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béquilles

B1 noun 13 min read

béquilles

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips béquilles in 30 Seconds

Explanation béquilles in your Level:

At the A1 level, the word béquilles is introduced as a basic concrete noun. Students learn that it means 'crutches' and is used when someone has a 'mal à la jambe' (sore leg). At this stage, the focus is on simple identification and possession. A student should be able to say 'J'ai des béquilles' (I have crutches) or 'Il utilise des béquilles' (He uses crutches). The word is often taught alongside body parts (la jambe, le pied) and basic health phrases. It's important for A1 learners to recognize the word in simple stories or when visiting a doctor. They should focus on the fact that it is feminine and usually plural. Simple descriptions like 'Les béquilles sont bleues' or 'Les béquilles sont grandes' are appropriate. The goal is to build a functional vocabulary for basic needs. If an A1 learner sees someone with these supports, they should be able to identify them correctly. They might also learn the word in the context of a pharmacy, which is a common A1 topic. The pronunciation should be practiced simply, focusing on the 'ee' sound at the end. At this level, there is no need to worry about metaphorical meanings or complex grammatical structures. It is purely about the physical object and its immediate use in a sentence about health. The word is a good example of how French uses gender for objects, helping students internalize 'la' and 'une'. Learning this word early helps in basic social interactions, such as expressing sympathy for a friend's injury. It is a practical, high-utility word for any beginner traveling to a French-speaking country.

At the A2 level, learners begin to use béquilles in more descriptive and situational contexts. They can explain *why* someone has them: 'Il a des béquilles parce qu'il s'est cassé la jambe' (He has crutches because he broke his leg). They also start to combine the noun with more varied verbs and prepositions, such as 'marcher avec des béquilles' (to walk with crutches) or 'aller à l'école avec des béquilles' (to go to school with crutches). A2 students can handle simple dialogues at the pharmacy or the doctor's office where they might need to rent or buy them. They should be aware of the difference between 'béquilles' and 'une canne' (a walking stick). At this stage, the focus shifts slightly toward daily life and the challenges of being injured. A2 learners might describe their day: 'C'est difficile de prendre le bus avec des béquilles' (It's difficult to take the bus with crutches). They are also introduced to the idea of 'une paire de béquilles' (a pair of crutches). The grammar remains relatively simple, but the sentences become longer and more informative. Learners should also be able to understand basic instructions from a doctor, like 'Utilisez vos béquilles pendant deux semaines'. This level also involves recognizing the word in past tense sentences, such as 'Hier, j'ai acheté des béquilles'. The vocabulary expands to include related terms like 'l'hôpital', 'le plâtre' (the cast), and 'la douleur' (the pain). By the end of A2, the student should feel comfortable using the word in most common, literal situations.

At the B1 level, the student reaches a threshold where they can discuss béquilles with more nuance and detail. This is the level where the word is officially categorized. B1 learners can describe the experience of using crutches in detail, discussing the inconvenience and the process of recovery. They can use the word in complex sentences with relative clauses: 'L'homme que j'ai vu avec des béquilles est mon voisin' (The man I saw with crutches is my neighbor). This level also introduces the metaphorical use of the word. A B1 student should understand that a 'béquille' can be a person or a thing that provides temporary support. For example, 'Son smartphone est comme une béquille pour lui' (His smartphone is like a crutch for him). They can participate in discussions about health and social support, expressing opinions on how difficult it is for people with mobility issues to navigate old cities. They should also be familiar with the verb 's'appuyer sur' (to lean on) in conjunction with the noun. B1 learners are expected to handle more formal medical contexts, perhaps reading a short article about a sports star's injury and recovery. They can also use the word in the conditional or subjunctive: 'Si j'avais des béquilles, je ne pourrais pas monter cet escalier' (If I had crutches, I wouldn't be able to climb these stairs). The focus at B1 is on fluency and the ability to integrate the word into a broader range of topics, from personal health to social commentary.

At the B2 level, béquilles is used in sophisticated arguments and detailed narratives. The learner can use the word to discuss abstract concepts like economic dependency or psychological coping mechanisms. For instance, 'Les subventions étatiques servent de béquilles à une économie en déclin' (State subsidies serve as crutches for a declining economy). At this level, the speaker is expected to use the word with precision, choosing it over synonyms like 'soutien' or 'appui' to convey a specific sense of temporary or insufficient help. B2 learners can understand and use idiomatic expressions or more rare technical meanings, such as the 'béquille' of a bicycle or a structural support in architecture. They can write detailed reports or essays where the word might appear as a metaphor for societal issues. Their pronunciation should be near-perfect, and they should be able to distinguish between the different types of crutches (axillaires vs. canadiennes) if the context requires it. B2 students can also analyze literature or news reports where the use of crutches is a symbol for a character's state of mind or a nation's stability. They are comfortable with all grammatical structures involving the word, including passive voice and complex participial phrases. The word becomes a tool for expressive and precise communication, rather than just a label for a medical object.

At the C1 level, the word béquilles is part of a vast and flexible vocabulary. The learner can use it in highly formal academic or professional settings. They might use it in a medical thesis, a sociological study on disability, or a literary critique. C1 speakers understand the subtle connotations of the word—how it can imply a lack of independence or a structural weakness. They can use it in rhetorical devices, such as metaphors or allegories. For example, they might discuss 'les béquilles de la pensée' (the crutches of thought), referring to clichés or logical fallacies that people rely on. At this level, the learner is also aware of the word's history and its relation to other Germanic and Romance languages. They can navigate the most technical uses of the word, such as in nautical engineering or advanced carpentry, without hesitation. Their ability to use the word in spontaneous, high-level conversation is seamless. They can debate the ethics of medical technology, using 'béquilles' as a starting point for a discussion on human enhancement versus simple recovery. The word is no longer just a vocabulary item; it is a conceptual building block that the C1 learner can manipulate to express complex, abstract ideas with elegance and precision.

At the C2 level, mastery of béquilles is absolute. The learner uses the word with the same ease and depth as a highly educated native speaker. They can appreciate and employ the word in poetic or highly stylized prose. They might encounter it in 19th-century French literature, where it might have a slightly different flavor, and understand the historical context perfectly. A C2 speaker can play with the word, using it in puns, jokes, or sophisticated irony. They are fully aware of all its technical, metaphorical, and colloquial applications. Whether they are reading a complex legal document about medical liability or a contemporary philosophical treatise on the nature of support, they grasp every nuance. The word is integrated into their total linguistic competence, allowing them to use it instinctively in any register, from street slang to the highest academic discourse. At this level, the learner could even discuss the etymological roots of the word and its evolution through Old French. They can use the word 'béquiller' in all its rare forms with confidence. For a C2 learner, 'béquilles' is more than a word; it is a versatile instrument of expression that reflects their profound understanding of the French language and culture.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

béquilles in 30 Seconds

Béquilles (feminine plural) means crutches, used for walking support after leg injuries.
It is commonly used with the verb 'marcher' and the preposition 'avec'.
Metaphorically, it refers to any temporary or insufficient support for a person or system.
Technically, it also refers to a bike's kickstand or a lever-style door handle.

The French word béquilles refers to crutches, the essential mobility aids used by individuals who have suffered an injury to their legs, feet, or hips. In a literal sense, these are the sticks or supports that one places under the arms or around the forearms to facilitate walking when weight-bearing on one limb is restricted. The term is deeply rooted in the medical and daily life vocabulary of French speakers, appearing whenever someone discusses recovery from surgery, a sports injury like a sprained ankle, or a broken bone. Beyond the physical object, the word carries a weight of temporary dependency and the struggle for autonomy. When you see someone on the street using béquilles, it immediately signals a state of convalescence. In France, as in many parts of the world, the design of these aids has evolved, but the word remains constant. You will find them in pharmacies, hospitals, and specialized medical supply stores known as magasins de matériel médical. Understanding this word is crucial for navigating any health-related conversation or even just empathizing with a friend who has had an accident.

Physical Form: In France, the most common type is the 'béquille canadienne' or forearm crutch, which features a cuff that circles the forearm and a handle for the hand.

Après son opération du genou, Marc a dû apprendre à marcher avec des béquilles pendant six semaines.

The word also transcends the physical realm. Metaphorically, a 'béquille' is anything that serves as a support, often an unhealthy or temporary one, for a person's psychological or emotional state. For instance, if someone relies too heavily on a specific habit to cope with stress, that habit might be described as an 'emotional crutch'. This dual usage makes the word versatile, appearing in both clinical reports and deep psychological discussions. Historically, the word derives from 'bec' (beak), likely referring to the hooked shape of early wooden crutch handles. This etymological connection provides a vivid image of the tool's evolution from a simple wooden hook to a modern, ergonomic medical device. Whether you are discussing a skiing accident in the Alps or analyzing a character's emotional dependency in a French novel, béquilles is the term you need. It encapsulates the transition between total immobility and the return to independent walking. It is a word of support, both literally and figuratively, and its mastery allows for a more nuanced understanding of French daily life and human resilience.

Usage Context: Commonly used with verbs like 'marcher' (to walk), 'utiliser' (to use), or 'se déplacer' (to move around).

Il est difficile de monter les escaliers avec des béquilles quand on n'a pas l'habitude.

Metaphorical Meaning: Un soutien souvent jugé nécessaire mais temporaire ou insuffisant pour résoudre un problème de fond.

Pour certains, la technologie est devenue une véritable béquille intellectuelle.

Elle ne peut plus se passer de ses béquilles psychologiques pour affronter la foule.

Students of French should also be aware of the verb 'béquiller', which, though less common, can mean to walk with crutches or, in a nautical context, to support a boat with shores (bequilles de carénage). This highlights how specialized vocabulary can branch out from a common noun.

Using béquilles in a sentence requires an understanding of its grammatical role as a feminine noun and its typical collocations. Most frequently, you will see it paired with the preposition 'avec' (with). For example, 'Je marche avec des béquilles' (I am walking with crutches). It is important to note that even if you are only using one crutch, the plural 'des béquilles' is the most common way to refer to the equipment in general. However, if you specifically mean a single support, you would say 'une béquille'. Verbs of movement are the most natural companions for this word. You might 'monter les escaliers avec des béquilles' (climb the stairs with crutches) or 'se déplacer en béquilles' (move around on crutches). The latter uses 'en' to describe the mode of transportation/movement.

The Verb 'Avoir': Used to state the current necessity: 'J'ai des béquilles' (I have crutches/I am on crutches).

Depuis sa chute au ski, il a des béquilles et ne peut pas conduire sa voiture.

In more technical or medical settings, you might encounter the verb 'prescrire' (to prescribe). A doctor might say, 'Je vais vous prescrire des béquilles pour soulager votre cheville' (I am going to prescribe crutches to relieve your ankle). Here, the word takes on a formal, clinical tone. Conversely, in a casual setting, someone might complain about the physical toll: 'Les béquilles me font mal aux mains' (The crutches are hurting my hands). This highlights the practical reality of using the devices. When discussing the duration of use, you use 'pendant' (for/during): 'Elle doit porter des béquilles pendant trois semaines' (She has to use crutches for three weeks). Note that 'porter' (to carry/wear) is sometimes used in French to mean 'to use' in the context of medical aids, though 'utiliser' or 'avoir' is more common for crutches.

Action Verbs: 'Lâcher ses béquilles' means to let go of or stop using crutches, often used when someone is finally healed.

Le kinésithérapeute lui a dit qu'il pourrait bientôt lâcher ses béquilles.

In a metaphorical context, the structure remains the same. 'Cette aide financière n'est qu'une béquille pour l'entreprise' (This financial aid is only a crutch for the company). Here, the word acts as a predicate nominative, defining the nature of the aid. It implies that the support is not a permanent solution but a temporary fix.

Descriptive Adjectives: Common adjectives include 'neuves' (new), 'réglables' (adjustable), or 'métalliques' (metallic).

Il a acheté des béquilles réglables pour qu'elles soient à la bonne taille.

Elle a décoré ses béquilles avec des autocollants pour les rendre moins tristes.

Finally, consider the phrase 'être sur les béquilles', which is a colloquial way to say someone is exhausted or 'on their last legs', though this is less common than the literal usage. Mastery of these patterns ensures you can communicate physical needs or abstract concepts with clarity and precision.

The word béquilles is a staple in several specific environments. The most obvious is the medical field. If you visit a cabinet médical (doctor's office) or an hôpital (hospital) in France, you will hear nurses and doctors using it constantly. In the 'service d'orthopédie' (orthopedics department), it is perhaps the most spoken noun. You might hear a nurse ask, 'Savez-vous déjà utiliser des béquilles ?' (Do you already know how to use crutches?). Another common location is the pharmacie. In France, pharmacies are not just for medicine; they are the primary place to rent or buy medical equipment. You might walk in and say, 'Je voudrais louer une paire de béquilles, s'il vous plaît' (I would like to rent a pair of crutches, please).

Sports Context: During the ski season in the Alps or Pyrenees, the word is ubiquitous in clinics near the slopes.

Le commentateur sportif a précisé que le joueur a quitté le terrain avec des béquilles.

You will also hear the word in schools and workplaces. When a colleague or classmate arrives after a weekend accident, the first question is often, 'Qu'est-ce qui t'est arrivé ? Pourquoi tu as des béquilles ?' (What happened to you? Why do you have crutches?). It serves as a conversation starter that elicits stories of mishaps and bravery. In the world of cinema and literature, crutches are often used as a prop to signify vulnerability or a turning point in a character's life. A director might instruct an actor, 'Appuie-toi lourdement sur tes béquilles pour montrer ta fatigue' (Lean heavily on your crutches to show your fatigue).

Public Transport: On the Metro or bus, you might hear an automated announcement or a passenger saying, 'Laissez la place aux personnes avec des béquilles'.

Dans le métro, j'ai dû céder ma place à une femme qui portait des béquilles.

Furthermore, in political or economic debates, commentators frequently use 'béquille' to describe subsidies or temporary measures. 'L'État ne peut pas être la béquille permanente de cette industrie' (The State cannot be the permanent crutch of this industry). This usage is common in newspapers like Le Monde or Le Figaro. Finally, in the context of DIY or home maintenance, a 'béquille de porte' is the French term for a lever-style door handle. While this is a different object, the shared name comes from the similar shape. So, if you are at a hardware store (une quincaillerie), you might hear the word in a completely non-medical context.

Hardware Context: 'Une béquille de porte' refers to the handle you push down to open a door.

Il faut changer la béquille de la porte d'entrée car elle est cassée.

Le médecin a écrit une ordonnance pour une paire de béquilles.

Whether in the pharmacy, on the news, or even while fixing a door, the word béquilles is a versatile and frequently encountered term in the French-speaking world.

For English speakers learning French, the word béquilles presents a few pitfalls, primarily regarding gender, spelling, and pronunciation. The first and most frequent mistake is the gender. Many learners assume that because 'crutch' in English is neutral, it might be masculine in French. However, béquille is feminine. Saying 'un béquille' is a common error that marks one as a beginner. Always pair it with 'une' or 'la'.

Gender Error: Incorrect: 'Il a besoin d'un béquille.' Correct: 'Il a besoin d'une béquille.'

N'oubliez pas que la béquille est un nom féminin, même au pluriel.

Another mistake involves confusion with similar-looking words. Some learners confuse 'béquilles' with 'besicles' (an archaic word for spectacles) or 'beignets' (donuts), simply because of the initial 'be-'. While this might seem humorous, it can lead to confusion in a medical emergency. Additionally, learners often struggle with the 'ui' sound followed by the liquid 'll'. It is not 'beh-kwil' but rather 'bay-keey'. Practice the transition from the 'k' to the 'ee' sound carefully.

Pronunciation Pitfall: Avoid pronouncing the 'l' sounds like the English 'L'. It's a 'y' sound (as in 'yes').

La prononciation correcte de béquilles ressemble à 'bay-kee'.

In writing, the accent aigu on the 'e' (é) is vital. Omitting it ('bequilles') changes the pronunciation and is a spelling error. Furthermore, when using the word in a metaphorical sense, ensure the context is clear. Calling someone a 'béquille' can be seen as slightly pejorative, implying they are only a temporary or weak support.

Metaphorical Nuance: Using 'béquille' for a person implies they are a 'crutch' for someone else's weakness, which might be offensive.

Dire que Paul est la béquille de son frère suggère que son frère est dépendant.

J'ai écrit 'bequilles' sans accent, et mon professeur a corrigé ma faute d'orthographe.

Finally, remember the pluralization rules. Even though you use two crutches, you must use the plural 'des béquilles'. If you say 'J'ai une béquille', people will assume you only have one physical stick, which might be confusing if you are hobbling on two. By avoiding these common errors, you will sound more natural and professional in your French communication.

While béquilles is the most common term for crutches, French offers several related words depending on the level of support needed and the specific medical context. Understanding these alternatives will help you choose the right word for the right situation. The most frequent alternative is une canne. A 'canne' is a walking stick. It provides less support than a crutch and is often used by the elderly or those with minor balance issues. There is also the canne anglaise, which is actually the technical term for the forearm crutches most people use today.

Béquille vs. Canne: A 'béquille' is for injuries where you can't put weight on a leg; a 'canne' is for stability and balance.

Mon grand-père utilise une canne pour marcher, mais mon frère a des béquilles car sa jambe est plâtrée.

For more severe mobility issues, you might encounter un déambulateur (a walker or Zimmer frame). This provides a four-legged support and is much more stable than crutches. If a person cannot walk at all, the term is un fauteuil roulant (a wheelchair). In the context of emotional or abstract support, synonyms for 'béquille' include un soutien (a support), un appui (a prop/leaning point), or un rempart (a bulwark/protection). These words lack the medical connotation of 'béquille' and are often more positive.

Abstract Alternatives: 'Soutien' is neutral and very common. 'Appui' suggests something you lean on for strength.

Sa famille a été un véritable soutien moral pendant sa maladie.

In sports, you might hear une attelle (a splint or brace), which is used to immobilize a joint but doesn't necessarily help with walking in the way crutches do. If you are talking about the physical side of a motorcycle or bicycle, the kickstand is also called une béquille. There are two types: la béquille latérale (side stand) and la béquille centrale (center stand). This is a vital piece of vocabulary for any cyclist or motorcyclist in France.

Mechanical Usage: Don't be surprised if a mechanic asks you to 'mettre la moto sur la béquille'.

N'oublie pas de mettre la béquille avant de descendre de ton vélo.

Le blessé a troqué ses béquilles contre un déambulateur plus stable.

Finally, in architecture, a béquille can refer to a structural support or a strut. As you can see, while the primary meaning is medical, the concept of 'support' allows the word to branch out into many different fields. Knowing these alternatives ensures you can describe everything from a broken leg to a parked motorcycle with the correct French terminology.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"Le patient présente une autonomie limitée nécessitant l'usage de béquilles axillaires."

Neutral

"Il a besoin de béquilles pour se déplacer après son opération."

Informal

"Tu vas encore traîner tes béquilles pendant combien de temps ?"

Child friendly

"Regarde, ce sont des bâtons magiques pour aider ta jambe à guérir !"

Slang

"Il est sur les béquilles, le pauvre vieux."

Fun Fact

The word 'béquille' was once used to describe a type of small hoe in agriculture, also because of its hooked shape. It only became primarily medical in the 17th century.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /be.kij/

US /be.ki/

In French, stress is usually on the final syllable: be-QUI-lles.

Rhymes With

fille grille quille famille brille chenille pastille vanille

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'u' in 'béquilles' (it should be silent).
Pronouncing the 'll' as an English 'L' instead of a 'Y' sound.
Forgetting the accent on the 'é'.
Pronouncing the 's' at the end (it is silent).
Making the 'é' sound too much like an 'e' in 'pet'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The word is easy to recognize in context but requires knowing its specific medical meaning.

Writing 3/5

The spelling with 'é' and 'illes' can be tricky for beginners.

Speaking 4/5

The 'ui' sound followed by the liquid 'll' is a common challenge for English speakers.

Listening 3/5

Can be confused with other words starting with 'be-' if spoken quickly.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

jambe marcher malade aide bras

Learn Next

plâtre rééducation fauteuil roulant ordonnance pharmacien

Advanced

convalescence orthopédique ligament fracture soutien moral

Grammar to Know

Plural of nouns ending in -e

Une béquille -> Des béquilles

Gender of medical objects

La béquille, la canne, l'attelle (all feminine)

Preposition 'avec' for instruments

Il écrit avec un stylo; il marche avec des béquilles.

Agreement of adjectives with feminine nouns

Une béquille métallique; des béquilles neuves.

Use of 'en' for manner/state

Il est en béquilles (He is on crutches).

Examples by Level

J'ai des béquilles.

I have crutches.

Simple present tense with 'avoir'.

Où sont mes béquilles ?

Where are my crutches?

Interrogative sentence with 'où'.

Elle utilise des béquilles pour marcher.

She uses crutches to walk.

Verb 'utiliser' followed by 'pour' + infinitive.

Les béquilles sont dans la voiture.

The crutches are in the car.

Definite article 'les' for plural noun.

Il a une béquille bleue.

He has one blue crutch.

Adjective 'bleue' agrees with feminine noun 'béquille'.

Est-ce que tu as des béquilles ?

Do you have crutches?

Standard question format with 'est-ce que'.

Voici tes béquilles.

Here are your crutches.

Use of 'voici' to present something.

Les béquilles sont nécessaires.

The crutches are necessary.

Adjective 'nécessaires' in the plural.

Je ne peux pas courir avec des béquilles.

I cannot run with crutches.

Negative construction 'ne... pas' with 'pouvoir'.

Il marche lentement avec ses béquilles.

He walks slowly with his crutches.

Adverb 'lentement' modifying the verb 'marche'.

J'ai besoin de béquilles parce que j'ai mal au pied.

I need crutches because my foot hurts.

Phrase 'avoir besoin de' + noun.

Nous avons loué des béquilles à la pharmacie.

We rented crutches at the pharmacy.

Passé composé with 'avoir' and the verb 'louer'.

Ses béquilles sont trop grandes pour lui.

His crutches are too big for him.

Comparative 'trop' + adjective.

Il a posé ses béquilles contre le mur.

He leaned his crutches against the wall.

Preposition 'contre' indicating physical contact.

Elle a appris à monter les escaliers avec des béquilles.

She learned to climb the stairs with crutches.

Verb 'apprendre à' + infinitive.

Portez-vous vos béquilles tous les jours ?

Do you use your crutches every day?

Formal inversion for a question.

Il est difficile de se déplacer en béquilles quand il neige.

It is difficult to move around on crutches when it snows.

Impersonal construction 'il est + adjective + de'.

Le médecin lui a conseillé d'utiliser des béquilles pendant un mois.

The doctor advised him to use crutches for a month.

Indirect speech with 'conseiller de'.

Elle se sentait dépendante de ses béquilles pour sortir de chez elle.

She felt dependent on her crutches to leave her home.

Adjective 'dépendante' followed by 'de'.

Bien qu'il ait des béquilles, il essaie de rester actif.

Although he has crutches, he tries to stay active.

Conjunction 'bien que' followed by the subjunctive.

Les béquilles l'aident à garder son équilibre.

The crutches help him to keep his balance.

Verb 'aider à' + infinitive.

Il a enfin pu lâcher ses béquilles après sa rééducation.

He was finally able to let go of his crutches after his rehab.

Idiomatic use of 'lâcher' for stopping use.

C'est une béquille psychologique dont il a du mal à se passer.

It's a psychological crutch that he has trouble doing without.

Relative pronoun 'dont' replacing 'de cette béquille'.

N'oublie pas d'ajuster la hauteur de tes béquilles.

Don't forget to adjust the height of your crutches.

Imperative form with 'oublier de'.

L'économie du pays ne peut plus compter sur ces béquilles financières.

The country's economy can no longer rely on these financial crutches.

Metaphorical use of 'béquilles'.

Il s'appuyait sur ses béquilles tout en discutant avec passion.

He was leaning on his crutches while discussing with passion.

Use of 'tout en' + present participle for simultaneous actions.

Le film montre comment le protagoniste transforme son handicap en force, malgré ses béquilles.

The film shows how the protagonist transforms his handicap into strength, despite his crutches.

Preposition 'malgré' followed by a noun.

Les béquilles canadiennes sont souvent préférées aux béquilles axillaires pour leur confort.

Forearm crutches are often preferred over axillary crutches for their comfort.

Passive voice 'sont préférées'.

Sans ses béquilles, il lui serait impossible de traverser la rue.

Without his crutches, it would be impossible for him to cross the street.

Conditional mood 'serait' for a hypothetical situation.

Elle a fini par accepter ses béquilles comme une partie temporaire de sa vie.

She eventually accepted her crutches as a temporary part of her life.

Phrase 'finir par' + infinitive.

L'usage prolongé des béquilles peut provoquer des douleurs aux épaules.

Prolonged use of crutches can cause shoulder pain.

Noun 'usage' modified by the adjective 'prolongé'.

Il a dû adapter son appartement pour pouvoir circuler avec ses béquilles.

He had to adapt his apartment to be able to move around with his crutches.

Verb 'devoir' in the passé composé.

L'argumentation de l'auteur manque de rigueur et repose sur des béquilles logiques fragiles.

The author's argument lacks rigor and relies on fragile logical crutches.

Highly metaphorical use in intellectual critique.

Il est impératif que le patient apprenne à manipuler ses béquilles avec dextérité avant sa sortie.

It is imperative that the patient learns to handle his crutches with dexterity before his discharge.

Subjunctive mood after 'il est impératif que'.

La béquille du voilier permet de le maintenir droit lors de la marée basse.

The sailboat's shore allows it to be kept upright during low tide.

Specialized nautical meaning of 'béquille'.

À force de s'en servir comme d'une béquille émotionnelle, il a fini par perdre toute autonomie.

By dint of using it as an emotional crutch, he eventually lost all autonomy.

Phrase 'à force de' followed by infinitive.

L'évolution technique des béquilles a considérablement amélioré la qualité de vie des blessés.

The technical evolution of crutches has considerably improved the quality of life for the injured.

Subject-verb agreement with a collective noun phrase.

Il déambulait dans les couloirs, le bruit de ses béquilles résonnant sur le marbre.

He wandered through the corridors, the sound of his crutches echoing on the marble.

Present participle 'résonnant' used as an adjective.

Le recours aux béquilles est souvent perçu comme une étape frustrante du processus de guérison.

Resorting to crutches is often perceived as a frustrating stage of the healing process.

Passive construction 'est perçu'.

Quelles que soient les béquilles que vous choisirez, assurez-vous qu'elles soient bien réglées.

Whichever crutches you choose, make sure they are properly adjusted.

Use of 'quelles que soient' + subjunctive.

L'œuvre de cet écrivain ne saurait se passer de la béquille de l'ironie pour masquer sa mélancolie.

This writer's work could not do without the crutch of irony to mask its melancholy.

Formal 'ne saurait' + infinitive for impossibility.

Il s'était habitué au rythme saccadé de sa marche, une symphonie de métal et de béquilles.

He had grown used to the jerky rhythm of his walk, a symphony of metal and crutches.

Poetic use of apposition.

La béquille de carénage s'avéra défaillante, mettant en péril la stabilité du navire à sec.

The docking shore proved faulty, jeopardizing the stability of the vessel in dry dock.

Passé simple 's'avéra' for formal narrative.

On ne saurait réduire son génie à ces quelques béquilles stylistiques qu'il affectionne tant.

One cannot reduce his genius to these few stylistic crutches that he is so fond of.

Relative clause with 'que' and 'affectionner'.

Dans son dernier souffle, il lâcha ses béquilles, comme s'il n'en avait plus besoin pour s'envoler.

In his last breath, he let go of his crutches, as if he no longer needed them to take flight.

Subjunctive 'en' replacing 'de béquilles'.

L'État, en tant que béquille sociale, doit pallier les manquements du marché privé.

The State, as a social crutch, must compensate for the failings of the private market.

Formal phrase 'en tant que' (as/in the capacity of).

Il maniait ses béquilles avec une telle grâce qu'elles semblaient être le prolongement de ses propres membres.

He handled his crutches with such grace that they seemed to be an extension of his own limbs.

Consecutive clause with 'une telle... que'.

La béquille de la porte d'entrée grinçait, annonçant chaque visiteur avec une régularité de métronome.

The front door handle creaked, announcing each visitor with the regularity of a metronome.

Metaphorical comparison using 'avec une régularité de'.

Common Collocations

marcher avec des béquilles

paire de béquilles

béquilles réglables

louer des béquilles

béquille psychologique

lâcher ses béquilles

béquille latérale

s'appuyer sur ses béquilles

béquilles en aluminium

prescrire des béquilles

Common Phrases

Être sur les béquilles

— To be very tired or exhausted. It implies being 'on one's last legs'.

Après cette randonnée, je suis vraiment sur les béquilles.

Avoir besoin de béquilles

— To require physical or metaphorical support. Very common in health contexts.

Il a besoin de béquilles pour sortir de l'hôpital.

Se déplacer avec des béquilles

— To move around using crutches. A standard way to describe mobility.

Se déplacer avec des béquilles dans le métro est un défi.

Une béquille pour l'esprit

— Something that helps one think or cope mentally. Often refers to habits.

La lecture est pour lui une béquille pour l'esprit.

Poser ses béquilles

— To put down or lean one's crutches somewhere. Literal action.

Il a posé ses béquilles près de la porte.

Ajuster ses béquilles

— To change the height or settings of the crutches for comfort.

Prends le temps d'ajuster tes béquilles correctement.

Tomber de ses béquilles

— To lose one's support suddenly. Can be used literally or figuratively.

Il a failli tomber de ses béquilles sur le verglas.

Rendre ses béquilles

— To return rented crutches to a pharmacy or hospital. Sign of healing.

Je vais rendre mes béquilles demain car je marche mieux.

Une béquille temporaire

— A support that is not meant to last long. Common in political speech.

Cette aide n'est qu'une béquille temporaire pour le secteur.

Marcher sans béquilles

— To walk independently. The ultimate goal of recovery.

Quel bonheur de pouvoir enfin marcher sans béquilles !

Often Confused With

béquilles vs canne

A 'canne' is a single walking stick, whereas 'béquilles' are usually a pair for more serious injuries.

béquilles vs déambulateur

A 'déambulateur' is a walker with four legs, used for greater stability than crutches.

béquilles vs attelle

An 'attelle' is a splint or brace used to immobilize a joint, not a walking support.

Idioms & Expressions

"Servir de béquille"

— To provide necessary but perhaps insufficient or temporary support to someone.

Il ne veut pas simplement servir de béquille à son ami en détresse.

neutral

"Être la béquille de quelqu'un"

— To be the person someone else relies on entirely. Can imply dependency.

Depuis le décès de leur mère, elle est la béquille de son petit frère.

informal/emotional

"Lâcher la béquille"

— To stop relying on a support and act independently. Often used for growth.

Il est temps pour cette start-up de lâcher la béquille des investisseurs.

professional/metaphorical

"Chercher une béquille"

— To look for an excuse or a minor support to avoid facing a problem directly.

Arrête de chercher une béquille et assume tes responsabilités.

informal

"Béquille intellectuelle"

— A concept or tool used to simplify complex thinking, sometimes lazily.

L'utilisation excessive des calculateurs est une béquille intellectuelle.

academic

"Mettre sur béquille"

— To park a motorcycle or bicycle using its stand.

N'oublie pas de mettre ta moto sur béquille avant d'entrer.

neutral

"Une béquille dorée"

— A very expensive or high-status support that remains a sign of weakness.

Son héritage n'est qu'une béquille dorée qui l'empêche de travailler.

literary

"Se casser une béquille"

— A humorous or accidental way to say one's support failed. (Rare).

Il a tellement forcé qu'il a fini par se casser une béquille.

informal

"Vivre avec des béquilles"

— To live in a state of constant dependency or partial recovery.

Il refuse de vivre avec des béquilles toute sa vie.

neutral

"Jeter ses béquilles"

— To celebrate a sudden recovery or a miraculous healing.

Dans le film, le vieil homme jette ses béquilles et se met à danser.

literary

Easily Confused

béquilles vs Béquille vs. Canne

Both are walking aids.

A 'béquille' supports more weight and is usually used for injuries where you can't walk on a leg. A 'canne' is for balance.

Il a des béquilles pour sa jambe cassée, mais sa grand-mère a une canne.

béquilles vs Béquille vs. Potence

Both can mean a type of support.

A 'potence' is usually an overhead support or a gallows, whereas a 'béquille' is a floor-based support.

Le blessé utilise des béquilles, mais son lit d'hôpital a une potence.

béquilles vs Béquille vs. Support

Shared general meaning.

'Support' is a very broad term for anything that holds weight. 'Béquille' is a specific object.

Les béquilles sont un support pour le corps.

béquilles vs Béquille vs. Étai

Both mean 'prop' or 'shore'.

An 'étai' is used in construction to hold up a ceiling or wall. A 'béquille' is for people or boats.

On utilise des étais pour le mur, mais des béquilles pour le patient.

béquilles vs Béquille vs. Jambe de bois

Both relate to leg support/replacement.

A 'jambe de bois' is a prosthetic leg (archaic). A 'béquille' is an external stick.

Le pirate avait une jambe de bois et utilisait une béquille.

Sentence Patterns

J'ai des [objet].

J'ai des béquilles.

Il marche avec des [objet].

Il marche avec des béquilles.

C'est difficile de [verbe] avec des [objet].

C'est difficile de monter avec des béquilles.

Il utilise [objet] pour [verbe].

Il utilise des béquilles pour se déplacer.

Cette aide sert de [objet] à [nom].

Cette aide sert de béquille à l'économie.

Sans [objet], il lui serait impossible de [verbe].

Sans béquilles, il lui serait impossible de sortir.

À force de considérer [nom] comme une [objet]...

À force de considérer l'alcool comme une béquille...

On ne saurait se passer de la [objet] de [nom].

On ne saurait se passer de la béquille de l'ironie.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

High in medical and sports contexts; moderate in general conversation.

Common Mistakes

Un béquille → Une béquille
'Béquille' is a feminine noun. This is the most common gender error.
Marcher sur des béquilles → Marcher avec des béquilles
In English we say 'on crutches', but in French, the standard preposition is 'avec' (with).
Pronouncing the 'L' sound → Pronouncing the 'Y' sound
The 'illes' in 'béquilles' should sound like 'ee-y', not like 'ill' in English.
Bequilles (no accent) → Béquilles
The accent aigu on the 'e' is necessary for correct spelling and pronunciation.
Using 'béquilles' for a simple walking stick → Using 'canne'
'Béquilles' are for significant injuries; a 'canne' is for minor support or age-related balance.

Tips

Gender Memory

Imagine a girl (feminine) using crutches to help you remember it's 'la béquille'.

Silent U

Always ignore the 'u' after 'q'. It's just there to keep the 'k' sound hard.

Pairing

Use 'une paire de béquilles' when you want to be specific about having two.

Politeness

If you see someone with 'béquilles' in France, it is polite to offer your seat or hold the door.

Double L

Remember the double 'l'—it's what gives it that 'y' sound at the end.

Pharmacy Rental

In France, you don't usually go to a hospital to get crutches; you go to a pharmacy.

Abstract Usage

Use 'béquille' when discussing something that is a temporary fix for a larger problem.

Bike Stand

If you rent a bike in Paris, the stand is called the 'béquille'. Check it's up before riding!

Technical Terms

Learn 'canne anglaise' if you are studying to be a medical professional in a French-speaking country.

Movement Verbs

Combine 'béquilles' with 'se déplacer' for a more formal way of saying 'to move around'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'beak' (bec) that supports you. A 'beak-y' stick helps you walk. 'Béquille' sounds like 'beak-eel'.

Visual Association

Imagine a giant bird's beak acting as a handle for a walking stick. The curve of the beak fits perfectly under your arm.

Word Web

jambe cassée hôpital marcher aide métal bras équilibre rééducation

Challenge

Try to describe your daily routine as if you had to use crutches. Use the word 'béquilles' at least three times in your description.

Word Origin

Derived from the Old French word 'bec', which means 'beak'. This refers to the curved or hooked shape of the handles on early wooden crutches.

Original meaning: A small beak or hook-shaped support.

Romance (French), originating from Celtic/Latin roots for 'beak'.

Cultural Context

Be careful when using 'béquille' metaphorically for a person, as it can imply they are a burden or a sign of another's weakness.

In the US/UK, 'crutches' are often the under-arm (axillary) type, whereas in France, the 'canne anglaise' (forearm crutch) is much more standard.

The character Tiny Tim in 'Un chant de Noël' (A Christmas Carol) is often depicted with a 'béquille'. Frida Kahlo's paintings often feature medical supports, translated as 'béquilles' in French analysis. The movie 'Intouchables' discusses various mobility aids, including the transition from wheelchairs to crutches.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At the Hospital

Où puis-je trouver des béquilles ?
Comment régler ces béquilles ?
Est-ce que je dois porter des béquilles ?
Le médecin a prescrit des béquilles.

At the Pharmacy

Je voudrais louer des béquilles.
Combien coûte la location de béquilles ?
Avez-vous des béquilles pour enfants ?
Je rapporte mes béquilles.

In Sports

Il a quitté le terrain sur des béquilles.
Sa saison est finie, il est en béquilles.
Il s'est blessé et a besoin de béquilles.
Il s'entraîne avec ses béquilles.

Daily Commute

C'est dur de prendre le bus avec des béquilles.
Laissez passer la personne avec des béquilles.
Puis-je m'asseoir ? J'ai des béquilles.
Attention aux escaliers avec vos béquilles.

Metaphorical/Emotional

Il l'utilise comme une béquille.
C'est sa béquille émotionnelle.
L'entreprise survit grâce à cette béquille.
Il faut apprendre à marcher sans béquilles.

Conversation Starters

"Depuis combien de temps est-ce que tu dois utiliser des béquilles ?"

"Est-ce que c'est difficile de monter les escaliers avec des béquilles ?"

"Où as-tu trouvé ces béquilles colorées ? Elles sont super !"

"Tu penses que tu pourras bientôt lâcher tes béquilles ?"

"As-tu déjà essayé de marcher avec des béquilles ? C'est fatigant, non ?"

Journal Prompts

Décrivez une journée imaginaire où vous devez vous déplacer avec des béquilles en ville.

Pensez-vous que nous avons tous des 'béquilles psychologiques' ? Lesquelles ?

Racontez une histoire sur quelqu'un qui aide une personne avec des béquilles.

Quels sont les avantages et les inconvénients des béquilles par rapport au fauteuil roulant ?

Écrivez une lettre à un ami qui vient de se casser la jambe et qui doit porter des béquilles.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is feminine: 'la béquille' or 'une béquille'. This is a common point of confusion for English speakers.

You can say 'être en béquilles' or 'avoir des béquilles'. Both are very common.

They usually refer to the same thing: forearm crutches. 'Cannes anglaises' is the more technical medical term.

Yes, 'la béquille' is the correct term for a bicycle or motorcycle kickstand in French.

No, the 's' is silent, as is typical for plural nouns in French.

It sounds like 'bay-kee'. The 'illes' makes a 'y' sound, and the 'u' is silent.

Yes, metaphorically, to mean someone who supports another, but it can imply the other person is weak or dependent.

You can use 'utiliser', 'marcher avec', or simply 'avoir'.

You can buy or rent them at a 'pharmacie' or a 'magasin de matériel médical'.

The verb 'béquiller' exists, but it is mostly used in technical or nautical contexts, or colloquially.