이 페이지를 내 언어로
English فارسی العربية Deutsch Español Français 日本語 Português 中文 हिन्दी
A2 noun #7,900 가장 일반적인 9분 분량

épine

연습하기 예시 노트와 팁 épine 30초 만에
설명 épine in your Level:
At the A1 level, you should learn 'épine' as a basic noun related to nature and gardens. It is a feminine word, so you always say 'une épine' or 'la épine' (which becomes 'l'épine'). Think of it simply as the sharp part of a rose. When you are a beginner, you might use it in very short sentences to describe why you shouldn't touch a plant. You might say 'Attention, une épine !' (Watch out, a thorn!). It is helpful to learn it alongside other garden words like 'fleur' (flower), 'rose', and 'jardin' (garden). At this stage, don't worry about the metaphorical meanings. Just focus on the physical object that can prick your finger. Remember the verb 'piquer' (to prick/sting) because they often go together: 'L'épine pique' (The thorn pricks). This is a concrete noun that helps you build your vocabulary for describing the world around you in simple terms.
무료 가입하고 전체 설명 읽기
At the A2 level, you begin to use 'épine' in more complete sentences and start to see it in common expressions. You should be able to describe an accident in the garden, such as 'Je me suis piqué avec une épine de rose' (I pricked myself with a rose thorn). You also start to learn about the human body, so you might encounter 'l'épine dorsale' as a way to refer to the spine in a slightly more formal or scientific context, although 'le dos' is more common for 'the back'. A2 learners should also be introduced to the very common idiom 'Il n'y a pas de rose sans épines' (There is no rose without thorns), which is a great way to start practicing French proverbs. This level is about moving from single words to functional phrases that describe cause and effect, like 'J'ai une épine dans le doigt, j'ai mal' (I have a thorn in my finger, I'm in pain).
At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'épine' in its metaphorical sense. You will likely encounter the expression 'une épine dans le pied' (a thorn in the foot), which means a persistent problem or a nuisance. You should be able to use this in a conversation about work or personal life: 'Ce projet est une véritable épine dans le pied' (This project is a real thorn in my side). You also start to use the adjective form 'épineux' (thorny) to describe difficult situations or complex questions. For example, 'C'est un sujet épineux' (It's a thorny subject). At B1, you are expected to understand that 'épine' isn't just about plants; it's about the 'stinging' nature of certain life problems. You might also read about 'la couronne d'épines' (the crown of thorns) in historical or cultural texts, expanding your vocabulary into the realms of art and history.
무료 가입하고 전체 설명 읽기
At the B2 level, your use of 'épine' becomes more precise and varied. You can distinguish between 'épine', 'piquant', and 'aiguillon'. You understand that 'épine' is botanical, while 'piquant' is used for animals like hedgehogs. You can use the idiom 'tirer une épine du pied à quelqu'un' (to help someone out of a mess) fluently in conversation. You might use 'épine' in more formal writing to describe structural problems in a system or an organization. For example, 'Cette faille dans le système est l'épine dorsale de nos problèmes de sécurité' (This flaw in the system is the backbone—or the central sharp point—of our security problems). At this level, you should also be aware of the etymological roots of the word and how it relates to other words like 'épinard' or 'épinette'. You are capable of using the word to add flavor and imagery to your speech, moving beyond literal descriptions.
무료 가입하고 전체 설명 읽기
At the C1 level, you use 'épine' with the nuance of a native speaker. You might use it in literary analysis to discuss symbolism—how thorns represent sacrifice, protection, or the hidden dangers of beauty. Your vocabulary is rich enough to use 'épine' in scientific or highly technical contexts, such as 'l'épine iliaque' in anatomy or 'l'épine de Vinette' in botany. You can engage in complex debates where you describe a political dilemma as 'un buisson d'épines' (a thicket of thorns), implying a situation where every possible solution has a negative consequence. You understand the subtle difference between 'être sur des épines' (to be anxious/impatient) and other expressions of stress. Your writing uses the word and its derivatives to create sophisticated metaphors, and you can appreciate the word's role in French classical poetry and prose.
무료 가입하고 전체 설명 읽기
At the C2 level, you have a total mastery of 'épine' and its place in the French linguistic heritage. You can use the word in its most obscure historical or technical senses without hesitation. You might explore the philosophical implications of the word in a dissertation, perhaps discussing the 'épines du pouvoir' (the thorns of power). You are familiar with rare idiomatic uses and can play with the word's sounds and meanings in creative writing or wordplay. You understand the evolution of the word from Latin 'spina' and how it has branched into various dialects and specialized terminologies. At this level, 'épine' is more than a word; it is a tool for precision, allowing you to evoke specific textures, pains, and structural concepts with a single syllable. You can effortlessly switch between the literal, the figurative, the scientific, and the poetic uses of the word.
무료 가입하고 전체 설명 읽기
연습하기 예시 노트와 팁

épine 30초 만에

  • A feminine noun meaning 'thorn' or 'spine'.
  • Used literally for plants and the human backbone.
  • Commonly used in idioms for problems and nuisances.
  • The adjective form 'épineux' means thorny or difficult.

The French word épine primarily refers to a thorn or a prickle found on plants like roses, hawthorns, or brambles. In a botanical sense, it is a hard, sharp-pointed structure that serves as a defense mechanism for the plant. However, the word's utility extends far beyond the garden. In French, épine carries a heavy weight of metaphorical meaning, often representing a small but persistent source of pain, annoyance, or difficulty. Just as a physical thorn can be hard to see but easy to feel when it pierces the skin, a metaphorical épine represents a problem that is difficult to ignore. Understanding this word requires recognizing its dual nature: the tangible, sharp object in nature and the intangible, sharp obstacle in life. Whether you are discussing the beauty of a flower that comes with a warning or the complexity of a political situation that is described as épineux (thorny), this word is essential for nuanced French communication.

Literal Botanical Use
Refers to the sharp outgrowths on stems. Example: Les épines du rosier sont très acérées.

Fais attention à cette rose, elle a une épine très pointue qui pourrait te piquer le doigt.

Figurative Nuisance
Describes a persistent problem or a person who causes trouble. Example: Ce dossier est une véritable épine dans mon pied.

Il n'y a pas de rose sans épines, ce qui signifie que chaque belle chose a ses inconvénients.

Anatomical Reference
While 'dos' is the back, 'épine dorsale' is the scientific term for the spinal column or backbone.

Le chirurgien a examiné l'épine dorsale du patient pour vérifier s'il y avait une scoliose.

La couronne d'épines est un symbole religieux très puissant dans l'art chrétien.

Furthermore, épine appears in several common idioms that are vital for everyday fluency. For instance, removing a thorn from someone's foot (tirer une épine du pied) means to help them out of a very difficult situation. This shows how the word is integrated into the French psyche as a symbol of relief after struggle. In more technical contexts, you might hear about the épine du Christ (a specific plant) or épines de mer (sea urchin spines). The word is versatile, moving from the garden to the hospital, and finally to the emotional landscape of human relationships.

Grâce à ton aide financière, tu m'as vraiment enlevé une épine du pied.

Using the word épine correctly requires an understanding of its gender and its typical verb pairings. As a feminine noun (une épine), it must always be accompanied by feminine articles and adjectives. When describing the physical action of being pricked, the verb se piquer is most common. For example, 'Je me suis piqué avec une épine' (I pricked myself with a thorn). When discussing the presence of thorns on a plant, the verb porter or the simple avoir is used. In a figurative sense, épine often acts as the subject of a sentence describing an obstacle or the object of a verb describing the removal of that obstacle.

Descriptive Usage
Used with adjectives to define the type or danger of the thorn. Example: Une épine venimeuse, une épine acérée.

L'arbuste est couvert de petites épines presque invisibles mais très douloureuses.

Action-Oriented Usage
Verbs like 'enlever', 'retirer', or 'extraire' are used when dealing with a thorn stuck in the skin. Example: Peux-tu m'aider à retirer cette épine ?

Elle a utilisé une pince à épiler pour extraire l'épine de son pouce.

Idiomatic Structures
The phrase 'être sur des épines' (to be on thorns) is the French equivalent of 'to be on pins and needles' or 'to be on tenterhooks'.

J'attends les résultats de mon examen, je suis vraiment sur des épines.

In more advanced contexts, the word can be used to describe the texture of a story or a problem. If a situation is described as 'un buisson d'épines' (a bush of thorns), it implies a complex mess where any move might cause pain. When writing, you can use the adjective derivative épineux to describe a task. 'Une question épineuse' is a thorny question that requires careful handling. This flexibility allows épine to transition from a simple noun to a powerful descriptive tool in both creative and professional writing.

Le gouvernement doit résoudre cette question épineuse avant les prochaines élections.

You will encounter épine in a variety of real-world settings, ranging from the mundane to the highly specialized. In daily life, it is most common during gardening or hiking. A parent might warn a child: 'Attention aux épines !' while walking through a forest. It is also a staple of French folklore and fairytales. Think of La Belle au Bois Dormant (Sleeping Beauty), where a thicket of thorns surrounds the castle. In this context, the épines represent a physical and magical barrier that only the true hero can penetrate. This cultural grounding makes the word familiar to every French speaker from a young age.

In the Garden
Commonly heard when pruning roses or clearing land. Example: Ces ronces ont des épines terribles.

Le jardinier porte des gants épais pour se protéger des épines de cactus.

In Medical/Anatomical Contexts
Doctors use it when referring to the spine or specific bony protrusions. Example: L'épine iliaque.

Le patient souffre d'une douleur au niveau de l'épine dorsale suite à sa chute.

In News and Politics
Journalists use the adjective 'épineux' to describe diplomatic or economic challenges. Example: Un problème épineux.

La réforme des retraites reste une épine dans le pied du gouvernement actuel.

In culinary discussions, you might hear it in the name of certain ingredients, though indirectly. For example, the word épinard (spinach) is historically related to épine because of the prickly nature of the seeds of some spinach varieties. In the south of France, you might hear about l'épine-vinette (barberry). Whether in a botanical garden in Paris, a hospital in Lyon, or a political debate on French television, the word épine provides a sharp, descriptive edge to the conversation.

Il a réussi à nous tirer une sacrée épine du pied en trouvant ces documents à la dernière minute.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make with épine is confusing it with other similar-sounding words or related concepts. The most common mix-up is with épingle (a sewing pin). While both are sharp and can prick you, an épine is organic and grows on a plant, whereas an épingle is man-made. Another confusion arises with arête (a fish bone). In English, we might say a fish has 'spines', but in French, you must use arête for fish and épine for plants or the human backbone. Using the wrong word can lead to confusion, especially in a restaurant or a hardware store.

Epine vs. Epingle
Epine = Nature (Thorn). Epingle = Tool (Pin). Don't ask for an 'épine' to fix your dress!

J'ai besoin d'une épingle à nourrice, pas d'une épine de rose !

Epine vs. Arête
Use 'arête' for fish bones. 'Epine' is only used for the 'épine dorsale' (backbone) in a biological sense.

Fais attention, il y a une arête dans ton poisson, pas une épine.

Misusing Idioms
The idiom is 'tirer une épine du pied' (pull a thorn from the foot). Learners often say 'main' (hand) by mistake.

Il m'a tiré une épine du pied (correct), pas de la main (incorrect).

Another subtle mistake is using épine when you mean piquant. While an épine is a specific botanical structure, un piquant is a more general word for anything that pricks, including the quills of a porcupine (porc-épic) or the spines of a sea urchin. While native speakers will understand you if you use épine for a hedgehog, the technically correct term is piquant. Finally, ensure you don't confuse the noun épine with the adjective épineux. You use the noun for the object and the adjective to describe a situation or a plant's quality.

Le hérisson a des piquants, alors que le rosier a des épines.

To truly master the concept of épine, it helps to compare it with its synonyms and related terms. The French language has several words for sharp things, and choosing the right one depends on the context and the nature of the object. Piquant is the most versatile alternative, often used for animals or general sharp sensations. Aiguillon is more specific, referring to the sting of an insect (like a bee) or a goad used for cattle. In a metaphorical sense, an aiguillon is something that incites or goads someone into action, whereas an épine is something that hinders or pains them. Understanding these nuances will elevate your French from basic to sophisticated.

Epine vs. Piquant
Epine is botanical/anatomical. Piquant is general/animal. You say 'les piquants du hérisson' but 'les épines du rosier'.

Cette plante n'a pas d'épines, mais ses feuilles ont un aspect piquant.

Epine vs. Aiguillon
Aiguillon is a sting or a stimulus. Epine is a physical obstacle or a sharp growth.

L'ambition est un aiguillon qui nous pousse à travailler, mais les échecs sont des épines.

Epine vs. Pointe
Pointe is a general 'point' (like a tip of a knife). Epine is specifically a natural, sharp outgrowth.

La pointe de la flèche était aussi acérée qu'une épine.

When discussing problems, you can swap épine for words like obstacle, difficulté, or problème. However, épine adds a sensory quality—it suggests that the problem is sharp, painful, and perhaps small but deeply embedded. For example, 'un grain de sable dans l'engrenage' (a grain of sand in the gears) is a similar metaphor for a small thing causing a big problem, but it lacks the personal 'pain' associated with an épine. Using these alternatives correctly depends on whether you want to emphasize the structural difficulty (obstacle) or the personal irritation (épine).

Ce retard est un véritable obstacle à notre projet, une véritable épine pour l'équipe.

How Formal Is It?

재미있는 사실

The word 'épinard' (spinach) comes from the same root because some ancient varieties of spinach had prickly seeds.

발음 가이드

UK /e.pin/
US /e.pin/
In French, stress is usually on the last syllable: e-PINE.
라임이 맞는 단어
citadine machine racine piscine doctrine vitamine poitrine narine
자주 하는 실수
  • Pronouncing the final 'e' (it should be silent).
  • Confusing the 'é' sound with 'e' (like in 'le').
  • Making the 'i' sound too short (it should be a clear 'ee').
  • Pronouncing it like the English word 'spine'.
  • Nasalizing the 'in' (it is not a nasal sound because of the final 'e').

난이도

독해 2/5

Easy to recognize in botanical and medical texts.

쓰기 3/5

Requires remembering the feminine gender and the accent.

말하기 2/5

Pronunciation is straightforward once the 'é' is mastered.

듣기 3/5

Can be confused with 'épingle' or 'écharde' in fast speech.

다음에 무엇을 배울까

선수 학습

fleur jardin piquer mal dos

다음에 배울 것

épineux ronce piquant aiguillon vertèbre

고급

calcanéenne iliaque ontologie acerbe

알아야 할 문법

Feminine noun agreement

Une petite épine (not un petit épine).

Contraction with 'le/la'

L'épine (not la épine).

Plural formation

Les épines (add an 's').

Adjective derivation

Epine -> Epineux (masculine), Epineuse (feminine).

Prepositional use

Se piquer à une épine / avec une épine.

무료 가입하고 전체 설명 읽기

수준별 예문

1

La rose a une épine.

The rose has a thorn.

Simple subject-verb-object structure with a feminine noun.

2

Attention à l'épine !

Watch out for the thorn!

Imperative use with a prepositional phrase.

3

Le cactus a beaucoup d'épines.

The cactus has many thorns.

Plural form of 'épine' after 'beaucoup de'.

4

L'épine pique mon doigt.

The thorn pricks my finger.

Action verb 'piquer' used with the noun.

5

C'est une petite épine.

It is a small thorn.

Use of the feminine adjective 'petite'.

6

Il y a une épine ici.

There is a thorn here.

Standard 'il y a' construction.

7

Je n'aime pas les épines.

I do not like thorns.

Negative sentence with a plural noun.

8

Où est l'épine ?

Where is the thorn?

Simple question word 'où'.

1

Je me suis piqué avec une épine de rose.

I pricked myself with a rose thorn.

Reflexive verb in the passé composé.

2

Il n'y a pas de rose sans épines.

There is no rose without thorns.

Common proverb using 'sans' + plural noun.

3

Peux-tu m'enlever cette épine ?

Can you remove this thorn for me?

Use of 'enlever' (to remove) with a demonstrative adjective.

4

Le jardinier porte des gants à cause des épines.

The gardener wears gloves because of the thorns.

Use of 'à cause de' to explain a reason.

5

Cette plante a des épines très dures.

This plant has very hard thorns.

Adjective agreement with the feminine plural noun.

6

J'ai une épine dans le pied.

I have a thorn in my foot.

Literal use of the preposition 'dans'.

7

Elle a retiré l'épine avec précaution.

She removed the thorn carefully.

Adverbial phrase 'avec précaution'.

8

Les épines protègent la plante.

Thorns protect the plant.

Subject-verb agreement with a plural subject.

1

Ce problème est une véritable épine dans mon pied.

This problem is a real thorn in my side/foot.

Figurative use of the idiom.

2

Le médecin a examiné son épine dorsale.

The doctor examined his spine.

Technical term 'épine dorsale' for the spinal column.

3

Il m'a tiré une épine du pied en m'aidant.

He got me out of a fix by helping me.

Idiomatic expression meaning to solve a difficult problem for someone.

4

Nous devons aborder cette question épineuse.

We must address this thorny issue.

Use of the adjective 'épineuse' derived from the noun.

5

La couronne d'épines est un symbole historique.

The crown of thorns is a historical symbol.

Noun phrase used as a specific cultural reference.

6

Elle est restée sur des épines toute la journée.

She was on tenterhooks all day.

Idiom meaning to be in a state of anxious suspense.

7

L'arbuste forme une barrière d'épines infranchissable.

The shrub forms an impassable barrier of thorns.

Use of 'infranchissable' to describe the noun phrase.

8

Fais attention, les épines de ce cactus sont venimeuses.

Be careful, the spines of this cactus are venomous.

Linking noun 'épines' with a specific adjective.

1

Le projet avançait bien, mais cette régulation est une nouvelle épine.

The project was going well, but this regulation is a new thorn.

Metaphorical use in a professional context.

2

Sa trahison fut comme une épine enfoncée dans mon cœur.

His betrayal was like a thorn driven into my heart.

Simile used for emotional expression.

3

L'architecte a conçu l'épine dorsale du bâtiment.

The architect designed the backbone of the building.

Metaphorical use of 'épine dorsale' for structural support.

4

C'est une affaire épineuse qui demande beaucoup de tact.

It's a thorny matter that requires a lot of tact.

Adjective 'épineuse' applied to a complex social situation.

5

Il a fallu extraire l'épine avec une pince stérile.

The thorn had to be extracted with a sterile tweezer.

Use of the formal verb 'extraire' and 'falloir' in the passé composé.

6

La rose ne serait pas si belle sans le danger de ses épines.

The rose wouldn't be so beautiful without the danger of its thorns.

Conditional mood expressing a philosophical thought.

7

Les ronces et leurs épines envahissent le vieux chemin.

The brambles and their thorns are overrunning the old path.

Coordinated subjects with a possessive adjective.

8

Chaque mot de sa critique était une épine pour mon ego.

Every word of his criticism was a thorn for my ego.

Abstract metaphor for psychological pain.

1

L'épine, par sa structure même, est un chef-d'œuvre d'adaptation.

The thorn, by its very structure, is a masterpiece of adaptation.

Formal, scientific register using 'par sa structure même'.

2

Le poète compare les épines du remords à celles d'un buisson ardent.

The poet compares the thorns of remorse to those of a burning bush.

Literary analysis structure.

3

Il s'agit d'une épine dorsale idéologique qui soutient tout le parti.

It is an ideological backbone that supports the entire party.

Metaphorical use in political science.

4

L'évolution a transformé certaines feuilles en épines pour conserver l'eau.

Evolution transformed certain leaves into thorns to conserve water.

Biological explanation with 'transformer en'.

5

Sa remarque acerbe fut l'épine qui fit éclater la bulle de notre joie.

His sharp remark was the thorn that burst the bubble of our joy.

Complex metaphor using a relative clause.

6

On ne peut ignorer l'épine du doute qui subsiste dans son témoignage.

One cannot ignore the thorn of doubt that remains in his testimony.

Abstract noun 'doute' paired with 'épine'.

7

La manipulation de ces spécimens épineux requiert une expertise rare.

Handling these thorny specimens requires rare expertise.

High-level vocabulary including 'requiert' and 'spécimens'.

8

Elle a su retirer l'épine du pied de l'entreprise au moment crucial.

She knew how to get the company out of a fix at the crucial moment.

Professional application of a common idiom.

1

L'ontologie de l'épine réside dans sa dualité : protection pour l'un, agression pour l'autre.

The ontology of the thorn lies in its duality: protection for one, aggression for the other.

Highly academic and philosophical register.

2

Il s'est heurté à l'épine dorsale de la bureaucratie étatique.

He collided with the backbone of state bureaucracy.

Advanced metaphorical use describing structural resistance.

3

La prose de l'auteur est parsemée d'épines stylistiques qui bousculent le lecteur.

The author's prose is scattered with stylistic thorns that unsettle the reader.

Literary criticism using 'parsemé de'.

4

L'épine de la jalousie s'était logée si profondément qu'elle en devenait invisible.

The thorn of jealousy had lodged itself so deeply that it became invisible.

Poetic and psychological depth.

5

Le traité de paix achoppe sur une épine territoriale mineure mais symbolique.

The peace treaty is stumbling over a minor but symbolic territorial thorn.

Diplomatic language using the verb 'achopper'.

6

Dans le jardin des délices, l'épine est le rappel constant de la chute originelle.

In the garden of earthly delights, the thorn is the constant reminder of the original fall.

Theological and art-historical reference.

7

La complexité épineuse de cette équation mathématique a défié les plus grands esprits.

The thorny complexity of this mathematical equation has defied the greatest minds.

Scientific register using the adjective to describe abstract difficulty.

8

Il a manœuvré avec une telle dextérité qu'aucune épine n'a pu l'égratigner.

He maneuvered with such dexterity that no thorn could scratch him.

Sophisticated narrative style.

자주 쓰는 조합

épine dorsale
épine de rose
buisson d'épines
couronne d'épines
enlever une épine
sujet épineux
épine iliaque
couvert d'épines
piqûre d'épine
épine calcanéenne

자주 쓰는 구문

Attention aux épines !

— A common warning when near prickly plants.

Ne touche pas à ce buisson, attention aux épines !

Une rose et ses épines.

— Refers to the combination of beauty and danger.

Il faut accepter la rose et ses épines.

Se piquer à une épine.

— The act of getting pricked by a thorn.

Je me suis piqué à une épine en cueillant des fleurs.

Plein d'épines.

— Full of thorns.

Ce chemin est plein d'épines.

Sans épines.

— Thornless.

Existe-t-il des rosiers sans épines ?

Retirer une épine.

— To extract a thorn.

Elle retire l'épine avec une aiguille.

L'épine du problème.

— The core or sharpest part of a problem.

C'est là l'épine du problème.

Épines protectrices.

— Thorns used for defense.

Les épines protectrices de l'acacia.

Une pluie d'épines.

— Metaphorical for many small difficulties.

Sa vie fut une pluie d'épines.

Cacher ses épines.

— To hide one's dangerous or difficult side.

Elle sait bien cacher ses épines derrière son sourire.

자주 혼동되는 단어

épine vs épingle

A metal pin for sewing. Epine is natural; épingle is manufactured.

épine vs arête

A fish bone. Epine is for plants or the human spine.

épine vs écharde

A splinter. An épine can become an écharde if it gets stuck under the skin.

관용어 및 표현

"Une épine dans le pied"

— A constant source of annoyance or a major problem.

Ce procès est une épine dans le pied de la firme.

neutral
"Tirer une épine du pied à quelqu'un"

— To help someone out of a difficult or embarrassing situation.

Tu m'as tiré une fière épine du pied.

informal
"Il n'y a pas de rose sans épines"

— Every good thing has its downsides or difficulties.

Elle est riche mais malheureuse; il n'y a pas de rose sans épines.

neutral
"Être sur des épines"

— To be extremely anxious, impatient, or in a state of suspense.

Depuis ce matin, je suis sur des épines en attendant l'appel.

neutral
"Marcher sur des épines"

— To be in a very difficult or delicate situation.

Dans cette négociation, on marche sur des épines.

neutral
"S'enlever une épine du pied"

— To get rid of a major problem oneself.

En finissant ce rapport, je m'enlève une épine du pied.

neutral
"L'épine dorsale de [quelque chose]"

— The most important part of something that provides support.

Le tourisme est l'épine dorsale de l'économie locale.

neutral
"Ne pas manquer d'épines"

— To be full of difficulties.

Ce projet ne manque pas d'épines.

formal
"Une couronne d'épines"

— A symbol of suffering or a burden of leadership.

Le poste de directeur est parfois une couronne d'épines.

literary
"Le buisson d'épines"

— A tangled, complex mess.

Cette affaire juridique est un vrai buisson d'épines.

literary

혼동하기 쉬운

épine vs épingle

Similar sound and both are sharp.

Epine is a plant thorn; épingle is a sewing pin.

J'utilise une épingle pour coudre, mais je me pique sur une épine.

épine vs piquant

Both describe sharp things.

Epine is the noun for the object; piquant is often the noun for animal spines or an adjective.

Le cactus a des épines; le hérisson a des piquants.

épine vs arête

Both are sharp 'bones' or 'spines'.

Arête is specifically for fish; épine is for the human backbone or plants.

J'ai avalé une arête de poisson.

épine vs aiguille

Both are long and sharp.

Aiguille is a needle (sewing or pine tree); épine is a thorn (rose or bush).

Le sapin a des aiguilles, le rosier a des épines.

épine vs dard

Both are sharp points.

Dard is a sting of an insect or a poetic 'dart'; épine is a botanical thorn.

L'abeille a un dard.

문장 패턴

A1

La [plante] a une épine.

La rose a une épine.

A2

Je me suis piqué avec une épine de [plante].

Je me suis piqué avec une épine de cactus.

B1

C'est une épine dans le pied de [quelqu'un].

C'est une épine dans le pied de mon patron.

B1

Tirer une épine du pied à [quelqu'un].

Il m'a tiré une épine du pied.

B2

Un sujet épineux concernant [sujet].

Un sujet épineux concernant l'écologie.

B2

L'épine dorsale de [système].

L'épine dorsale du réseau ferroviaire.

C1

Être parsemé d'épines.

Son parcours était parsemé d'épines.

C2

L'épine du remords / du doute.

L'épine du doute le tourmentait.

어휘 가족

명사

épine
épinard
épinette
époussetage

동사

épiner (rare)
épointer

형용사

épineux
épineuse

관련

piquant
aiguillon
ronce
épingle
écharde
무료 가입하고 모든 예문 보기

사용법

frequency

Common in daily speech (idioms) and nature descriptions.

자주 하는 실수
  • Un épine → Une épine

    The word is feminine. Always use feminine articles.

  • L'épine de poisson → L'arête de poisson

    Fish have 'arêtes', not 'épines'.

  • Tirer une épine de la main → Tirer une épine du pied

    The idiom specifically uses 'pied' (foot).

  • Epine de sapin → Aiguille de sapin

    Pine trees have 'aiguilles' (needles), not 'épines'.

  • Epine à nourrice → Épingle à nourrice

    A safety pin is an 'épingle', not an 'épine'.

팁

Gender Memory

Associate 'épine' with 'la rose' (both feminine) to remember its gender.

Botanical Precision

Use 'épine' for roses and hawthorns, but 'aiguille' for pine trees.

Social Rescue

Use 'tirer une épine du pied' when someone helps you with a stressful task.

No Nasal

The 'ine' in 'épine' is not nasal. It sounds like 'een' in 'seen'.

Thorny Issues

Describe a hard math problem or a political debate as 'épineux' to sound more native.

Spelling

Don't forget the acute accent on the 'é'. Without it, the word is misspelled.

Fairytales

Think of the wall of thorns in Sleeping Beauty to remember 'un buisson d'épines'.

Anatomy

Use 'épine dorsale' in formal contexts; use 'dos' for everyday talk.

Cactus

Even though we call them needles in English, in French, cactus have 'épines'.

Gardening Tip

Always mention 'des gants' (gloves) when talking about 'épines'.

암기하기

기억법

Think of a 'pine' tree. While pines have needles, an 'épine' is a sharp point. 'Épine' sounds like 'a-peen', like a pin that pricks.

시각적 연상

Imagine a beautiful red rose. As you reach for it, you see a sharp 'épine' waiting to prick your thumb.

Word Web

Rose Cactus Piquer Douleur Jardin Dos Problème Epineux

챌린지

Try to use 'épine dans le pied' in a sentence about a small but annoying task you have to do today.

어원

From the Latin 'spina', meaning a thorn, prickle, or the backbone.

원래 의미: A sharp point on a plant or animal.

Romance (Latin)

문화적 맥락

No specific sensitivities, though religious contexts should be handled with respect.

English speakers use 'thorn' similarly, but 'épine dorsale' for 'backbone' is more common in French than 'spine' is used in English for non-medical contexts.

La Belle au Bois Dormant (Sleeping Beauty) Le Petit Prince (Saint-Exupéry) La Sainte Couronne d'épines

실생활에서 연습하기

실제 사용 상황

Gardening

  • Gants contre les épines
  • Tailler les épines
  • Se piquer
  • Arbustes épineux

Medicine

  • L'épine dorsale
  • Extraire une épine
  • Infection d'une piqûre
  • Épine calcanéenne

Business/Problem Solving

  • Une épine dans le pied
  • Tirer une épine du pied
  • Sujet épineux
  • Obstacle majeur

Literature/Art

  • Couronne d'épines
  • La rose et l'épine
  • Symbolisme de l'épine
  • Prose épineuse

Nature/Hiking

  • Attention aux épines
  • Buisson d'épines
  • Sentier plein d'épines
  • Vêtements déchirés par les épines

대화 시작하기

"As-tu déjà eu une épine dans le pied au sens figuré au travail ?"

"Est-ce que tu préfères les fleurs avec ou sans épines ?"

"Comment enlèves-tu une épine si tu n'as pas de pince à épiler ?"

"Penses-tu que la vie est comme une rose, belle mais pleine d'épines ?"

"Connais-tu d'autres expressions avec le mot épine ?"

일기 주제

Décris une situation où quelqu'un t'a tiré une épine du pied.

Écris sur un 'sujet épineux' qui te tient à cœur et explique pourquoi il est difficile.

Imagine un jardin magique où les épines protègent des secrets.

Parle d'un petit problème (une épine) qui est devenu un gros problème.

Réfléchis à la phrase 'Il n'y a pas de rose sans épines' dans ta propre vie.

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

It is feminine: 'une épine'. This is important for adjective agreement, such as 'une épine pointue'.

No, you should use 'arête' for fish bones. 'Epine' is for plants and the human spine.

It means to help someone out of a difficult or annoying situation. It's like 'taking a load off someone's mind'.

Not exactly. 'Le dos' is the back in general. 'L'épine dorsale' refers specifically to the spinal column.

You can say 'sans épines'. For example, 'un rosier sans épines'.

Epine is usually botanical (plants). Piquant is usually for animals (hedgehogs) or used as an adjective (spicy/sharp).

Yes! Etymologically, they share the same root because some spinach seeds were prickly.

If the splinter is a thorn, yes. Otherwise, the word for a wood splinter is 'une écharde'.

It is the adjective form of 'épine'. It means 'thorny' or, metaphorically, 'difficult/tricky'.

It is an 'accent aigu'. Pronounce it like the 'a' in 'date', but shorter and without the 'y' sound at the end.

무료 가입하고 팁과 노트 보기

셀프 테스트 180 질문

writing

Traduisez : 'The rose has thorns.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Utilisez 'épine' dans une phrase sur le jardin.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Que signifie l'expression 'une épine dans le pied' ?

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Traduisez : 'A thorny subject.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Décrivez l'épine dorsale en une phrase.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Traduisez : 'He helped me out of a fix.' (use 'épine')

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Pourquoi les plantes ont-elles des épines ?

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Écrivez une phrase avec 'épineux' au féminin.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Traduisez : 'Watch out for the thorns!'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Comment appelle-t-on une couronne faite d'épines ?

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Traduisez : 'I pricked myself with a thorn.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Utilisez 'épine dorsale' dans un contexte figuré.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Traduisez : 'No rose without thorns.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Quel outil utilise-t-on pour les épines ?

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Traduisez : 'A bush of thorns.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Décrivez un cactus avec le mot 'épine'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Traduisez : 'She is on tenterhooks.' (use 'épines')

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Quelle est la différence entre épine et épingle ?

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Traduisez : 'The backbone of the company.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Faites une phrase avec 'enlever une épine'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Dites 'épine' à haute voix.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Prononcez la phrase : 'La rose a des épines.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Expliquez ce qu'est une épine dorsale.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Utilisez l'expression 'tirer une épine du pied' dans une phrase.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Dites 'Attention aux épines' avec une intonation de mise en garde.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Prononcez 'épineux' et 'épineuse'.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Racontez une petite histoire sur une rose et une épine.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Dites 'Il n'y a pas de rose sans épines'.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Comment décririez-vous un problème difficile ? (utilisez épineux)

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Prononcez 'L'épine dorsale de l'économie'.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Écoutez et écrivez le mot : [épine]

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Écoutez la phrase : 'J'ai une épine dans le pied.' Quel est l'objet ?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Écoutez : 'C'est une question épineuse.' L'adjectif est-il masculin ou féminin ?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Écoutez : 'Tirer une épine du pied.' Quel membre du corps est mentionné ?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Écoutez : 'Les épines du cactus.' Est-ce singulier ou pluriel ?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Écrivez : 'The cactus thorns are long.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Dites 'épineux' trois fois.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Écoutez : 'Une épine dorsale solide.' Quel est l'adjectif ?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Traduisez : 'A spine-chilling story.' (use 'épine')

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Prononcez 'Une épine dans le pied'.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Écoutez : 'Attention, ça pique !' De quoi parle-t-on ?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Traduisez : 'The spine of the book.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Dites 'épine dorsale' rapidement.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Écoutez : 'C'est l'épine dorsale du projet.' Que signifie l'épine ici ?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:

/ 180 correct

Perfect score!

무료 가입하고 연습하기

관련 콘텐츠

도움이 되었나요?

댓글 (0)

로그인하여 댓글 달기
아직 댓글이 없습니다. 첫 번째로 생각을 공유하세요!