In 15 Seconds
- The French version of 'knock on wood' to avoid jinxing luck.
- Used after mentioning something positive or a streak of success.
- Often accompanied by the physical act of tapping wooden furniture.
Meaning
This is the French equivalent of 'knock on wood'. You say it when you hope your good luck continues or to avoid bad luck after mentioning something positive.
Key Examples
3 of 6Talking about health
Je n'ai pas été malade de tout l'hiver, je touche du bois.
I haven't been sick all winter, knock on wood.
Discussing a business deal
Pour l'instant, le projet avance bien, touchons du bois.
For now, the project is moving along well, let's touch wood.
Texting about travel plans
Mon vol n'a pas de retard pour le moment, je touche du bois ! 🪵
My flight isn't delayed for now, knocking on wood!
Cultural Background
The expression stems from ancient beliefs that deities resided in trees. By touching the bark, one could summon protection or thank the spirits for good fortune. In France, it remains one of the most common superstitious phrases used across all social classes.
The Physical Act
In France, it's not enough to just say it; you should ideally find a piece of real wood to tap. If you're at a bar, the table is perfect!
The Head Tap
If you tap your head while saying this, you're making a self-deprecating joke that your head is 'en bois' (made of wood/stupid).
In 15 Seconds
- The French version of 'knock on wood' to avoid jinxing luck.
- Used after mentioning something positive or a streak of success.
- Often accompanied by the physical act of tapping wooden furniture.
What It Means
Think of this as your verbal lucky charm. You use it to protect yourself from 'jinxing' a situation. If you say something good is happening, you 'touch wood' to keep it that way. It is about warding off the evil eye or bad spirits. It is a superstitious reflex many French people have.
How To Use It
You usually say it right after a positive statement. You can say Je touche du bois while actually looking for a wooden table. If no wood is nearby, people often tap their own heads. It is a bit of a joke, implying their head is made of wood. You do not need to conjugate it heavily. Most people just use the present tense.
When To Use It
Use it when talking about your health or your job. It is perfect for when things are going surprisingly well. Tell your friends your car hasn't broken down in years. Then immediately say Je touche du bois. Use it at work when a project is on schedule. It shows you are humble and aware of fate. It is common in casual and professional chats.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for things that already happened. If you already won the lottery, it is too late. It is for future protection, not past celebration. Avoid using it in very somber or tragic moments. It feels too lighthearted for a funeral or a crisis. Do not use it if you want to sound strictly scientific. It is a superstition, after all.
Cultural Background
This tradition is ancient and found in many cultures. Some say it comes from pagan times when spirits lived in trees. Touching the wood was a way to ask for protection. In France, it is deeply ingrained in the daily vocabulary. Even non-superstitious people say it out of habit. It is a small piece of folklore in modern life.
Common Variations
You will often hear Touchons du bois (Let’s touch wood). This includes the people you are talking to in the luck-seeking. Sometimes people just say Touche du bois! as an instruction to a friend. You might also see someone just tap a table twice without speaking. The gesture is just as powerful as the words.
Usage Notes
This phrase is incredibly versatile and fits into almost any register of speech. The only 'gotcha' is ensuring you use 'du' instead of 'le'.
The Physical Act
In France, it's not enough to just say it; you should ideally find a piece of real wood to tap. If you're at a bar, the table is perfect!
The Head Tap
If you tap your head while saying this, you're making a self-deprecating joke that your head is 'en bois' (made of wood/stupid).
Don't Overuse
While common, using it every five minutes can make you sound overly anxious or superstitious to some people.
Examples
6Je n'ai pas été malade de tout l'hiver, je touche du bois.
I haven't been sick all winter, knock on wood.
A classic use to keep a streak of good health going.
Pour l'instant, le projet avance bien, touchons du bois.
For now, the project is moving along well, let's touch wood.
Used to maintain professional optimism without sounding arrogant.
Mon vol n'a pas de retard pour le moment, je touche du bois ! 🪵
My flight isn't delayed for now, knocking on wood!
Commonly used with the wood emoji in digital chats.
Il n'y a pas de table ici, alors je touche ma tête !
There's no table here, so I'm touching my head!
A common French joke implying one's head is 'wooden' or hard.
L'entretien s'est bien passé, je touche du bois pour la suite.
The interview went well, I'm crossing my fingers for what's next.
Expresses hope for a positive future outcome.
Ma vieille voiture démarre toujours au quart de tour, je touche du bois.
My old car still starts perfectly, knock on wood.
Used when discussing something that might break down eventually.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct phrase to complete the superstitious thought.
Tout se passe comme prévu pour le mariage, ___.
Since the wedding is going well, you want to 'touch wood' to ensure it stays that way.
What do French people often do if there is no wood nearby?
Si on n'a pas de bois, on touche ___.
Touching one's head is the humorous substitute for wood in French culture.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'Toucher du bois'
Used with friends and family constantly.
Touche du bois !
Appropriate in meetings to show cautious optimism.
Touchons du bois pour ce contrat.
Rarely used in strict legal or academic writing.
N/A
Where to use 'Toucher du bois'
Health
I haven't had a cold all year.
Travel
The train is actually on time.
Finances
The stock market is up today.
Relationships
We haven't argued in weeks.
Practice Bank
2 exercisesTout se passe comme prévu pour le mariage, ___.
Since the wedding is going well, you want to 'touch wood' to ensure it stays that way.
Si on n'a pas de bois, on touche ___.
Touching one's head is the humorous substitute for wood in French culture.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, it is the exact equivalent. Both phrases are used to avoid jinxing good luck.
Absolutely. It’s a very common way to express that a project is going well while remaining humble, like Le budget est respecté, je touche du bois.
It is always toucher du bois (some wood). Using le bois would sound like you are referring to a specific, previously mentioned piece of wood.
French people will jokingly touch their own head and say Je touche du bois because of the 'wooden head' joke.
Not at all. People of all ages, from teenagers to CEOs, use it daily in France.
Yes, if a friend tells you good news, you can say Touche du bois ! to tell them to protect their luck.
Some believe it relates to the wood of the Cross, but most French people view it as a secular, pagan superstition.
Usually, yes. You'll say Je touche du bois or Touchons du bois. In a hurry, you can just say Touche du bois !.
It is neutral. It is safe for almost any conversation except for very formal written documents.
A common mistake is using it for bad things. You only use it to protect *good* things from turning bad.
Related Phrases
Croiser les doigts (To cross one's fingers)
Porter bonheur (To bring good luck)
Passer sous une échelle (To walk under a ladder - bad luck)
Avoir la poisse (To have bad luck / to be jinxed)
