similarly, the plural forms 'costauds' and 'costaudes' must be used correctly in writing, even if the 's' is silent in speech. Always double-check the gender of the noun you are describing.

Pronunciation Error: Forgetting to pronounce the 'd' in 'costaude' (feminine). It should sound like 'koh-stode'.

Ma tante est une femme costaude (pronounce the 'd'), elle travaille à la ferme.

Register is a third area where learners stumble. 'Costaud' is colloquial (familier). While it is not slang (argot) and is perfectly acceptable in 90% of daily life, it might be slightly too informal for a high-level academic essay or a very formal legal document. In those contexts, words like 'vigoureux', 'robuste', or 'puissant' are preferred. Using 'costaud' in a very formal setting might make you sound a bit too 'rough around the edges'. Conversely, using 'robuste' while hanging out with friends at a bar might sound overly clinical or stiff. Matching the word to the social context is a subtle skill that comes with practice.

Too formal: Ce pont possède une structure robuste. Natural: Ce pont est vraiment costaud.

Register Mismatch: Using 'costaud' in formal writing instead of 'robuste' or 'vigoureux'.

Incorrect: Le candidat a une costaude expérience. Better: Le candidat a une solide expérience.

Finally, avoid over-applying the word to mean 'fat'. While a 'costaud' person is big, the word implies strength and muscle. Using it to describe someone who is simply overweight might be seen as a euphemism, but it isn't the primary meaning. If you want to say someone is large in a non-muscular way, 'costaud' might be misleading. Conversely, don't use it for small, wiry people who are strong (like a marathon runner); 'nerveux' or 'résistant' would be more appropriate. 'Costaud' always carries that visual of 'bulk' and 'sturdiness'. By avoiding these pitfalls, you'll ensure your use of 'costaud' is both accurate and naturally French.

To truly master the concept of 'strength' in French, it is helpful to look at the synonyms and alternatives for 'costaud', as each carries its own specific nuance and register. The most direct synonym is 'fort', which is the neutral, all-purpose word for strong. While 'costaud' implies a physical build, 'fort' can apply to anything from a person's character to the intensity of a lightbulb. If you want to sound more formal, 'robuste' is an excellent choice. It is often used for health ('une santé robuste') or for machinery and structures. It suggests a long-lasting, reliable strength that can withstand wear and tear over time.

Costaud vs. Balaise: 'Balaise' is much more slang (argot). It means 'huge' or 'impressively strong/smart'. Use with friends only.

Ton frère est devenu super balaise depuis qu'il fait de la muscu !

For a more slangy or 'street' vibe, the word 'balaise' (or 'balèze') is very common. It can mean physically huge and strong, but it is also frequently used to mean 'very clever' or 'very difficult'. 'C'est un balèze en maths' means he's a math whiz. Another alternative is 'baraqué', which specifically refers to someone with a 'square' or 'built' physique, much like a 'brick outhouse' in English. It comes from the word 'baraque' (shack/house), implying the person is built like a building. If you are talking about someone who is strong in a wiry, tough way, you might use 'sec' (dry/lean) or 'nerveux'.

Costaud vs. Musclé: 'Musclé' focuses on muscle definition. 'Costaud' focuses on overall size and rugged strength.

Il n'est pas très grand, mais il est extrêmement musclé.

In the context of difficulty, 'ardu' or 'pénible' are more formal alternatives to 'costaud'. If an exam was 'costaud', you could also say it was 'corsé' (literally 'full-bodied' like coffee or wine, but used to mean difficult or spicy). For a person who is strong and perhaps a bit intimidating, the word 'caïd' (slang for a tough guy or leader) or 'armoire à glace' (literally 'ice wardrobe', used for a very large, imposing man) might be used in a more descriptive or humorous way. Understanding these alternatives allows you to tailor your speech to the specific kind of 'strength' you are witnessing.

Le videur de la boîte est une véritable armoire à glace.

Summary of Alternatives: Fort (neutral), Robuste (formal), Balaise (slang), Baraqué (physique-focused), Solide (reliability).

C'est une solide amitié qui nous lie depuis l'enfance.

By expanding your vocabulary with these synonyms, you gain the ability to be more precise. You can choose 'robuste' for a medical context, 'balaise' for a casual chat with friends, and 'costaud' for that perfect middle ground when describing someone's impressive physical presence or a particularly challenging task. This linguistic flexibility is a hallmark of an advanced learner and will help you navigate the many social layers of the French language with ease.

How Formal Is It?

격식체

"La structure de cet édifice est particulièrement robuste."

중립

"C'est un homme très fort physiquement."

비격식체

"Dis donc, il est costaud ton frère !"

Child friendly

"Regarde comme tu es devenu costaud ! Tu as bien mangé ta soupe."

속어

"Il est trop balaise, ce type !"

재미있는 사실

The suffix '-aud' often gives a slightly pejorative or popular (colloquial) tone to French words, which explains why 'costaud' feels more 'down-to-earth' than 'robuste.'

발음 가이드

UK /kɔs.to/

US /kɔs.toʊ/

Stress is on the last syllable: cos-TAUD.

라임이 맞는 단어

dos gros mot pot chaud eau beau saut

자주 하는 실수

Pronouncing the 'd' in the masculine singular (it should be silent).
Not pronouncing the 'd' in the feminine 'costaude'.
Confusing the 'au' sound with 'ou' (like 'too'). It should be 'oh'.

난이도

독해 2/5

Easy to recognize in context as it looks slightly like 'coast' or 'constant' in some minds, but very common.

쓰기 3/5

Requires attention to gender and plural agreement (costaude/costauds).

말하기 3/5

Must remember to keep the 'd' silent in the masculine and pronounce it in the feminine.

듣기 2/5

Very common in spoken French, easy to identify once you know the 'oh' sound.

다음에 무엇을 배울까

선수 학습

fort grand corps homme femme

다음에 배울 것

balaise robuste baraqué musclé puissant

고급

herculéen invulnérable inamovible inébranlable

알아야 할 문법

Adjective Agreement

Un homme costaud / Une femme costaude.

Adjective Placement

Un meuble costaud (after the noun).

Liaison with Plurals

Des hommes costauds (no liaison usually).

Predicate Adjectives

Ils semblent costauds.

Comparison

Il est plus costaud que son frère.

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수준별 예문

Il est très costaud.

He is very strong.

Masculine singular.

Mon frère est costaud.

My brother is strong.

Subject-adjective agreement.

Elle est costaude.

She is strong.

Feminine singular (pronounce the 'd').

C'est un homme costaud.

He is a strong man.

Adjective follows the noun.

Le chien est costaud.

The dog is sturdy.

Describing an animal.

Ils sont costauds.

They are strong.

Masculine plural.

Le sac est costaud.

The bag is sturdy.

Describing an object.

Tu es costaud !

You are strong!

Direct address.

Regarde ce garçon, il devient vraiment costaud.

Look at this boy, he is becoming really strong.

Use with the verb 'devenir'.

Nous avons besoin d'une table costaude pour la cuisine.

We need a sturdy table for the kitchen.

Feminine singular agreement with 'table'.

Ses valises sont très costaudes.

Her suitcases are very sturdy.

Feminine plural agreement.

Le vent est costaud aujourd'hui sur la côte.

The wind is strong today on the coast.

Describing weather.

C'est un travail costaud de monter ces meubles.

It's a tough job to assemble this furniture.

Describing a task.

Mes chaussures de marche sont très costaudes.

My hiking boots are very sturdy.

Feminine plural.

L'armoire est trop costaude pour passer par la porte.

The wardrobe is too bulky to fit through the door.

Describing size and sturdiness.

Il est devenu costaud grâce au sport.

He became strong thanks to sports.

Cause and effect.

L'examen de français était vraiment costaud cette fois.

The French exam was really tough this time.

Metaphorical use for difficulty.

Il a fallu un gars costaud pour déplacer le piano.

It took a strong guy to move the piano.

Noun-adjective phrase.

C'est un morceau costaud que tu as choisi de traduire.

It's a tough piece you've chosen to translate.

Idiomatic use for a difficult task.

Elle a une constitution costaude, elle n'est jamais malade.

She has a sturdy constitution; she is never sick.

Describing health/constitution.

Le moteur de cette voiture est assez costaud.

The engine of this car is quite powerful/sturdy.

Describing machinery.

On va avoir une journée costaude demain avec toutes ces réunions.

We're going to have a tough day tomorrow with all these meetings.

Describing time/schedule.

C'est du costaud, ce carton ne risque pas de craquer.

It's strong stuff; this box isn't likely to break.

Using 'du costaud' as a fixed expression.

Il faut être costaud pour supporter une telle pression.

You have to be strong to handle such pressure.

Mental/emotional strength.

Le dossier est costaud, il va nous falloir du temps pour tout lire.

The file is substantial/thick; it's going to take us time to read everything.

Describing volume and complexity.

C'est un argument costaud, mais j'ai des doutes sur sa validité.

It's a strong argument, but I have doubts about its validity.

Describing intellectual strength.

Le vin rouge que nous avons bu hier était un peu trop costaud.

The red wine we drank yesterday was a bit too powerful/heavy.

Describing taste/intensity.

Il a une sacrée carrure, il est vraiment costaud des épaules.

He has quite a build; he's really broad-shouldered/strong.

Specific physical description.

S'attaquer à la corruption dans ce secteur est un défi costaud.

Tackling corruption in this sector is a major/tough challenge.

Societal/political context.

Les fondations doivent être particulièrement costaudes pour ce gratte-ciel.

The foundations must be particularly sturdy for this skyscraper.

Engineering context.

Elle s'est montrée costaude face à l'adversité.

She showed herself to be strong in the face of adversity.

Resilience.

Le courant est costaud ici, ne va pas trop loin dans l'eau.

The current is strong here; don't go too far into the water.

Describing natural forces.

Le roman est un pavé assez costaud, mais l'intrigue est passionnante.

The novel is quite a thick/heavy book, but the plot is fascinating.

Describing literary volume.

Malgré son air frêle, elle est bien plus costaude qu'on ne le pense.

Despite her frail appearance, she is much stronger than one thinks.

Contrast and nuance.

C'est une épreuve costaude pour n'importe quel athlète de haut niveau.

It's a grueling test for any high-level athlete.

Professional sports context.

La concurrence est costaude sur ce marché, il faut innover.

The competition is tough in this market; we must innovate.

Business context.

Il a fallu une dose costaude de courage pour dénoncer ces abus.

It took a strong dose of courage to report these abuses.

Abstract metaphorical dose.

Le vent soufflait de manière costaude, faisant vaciller les arbres.

The wind was blowing strongly, making the trees sway.

Adverbial usage of the adjective.

L'infrastructure réseau doit être costaude pour supporter ce trafic.

The network infrastructure must be robust to handle this traffic.

Technology context.

C'est un gaillard costaud qui ne se laisse pas marcher sur les pieds.

He's a sturdy fellow who doesn't let himself be pushed around.

Character description.

L'œuvre de Proust est un morceau costaud pour tout étudiant en lettres.

Proust's work is a substantial undertaking for any literature student.

Literary academic context.

La structure budgétaire de l'entreprise est costaude et résiste aux crises.

The company's budget structure is robust and withstands crises.

High-level finance.

Il y a un côté 'costaud du village' dans sa manière de s'exprimer.

There is a 'village strongman' vibe in the way he expresses himself.

Cultural archetype reference.

Le dispositif policier était sacrément costaud pour cette manifestation.

The police presence was incredibly heavy for this demonstration.

Describing scale and power.

Elle a produit une analyse costaude des enjeux géopolitiques actuels.

She produced a robust analysis of current geopolitical stakes.

Intellectual depth.

Le café du matin, bien costaud, est indispensable à son réveil.

The morning coffee, very strong, is essential for him to wake up.

Sensory intensity.

C'est du costaud, ce nouveau matériau composite utilisé en aéronautique.

This new composite material used in aeronautics is incredibly strong stuff.

Material science.

L'argumentation adverse, bien que costaude, ne tient pas face aux faits.

The opposing argument, though strong, doesn't hold up against the facts.

Rhetorical nuance.

자주 쓰는 조합

un mec costaud

un examen costaud

un vent costaud

une table costaude

être bâti costaud

un dossier costaud

un gaillard costaud

un vin costaud

un morceau costaud

une dose costaude

자주 쓰는 구문

C'est du costaud !

— Used to express that something is very strong, well-made, or difficult.

Tu as vu ce mur ? C'est du costaud !

Un gars costaud.

— A common way to refer to a strong man.

Il nous faut un gars costaud pour porter le frigo.

Être costaud des épaules.

— To be broad-shouldered.

Il est vraiment costaud des épaules, il fait de la natation.

Un programme costaud.

— A heavy or demanding schedule or plan.

On a un programme costaud pour les vacances.

C'est un peu costaud.

— It's a bit difficult or strong (often used for food/drink).

Ce fromage est un peu costaud pour moi.

Se sentir costaud.

— To feel strong or capable.

Après son entraînement, il se sentait costaud.

Un argument costaud.

— A strong or convincing argument.

Elle a avancé un argument costaud lors du débat.

Pas très costaud.

— Not very strong or sturdy (often used as a polite way to say weak).

Ce petit meuble n'est pas très costaud.

Devenir costaud.

— To grow strong or bulk up.

Il veut devenir costaud pour faire du rugby.

Une équipe costaude.

— A strong or tough team.

On va affronter une équipe costaude ce week-end.

자주 혼동되는 단어

costaud vs fort

Fort is general; costaud is physical/sturdy.

costaud vs gros

Gros means fat/big; costaud means strong/muscular.

costaud vs balaise

Balaise is much more informal/slang than costaud.

관용어 및 표현

"Tomber sur plus costaud que soi"

— To encounter someone stronger or more capable than oneself.

Il a voulu se battre mais il est tombé sur plus costaud que lui.

informal

"C'est du costaud"

— It's heavy duty / high quality / very difficult.

Cette nouvelle loi, c'est du costaud.

informal

"Avoir le cœur costaud"

— To have a strong stomach or to be emotionally resilient.

Il faut avoir le cœur costaud pour regarder ce film d'horreur.

informal

"Un morceau costaud"

— A difficult task or a large portion of work.

La deuxième partie du projet est un morceau costaud.

informal

"Être costaud en..."

— To be very good at a specific subject (like 'balaise').

Ma sœur est costaude en informatique.

informal

"Une dose costaude"

— A significant or large amount of something.

Il a fallu une dose costaude de patience.

informal

"S'attaquer à plus costaud"

— To try to tackle something that is beyond one's current strength.

N'essaie pas de soulever ça, attaque-toi à moins costaud.

informal

"Un vent à décorner les bœufs (related to costaud)"

— A wind strong enough to dehorn bulls (often described as 'costaud').

Il y a un vent costaud, un vrai vent à décorner les bœufs !

informal

"Faire le costaud"

— To act tough or show off one's strength.

Arrête de faire le costaud et aide-nous !

informal

"C'est costaud !"

— That's impressive! / That's hard!

Tu as fini tout ça en une heure ? C'est costaud !

informal

혼동하기 쉬운

costaud vs fort

Both mean strong.

Fort is for intensity (sound, smell, coffee); costaud is for physical build or structural strength.

Un café fort (NOT costaud).

costaud vs robuste

Both mean sturdy.

Robuste is formal and often used for health or machinery; costaud is informal and used for people.

Une santé robuste (formal).

costaud vs baraqué

Both describe a strong build.

Baraqué specifically refers to having a 'square' or 'built' frame; costaud is more general strength.

Il est vraiment baraqué des épaules.

costaud vs musclé

Both relate to strength.

Musclé focuses on visible muscle definition; costaud focuses on overall size and power.

Il est musclé mais pas très costaud (he has definition but is small).

costaud vs solide

Both mean strong/sturdy.

Solide is more about not breaking; costaud is more about the presence of strength.

Cette chaise est solide.

문장 패턴

Sujet + être + costaud

Il est costaud.

C'est un/une [noun] costaud(e)

C'est une table costaude.

Sujet + devenir + costaud

Il devient vraiment costaud.

L'examen était costaud

L'examen de maths était costaud.

C'est du costaud

Ce mur, c'est du costaud.

Un morceau costaud

C'est un morceau costaud à traduire.

Une dose costaude de [noun]

Une dose costaude de courage.

Bien que + [adj], [S] + être + costaud

Bien qu'il soit petit, il est costaud.

어휘 가족

명사

형용사

사용법

frequency

Very high in spoken French; moderate in written French.

자주 하는 실수

Un café costaud → Un café fort
We use 'fort' for the intensity of flavors and smells.
Elle est costaud → Elle est costaude
The feminine form requires an 'e' and the 'd' must be pronounced.
Une musique costaude → Une musique forte
For volume or sound intensity, 'fort' is the correct choice.
Un costaud vent → Un vent costaud
In French, most adjectives, including 'costaud', follow the noun.
Il est robuste (in casual talk) → Il est costaud
'Robuste' can sound a bit too formal or clinical in a casual conversation with friends.

팁

Context is King

Use 'costaud' for physical strength and 'fort' for sensory intensity like smells or sounds.

Silent D

Remember: The 'd' is silent in 'costaud' but loud in 'costaude'. This is the most important rule for speaking.

Agreement

Don't forget to add the 'e' for feminine nouns. 'Une armoire costaude' is correct.

Metaphorical Strength

Don't be afraid to use 'costaud' for difficult exams or tough days at work; it sounds very native.

Rugby Connection

If you follow French rugby, you'll hear this word constantly. It's the ultimate rugby adjective.

Register Check

In a job interview, say you have 'une solide expérience' rather than 'une costaude expérience'.

Catch the 'Oh'

The 'au' in 'costaud' is a closed 'o' sound, like in the word 'no' in English but without the 'w' at the end.

The Coast

Think of a rocky coast—it's costaud! It stands strong against the ocean.

Admiration

Use 'C'est du costaud !' when you are genuinely impressed by how solid something is.

Complimenting Kids

If a French friend's child has grown a lot, saying 'Il est devenu costaud !' is a perfect thing to say.

암기하기

기억법

Think of a 'COAST' (the first part of costaud). A coast is made of solid ground and rocks that are very sturdy and strong against the waves.

시각적 연상

Imagine a giant oak tree or a professional rugby player. Both are 'costaud' because they are thick, wide, and hard to move.

Word Web

muscles rugby wardrobe tough exam strong wind sturdy table broad shoulders reliability

챌린지

Try to find three things in your house that are 'costaud' and describe them to yourself in French. Then, think of the most 'costaud' person you know.

어원

The word 'costaud' appeared in the 19th century. It is derived from the word 'coste' (the old spelling of 'côte', meaning rib).

원래 의미: Originally, it meant someone who had 'strong ribs' or a 'strong chest,' implying a wide and powerful torso.

Romance (French), derived from Latin 'costa'.

문화적 맥락

While generally positive, calling someone 'très costaud' can sometimes be a euphemism for being 'big' or 'overweight,' so use it carefully if you aren't sure of the person's fitness level.

The closest English equivalent is 'sturdy' or 'well-built,' but 'costaud' is used much more frequently in daily conversation than those English words.

Obélix (from Astérix) is the ultimate 'costaud'. The 'Halles' movers in old Paris were known as 'les costauds des Halles'. French rugby forwards are often described as 'le pack costaud'.

실생활에서 연습하기

실제 사용 상황

Gym/Sports

Il est costaud.
Il soulève lourd.
Un physique costaud.
Il est baraqué.

Moving/Work

Appelle un costaud.
C'est un meuble costaud.
Besoin d'un coup de main costaud.
C'est du lourd.

School/Exams

L'examen était costaud.
Un sujet costaud.
C'était dur.
Un morceau costaud.

Weather

Un vent costaud.
La mer est costaude.
Il fait un temps costaud.
Ça souffle fort.

Food/Drink

Un vin costaud.
Un café costaud.
Un goût costaud.
C'est fort en bouche.

대화 시작하기

"Tu trouves que cet examen était costaud ou c'est juste moi ?"

"Dis donc, ton nouveau bureau a l'air vraiment costaud, c'est du chêne ?"

"Tu connais un gars costaud pour m'aider à déménager samedi ?"

"On a un programme costaud pour la rando, tu es prêt ?"

"Ce vin rouge est un peu costaud, tu ne trouves pas ?"

일기 주제

Décrivez la personne la plus costaude que vous connaissez et pourquoi elle vous impressionne.

Racontez une fois où vous avez dû affronter une épreuve costaude (examen, sport, travail).

Est-ce qu'il est important pour vous d'être costaud physiquement ou préférez-vous être agile ?

Quels sont les objets les plus costauds que vous possédez et pourquoi ?

Imaginez un super-héros qui n'est pas costaud. Quels seraient ses pouvoirs ?

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

Yes, 'costaud' is generally polite and often used as a compliment for someone's strength or growth. However, because it is informal, avoid using it in very formal or professional writing where 'robuste' would be better.

Yes, you use the feminine form 'costaude.' It describes a woman who is strong and well-built. It is common in sports contexts.

Not exactly. While a 'costaud' person is usually large, the word emphasizes muscle and strength, not fat. However, it can sometimes be used as a gentle euphemism for someone who is big.

You can say it colloquially to mean a very powerful, wake-you-up coffee, but 'un café fort' is the standard and more common expression.

'Costaud' is informal but standard. 'Balaise' is slang (argot). You would use 'costaud' with your parents, but 'balaise' only with your friends.

The 's' is silent. It is pronounced exactly like the singular 'costaud' (/kos.to/). The 'd' remains silent as well.

Yes, it is used in Quebec with the same meaning of strong or sturdy, and it is very common there as well.

Yes! This is a very common metaphorical use. It means the exam was very difficult and required a lot of mental 'strength' to complete.

Yes, 'un costaud' means a strongman or a tough guy. 'Les costauds du quartier' would mean the tough guys of the neighborhood.

The most direct opposites are 'faible' (weak), 'frêle' (frail), or 'maigre' (thin).

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