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A2 verb #8,000 most common 11 min read

coudre

Top 8,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips coudre in 30 Seconds

Explanation coudre in your Level:

At the A1 level, the verb 'coudre' is introduced as a basic action verb related to daily life and hobbies. Students learn that it means 'to sew' and is used in simple contexts like repairing clothes or making simple items. At this stage, the focus is on the present tense singular forms: 'je couds', 'tu couds', 'il/elle coud'. Learners are encouraged to use it with simple nouns like 'un bouton' (a button), 'une chemise' (a shirt), or 'un sac' (a bag). The goal is to be able to express a basic need or activity, such as 'I need to sew a button' (Je dois coudre un bouton). Because the verb is irregular, A1 students often find the silent 'd' at the end of the singular forms confusing, so emphasis is placed on the fact that the 'd' is written but not spoken. Vocabulary associated with 'coudre' at this level includes 'une aiguille' (a needle), 'du fil' (thread), and 'un vêtement' (a garment). Simple sentences and basic questions like 'Est-ce que tu sais coudre ?' (Do you know how to sew?) are common. The cultural context at A1 is usually centered around home life and traditional crafts, often mentioning grandmothers or parents teaching children. It is a practical verb that helps students describe their skills and interests in a basic way.

At the A2 level, learners expand their use of 'coudre' to include the plural forms of the present tense and the passé composé. This is where the challenge of the 's' in 'nous cousons', 'vous cousez', and 'ils cousent' is introduced. Students learn to distinguish between the singular stem 'coud-' and the plural stem 'cous-'. They also learn the past participle 'cousu', allowing them to talk about completed actions: 'J'ai cousu cette robe' (I sewed this dress). The vocabulary becomes more specific, including tools like 'une machine à coudre' (a sewing machine) and actions like 'réparer' (to repair). A2 students should be able to describe a process in simple steps, such as 'First, I choose the fabric, then I sew' (D'abord, je choisis le tissu, puis je couds). They also begin to see the word in the context of shopping and services, such as at a 'retoucherie' (alteration shop). The focus is on practical communication—being able to ask for a repair or describe a creative project. Understanding that 'coudre' is a transitive verb that takes a direct object is reinforced. Exercises at this level often involve conjugating the verb in different persons to solidify the stem change rule.

At the B1 level, 'coudre' is used in more complex sentence structures, including the imperfect tense and the future tense. Learners use 'coudre' to talk about habits in the past: 'Quand j'étais petit, ma mère cousait tous mes habits' (When I was little, my mother used to sew all my clothes). They also learn the future stem 'coudr-', as in 'Je coudrai ma propre robe de mariée' (I will sew my own wedding dress). The B1 level introduces more technical vocabulary related to the craft, such as 'une couture' (a seam), 'un patron' (a pattern), and 'un ourlet' (a hem). Students are expected to handle more nuanced situations, such as explaining why a certain fabric is difficult to sew or discussing the environmental benefits of sewing one's own clothes (fast fashion vs. slow fashion). The figurative use of 'cousu' as an adjective begins to appear, particularly in common expressions like 'motus et bouche cousue' (my lips are sealed). B1 learners should be comfortable using 'coudre' in the conditional mood to express desires or hypothetical situations: 'Si j'avais une machine, je coudrais plus souvent'. The cultural context expands to include the DIY (Do It Yourself) movement in France and the popularity of sewing workshops.

At the B2 level, the use of 'coudre' becomes more sophisticated, incorporating the subjunctive mood and more abstract contexts. Students might encounter sentences like 'Il est important que tu couses cette partie avec précision' (It is important that you sew this part with precision). The verb is also used in professional and industrial contexts, such as discussing the history of the textile industry in France or the techniques used in Haute Couture. B2 learners are expected to understand and use idioms like 'être cousu d'or' (to be rolling in money) or 'cousu de fil blanc' (very obvious). They can also differentiate between 'coudre' and its synonyms like 'piquer', 'faufiler', or 'surjeter' depending on the technical requirement. The passive voice and reflexive forms (ce tissu se coud facilement) are used to describe the properties of materials. At this level, 'coudre' is not just an action; it is a point of departure for discussing fashion, art, economy, and social history. Students might analyze a text about a famous French couturier like Coco Chanel or Christian Dior, where 'coudre' is the foundational verb of their empire. The focus is on fluency, precision, and the ability to use the verb in both formal and informal registers.

At the C1 level, 'coudre' is mastered in all its complexity, including its role in literary and metaphorical language. Learners explore the verb's nuances in classical and modern French literature, where sewing is often used as a metaphor for writing, memory, or the weaving of destiny. They understand the subtle differences between 'coudre' and 'recoudre' in a figurative sense, such as 'recoudre les lambeaux d'une amitié' (to mend the shreds of a friendship). C1 students can discuss the technicalities of 'suturer' in a medical context versus 'coudre' in a general one, and they are familiar with the history of the word, including its Latin roots ('consuere'). They can use the verb in complex argumentative essays about the ethics of the fashion industry or the evolution of gender roles in domestic crafts. The idiom 'en découdre' is used naturally in political or sporting debates to signify a confrontation. At this level, the learner has a deep 'feeling' for the verb, knowing exactly which synonym or related term (like 'bâtir' for temporary sewing) fits the specific context. Their pronunciation is flawless, correctly handling the silent letters and the voiced 's' in plural forms without hesitation.

At the C2 level, the verb 'coudre' is used with the precision and flair of a native speaker who has a deep appreciation for the language's history and its artistic potential. The learner can engage in highly technical discussions about 'la couture' as an art form, utilizing a vast lexicon of related terms like 'point de croix', 'point de tige', or 'canevas'. They can interpret and produce complex metaphors where 'coudre' represents the act of creation or the stitching together of disparate ideas in a philosophical treatise. C2 speakers are aware of regional variations or archaic uses of the verb that might appear in older texts. They can play with the word in puns and wordplay, understanding its phonetic proximity to other words. The cultural mastery is complete; they understand the significance of 'le petit personnel' in the history of French fashion and can discuss the sociological implications of sewing in different eras. Whether writing a formal critique of a fashion show or a poetic piece about a tailor's life, the C2 learner uses 'coudre' and its derivatives with absolute confidence, nuance, and elegance, reflecting a profound integration into the French linguistic and cultural world.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

coudre in 30 Seconds

Coudre is the French verb for 'to sew', used for making or repairing clothes.
It is an irregular verb: singular 'coud-', plural 'cous-', past participle 'cousu'.
Essential for fashion, DIY, and daily chores like sewing a button.
Common idioms include 'cousu de fil blanc' (obvious) and 'bouche cousue' (silent).

The French verb coudre is a fundamental term that translates to 'to sew' in English. At its most basic level, it refers to the act of joining, fastening, or attaching something—usually fabric, leather, or other flexible materials—using a needle and thread. While it is a common household term, its reach extends into the realms of high fashion (Haute Couture), medicine (surgical sutures), and even figurative language to describe how things are connected in a broader sense. In French culture, the act of sewing has transitioned from a mandatory domestic skill in the 19th and early 20th centuries to a highly respected craft and a popular creative hobby today.

Domestic Use: In everyday life, you will hear this word when someone is repairing a hole in a sock, attaching a loose button to a shirt, or shortening a pair of trousers. It is the go-to verb for any manual or machine-based textile assembly.

Ma grand-mère m'a appris à coudre à la main avant de me laisser utiliser sa machine.

Beyond the home, coudre is the backbone of the French fashion industry. France is world-renowned for its 'Haute Couture' (High Sewing), where garments are meticulously sewn by hand by skilled artisans known as 'petites mains'. In this professional context, the verb takes on a level of prestige and precision that goes far beyond simple mending. It implies a mastery of geometry, material science, and aesthetic sensibility. Whether it is a simple stitch or a complex embroidery pattern, the action remains rooted in the verb coudre.

Professional Context: Tailors (tailleurs) and dressmakers (couturiers) use this word to describe their primary professional activity. In a medical setting, a surgeon might 'coudre une plaie' (sew a wound), though the technical term 'suturer' is also common.

Le couturier doit coudre les perles une par une sur la robe de mariée.

Metaphorically, coudre appears in several French idioms. For instance, something that is 'cousu de fil blanc' (sewn with white thread) refers to a plot or a lie that is so obvious it can be seen from a mile away. This imagery comes from the practice of using contrasting white thread for temporary stitches (basting) that are meant to be removed later; if they remain visible, the work is considered unfinished or transparent. Understanding this verb is not just about fabric; it is about understanding the 'fabric' of French conversation and history.

Artistic Expression: Modern artists often use 'coudre' to describe mixed-media works where paper, plastic, or even metal are joined using thread to create texture and depth.

Elle a décidé de coudre des morceaux de souvenirs dans son journal intime.

Using the verb coudre correctly requires an understanding of its irregular conjugation and its relationship with direct objects. Since it is a transitive verb, it usually takes a direct object—the thing being sewn. You can sew a garment (un vêtement), a button (un bouton), or even a dream (un rêve) in a poetic sense. The verb is often followed by prepositional phrases that describe the method or the tool used, such as 'à la main' (by hand) or 'à la machine' (by machine).

Present Tense Nuances: In the singular (je couds, tu couds, il coud), the 'd' is present but silent. However, in the plural (nous cousons, vous cousez, ils cousent), the 'd' disappears and is replaced by an 's' sound, which is vital for correct pronunciation.

Est-ce que tu peux me montrer comment coudre une fermeture éclair ?

When discussing the past, the past participle is cousu. This is used with the auxiliary verb 'avoir' for the passé composé (J'ai cousu). It also functions as an adjective. For example, 'une bouche cousue' (a sewn mouth) means someone is keeping a secret or staying silent. Understanding how to transition from the action (coudre) to the state of being (être cousu) is key for intermediate learners.

The Future and Conditional: The future stem is 'coudr-'. So, 'I will sew' is 'Je coudrai'. This stem is more regular than the present plural, making it easier for English speakers to remember.

Si j'avais plus de temps, je coudrais tous mes propres vêtements.

Another important aspect is the use of coudre with reflexive pronouns, although this is less common. 'Se coudre' might be used if someone is sewing something onto their own clothing while wearing it (though this is dangerous!). More commonly, you will see it in the passive sense: 'Ce tissu se coud facilement' (This fabric sews easily / is easy to sew). This usage helps describe the qualities of different textiles, which is essential for anyone interested in fashion design or DIY projects.

Combining with Adverbs: You can modify the verb with adverbs like 'mal' (badly), 'bien' (well), or 'grossièrement' (roughly). 'Coudre grossièrement' is often used when making a quick, temporary fix.

Elle coud si minutieusement qu'on ne voit aucune couture.

The word coudre is ubiquitous in France, appearing in diverse environments ranging from the high-pressure ateliers of Paris to quiet suburban living rooms. If you visit a 'mercerie' (a haberdashery or sewing shop), you will hear customers asking for advice on how to coudre specific fabrics like silk or denim. The staff might ask, 'Qu'allez-vous coudre avec ce fil ?' (What are you going to sew with this thread?). In these specialized shops, the verb is the center of all conversation.

In the Atelier: In the world of fashion design, 'coudre' is the daily bread. Designers discuss how to sew seams (coutures) to achieve a certain silhouette. You'll hear phrases like 'Il faut coudre cet empiècement avec soin'.

Dans les ateliers de Chanel, les couturières passent des heures à coudre des détails invisibles.

Television and social media have also brought coudre back into the limelight. Shows like 'Cousu Main' (the French version of The Great British Sewing Bee) have popularized sewing among younger generations. On YouTube and Instagram, French 'influenceuses couture' share tutorials where they explain step-by-step how to coudre a dress, a bag, or even sustainable items like reusable makeup remover pads. In these digital spaces, the language is encouraging and technical, focusing on the joy of creating something 'fait main' (handmade).

In the Hospital: While 'suturer' is the medical term, in a casual conversation about an injury, a doctor or nurse might say, 'On va devoir vous coudre quelques points' (We're going to have to give you a few stitches).

Après son accident de vélo, l'infirmier a dû lui coudre le genou.

Finally, you will find the word in literature and history. France's history with the textile industry is deep, from the silk weavers of Lyon to the lace makers of Alençon. Reading historical novels, you might encounter 'coudre' in descriptions of women's daily lives or the industrial revolution's impact on clothing production. It is a word that connects the past's necessity with the present's creativity. Whether it is a grandmother teaching her grandchild or a professional tailor working on a tuxedo, the word coudre remains a vital thread in the French linguistic tapestry.

In the Theater: Costume designers (costumiers) are constantly sewing. You might hear them backstage frantically saying, 'Vite, il faut coudre ce bouton avant que l'acteur n'entre en scène !'

Les bénévoles ont passé la nuit à coudre les costumes du spectacle de fin d'année.

One of the most frequent hurdles for English speakers learning coudre is its irregular conjugation, specifically the transition from the singular to the plural in the present tense. Many students instinctively want to keep the 'd' from the infinitive throughout the conjugation. They might mistakenly say 'nous coudrons' (which is actually the future tense) or 'nous coudons' (which is incorrect) instead of the correct nous cousons. This 's' sound is essential and defines the verb's plural identity.

The Conjugation Trap: Mistake: 'Ils coudent'. Correct: 'Ils cousent'. The root changes from 'coud-' to 'cous-' in all plural forms of the present tense, as well as in the imperfect (je cousais) and the present participle (cousant).

Attention ! On ne dit pas 'nous coudons', mais 'nous cousons'.

Another common error involves the past participle cousu. English speakers often try to apply the regular '-re' verb ending, resulting in 'coudé'. However, 'coudé' actually comes from the word 'coude' (elbow) and means 'bent' or 'angled'. If you say 'J'ai coudé ma chemise', you are saying you 'elbowed' or 'bent' your shirt rather than sewing it. Always remember that 'coudre' becomes 'cousu', just as 'lire' becomes 'lu' or 'boire' becomes 'bu', though with that extra 's' for flavor.

Confusion with 'Découdre': While 'découdre' literally means 'to unsew' or 'to rip out stitches', it is often used figuratively as 'en découdre' (to fight). Learners often use 'découdre' when they just mean 'to take apart', but 'en découdre' is much more aggressive.

Il a dû découdre la doublure car elle était de travers.

Pronunciation also poses a challenge. The final 'd' in 'je couds' and 'il coud' is silent, but learners often try to pronounce it, making it sound like 'coude' (elbow). In 'ils cousent', the final 'ent' is silent, but the 's' is voiced like a 'z'. Getting these subtle phonetic differences right is what separates a beginner from an intermediate speaker. Lastly, don't confuse 'coudre' with 'couver' (to brood or hatch an egg). Sewing a button is much more productive than hatching one!

Vocabulary Overlap: Learners often use 'coudre' for everything textile-related. However, if you are using wool and needles to make a sweater, the verb is 'tricoter' (to knit), not 'coudre'. Using the wrong verb here is a dead giveaway of a non-native speaker.

Je ne sais pas tricoter, mais je sais coudre à la machine.

While coudre is the general term for sewing, French offers a rich palette of more specific verbs that can add precision to your speech. Depending on the technique, the tool, or the purpose of the sewing, you might choose a different word. Understanding these nuances will help you navigate a 'mercerie' or an art class with much more confidence.

Coudre vs. Tricoter: 'Coudre' uses a needle and thread to join pieces of fabric. 'Tricoter' uses knitting needles and wool to create the fabric itself from a single strand. They are fundamentally different crafts.

Elle coud la doublure pendant qu'il tricote une écharpe.

If you are doing decorative sewing, you might use broder (to embroider). This involves adding decorative designs to fabric using a needle and thread. While all embroidery is sewing, not all sewing is embroidery. Another useful alternative is raccommoder or repriser. These specifically mean 'to mend' or 'to darn'. 'Repriser' is almost exclusively used for fixing holes in knitwear like socks, whereas 'raccommoder' is a more general term for repairing any torn garment.

Coudre vs. Assembler: 'Assembler' is a broader term meaning 'to put together'. You can assemble a piece of furniture or a garment. 'Coudre' is the specific method of assembly used for clothes.

Il faut d'abord épingler les pièces avant de les coudre.

For temporary sewing, the verb faufiler (to baste) is essential. This refers to making long, loose stitches to hold fabric in place before the final, permanent sewing. This is exactly what the 'fil blanc' in 'cousu de fil blanc' refers to. Additionally, surjeter (to serge or overlock) is used for finishing the edges of fabric to prevent fraying. Each of these verbs provides a specific technical layer to the general action of coudre, allowing for much more descriptive and professional communication.

Suturer: As mentioned before, this is the medical equivalent. While 'coudre' is used in casual medical talk, 'suturer' is what you will see on a medical report or in a formal hospital setting.

Le chirurgien a fini de suturer l'incision avec précision.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"Le chirurgien procède à l'action de coudre les tissus cutanés."

Neutral

"Je dois coudre ce bouton sur ma chemise."

Informal

"Tu me couds ça vite fait ?"

Child friendly

"Regarde, l'aiguille danse pour coudre ton doudou !"

Slang

"Il est grave cousu d'oseille, lui."

Fun Fact

The word 'couture' (sewing) gave us the English word 'couture' used in the fashion world. The French verb has remained very close to its Latin roots for over a thousand years.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /kudʁ/

US /kudɹ/

The stress is on the single syllable 'coud'.

Rhymes With

poudre moudre résoudre absoudre foudre dessouder (partial) découdre recoudre

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'd' at the end of 'je couds' (it should be silent).
Pronouncing the plural 'cousons' with a hard 's' instead of a 'z' sound.
Confusing the pronunciation with 'coude' (elbow).
Pronouncing the 'ent' in 'ils cousent' (it should be silent).
Mixing it up with 'moudre' (to grind).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The word is short and easy to recognize, though its irregular forms might confuse beginners.

Writing 4/5

The irregular conjugation (d vs s) and the past participle (cousu) require memorization.

Speaking 3/5

The silent 'd' and the 'z' sound in plural forms need practice for correct pronunciation.

Listening 3/5

Can be confused with 'coude' or 'moudre' if not heard clearly.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

fil aiguille vêtement faire main

Learn Next

tricoter broder tissu mesure bouton

Advanced

suturer faufiler surjeter ourlet patronage

Grammar to Know

Irregular -re verbs with stem change

Coudre follows a unique pattern: couds/couds/coud/cousons/cousez/cousent.

Past Participle in -u

Like 'lire' -> 'lu', 'coudre' becomes 'cousu' (with an added 's').

Transitive verbs and direct objects

Je couds (quoi ?) une chemise. 'Une chemise' is the COD.

Subjunctive stem

The subjunctive uses the plural present stem: 'que je cous-e'.

Future stem

The future uses the infinitive minus 'e': 'je coudr-ai'.

Examples by Level

Je couds un bouton.

I am sewing a button.

Present tense, 1st person singular. The 'd' is silent.

Tu couds très bien.

You sew very well.

Present tense, 2nd person singular. Ends in 's'.

Elle coud une robe.

She is sewing a dress.

Present tense, 3rd person singular. Ends in 'd'.

Il ne sait pas coudre.

He doesn't know how to sew.

Infinitive form used after the verb 'savoir'.

Couds ce trou, s'il te plaît.

Sew this hole, please.

Imperative mood, 2nd person singular.

C'est facile de coudre ?

Is it easy to sew?

Infinitive used after 'c'est + adjective + de'.

Maman coud le soir.

Mom sews in the evening.

Present tense, 3rd person singular.

Je veux apprendre à coudre.

I want to learn how to sew.

Infinitive used after 'apprendre à'.

Nous cousons nos vêtements.

We sew our clothes.

Present tense, 1st person plural. Note the 's' stem.

Vous cousez à la machine ?

Do you sew with a machine?

Present tense, 2nd person plural. Stem is 'cous-'.

Ils cousent des sacs en tissu.

They are sewing fabric bags.

Present tense, 3rd person plural. Ends in '-ent'.

J'ai cousu un nouveau rideau.

I sewed a new curtain.

Passé composé with 'avoir'. Past participle is 'cousu'.

Elle a cousu son nom sur le sac.

She sewed her name on the bag.

Passé composé. 'Son nom' is the direct object.

Est-ce que vous avez cousu les rideaux ?

Did you sew the curtains?

Passé composé, 2nd person plural question.

On cousait souvent ensemble.

We used to sew together often.

Imperfect tense. Stem is 'cous-'.

Il faut coudre les bords.

The edges must be sewn.

Infinitive after the impersonal 'il faut'.

Pendant qu'elle cousait, elle écoutait la radio.

While she was sewing, she was listening to the radio.

Imperfect tense used for a continuous action in the past.

Je coudrai ma robe pour la fête.

I will sew my dress for the party.

Future tense. Stem is 'coudr-'.

Si tu m'aides, nous coudrons plus vite.

If you help me, we will sew faster.

Future tense in a 'si' clause structure.

Elle m'a demandé de lui coudre un tablier.

She asked me to sew her an apron.

Infinitive with 'de' after the verb 'demander'.

En cousant, j'ai réalisé que le tissu était trop fin.

While sewing, I realized the fabric was too thin.

Gérondif (en + present participle 'cousant').

Il est possible de coudre du cuir avec cette aiguille.

It is possible to sew leather with this needle.

Infinitive phrase describing a possibility.

J'aimerais coudre mes propres coussins.

I would like to sew my own cushions.

Conditional mood expressing a desire.

Ma mère m'apprenait à coudre quand j'étais enfant.

My mother was teaching me to sew when I was a child.

Imperfect tense for a repeated past action.

Ce tissu se coud très facilement à la machine.

This fabric is very easy to sew by machine.

Reflexive form 'se coudre' used in a passive sense.

Bien qu'elle sache coudre, elle préfère acheter ses habits.

Although she knows how to sew, she prefers to buy her clothes.

Subjunctive mood after 'bien que'.

Il faut que vous cousiez cette couture avec un fil invisible.

You must sew this seam with invisible thread.

Subjunctive mood, 2nd person plural.

C'est une histoire cousue de fil blanc.

It's a very predictable/obvious story.

Idiomatic expression using the past participle 'cousue'.

Le couturier a dû recoudre toute la doublure de la veste.

The tailor had to resew the entire lining of the jacket.

Verb 'recoudre' meaning to sew again or repair.

Elle a passé la nuit à coudre des perles sur la traîne.

She spent the night sewing pearls onto the train.

Preposition 'à' followed by the infinitive.

Ils ne voulaient pas que je couse moi-même mon costume.

They didn't want me to sew my costume myself.

Subjunctive mood after 'vouloir que'.

En dépit de sa fatigue, elle continuait de coudre.

Despite her fatigue, she kept on sewing.

Infinitive after 'continuer de'.

L'auteur s'efforce de coudre les différents fils de l'intrigue.

The author strives to stitch together the different threads of the plot.

Metaphorical use of 'coudre' in a literary context.

Elle est cousue d'or depuis son dernier succès en bourse.

She has been rolling in money since her last success on the stock market.

Idiomatic expression 'être cousu d'or'.

Il nous faut en découdre pour résoudre ce conflit une fois pour toutes.

We need to have it out to resolve this conflict once and for all.

Idiom 'en découdre' meaning to fight or settle a dispute.

Le chirurgien a dû coudre la plaie avec une extrême minutie.

The surgeon had to sew the wound with extreme meticulousness.

Professional medical context.

On dirait que cette robe a été cousue sur elle.

It looks like this dress was sewn onto her (fits perfectly).

Passive construction used to describe a perfect fit.

Elle restait là, motus et bouche cousue.

She stayed there, her lips sealed.

Idiom 'bouche cousue' for keeping a secret.

Le temps semble coudre les jours les uns aux autres sans relief.

Time seems to sew the days to each other without any distinction.

Poetic, abstract use of the verb.

Il est impératif que nous cousions ces alliances stratégiques.

It is imperative that we stitch together these strategic alliances.

Subjunctive mood used metaphorically in a formal context.

L'art de coudre n'est pas seulement technique, il est ontologique.

The art of sewing is not just technical; it is ontological.

Abstract philosophical usage.

Elle parvenait à coudre le silence au milieu du vacarme urbain.

She managed to stitch silence into the middle of the urban din.

Highly literary, poetic metaphor.

L'intrigue était si mal cousue que le dénouement en devenait risible.

The plot was so poorly stitched together that the ending became laughable.

Critical/literary use describing narrative structure.

Il s'agit de coudre les lambeaux d'une mémoire collective érodée.

It's about stitching together the shreds of an eroded collective memory.

Metaphorical use in a sociological/historical context.

Que vous cousiez à la main ou à la machine importe peu, c'est l'intention qui compte.

Whether you sew by hand or by machine matters little; it's the intention that counts.

Subjunctive mood in a concessive clause.

Le destin coud parfois des rencontres improbables au coin d'une rue.

Destiny sometimes stitches improbable encounters at a street corner.

Personification of 'destiny' as the subject.

Sa vie était un patchwork qu'elle s'efforçait de coudre tant bien que mal.

Her life was a patchwork she tried to stitch together as best she could.

Complex metaphorical comparison.

Nul ne saurait coudre le vent, pourtant certains s'y essaient par la poésie.

No one can sew the wind, yet some try to do so through poetry.

Archaic/literary 'ne saurait' + infinitive.

Common Collocations

coudre à la main

machine à coudre

coudre un bouton

coudre une plaie

fil à coudre

aiguille à coudre

boîte à coudre

coudre ensemble

savoir coudre

apprendre à coudre

Common Phrases

C'est cousu main

— Literally 'it is hand-sewn', but used to mean something is high quality or tailor-made.

Ce projet n'est pas industriel, c'est du cousu main.

Coudre d'un point

— To secure something with a single stitch.

J'ai juste dû coudre l'étiquette d'un point.

Coudre à grands points

— To sew with large, quick, often temporary stitches.

Elle a cousu l'ourlet à grands points pour aller vite.

Coudre à points serrés

— To sew with tight, small, strong stitches.

Il faut coudre à points serrés pour que ce soit solide.

Se faire coudre

— To have someone sew something for you (or medical stitches).

Il a dû se faire coudre le bras après sa chute.

Coudre sur mesure

— To sew something to specific measurements (custom-made).

Elle coud toutes ses robes sur mesure.

Prêt-à-coudre

— A kit with everything ready to be sewn together.

J'ai acheté un sac en prêt-à-coudre.

Coudre à l'envers

— To sew something inside out or the wrong way.

Zut ! J'ai cousu la manche à l'envers.

Coudre droit

— To sew in a straight line.

Il est difficile de coudre droit sans guide.

Coudre en zigzag

— To sew using a zigzag stitch (common on machines).

Utilise le point zigzag pour coudre ce tissu élastique.

Often Confused With

coudre vs couper

Opposite action: to cut vs to join.

coudre vs couver

To hatch/brood vs to sew.

coudre vs couler

To flow/sink vs to sew.

Idioms & Expressions

"Cousu de fil blanc"

— Something that is very obvious or a lie that is easy to see through.

Son excuse était cousue de fil blanc.

Common

"Être cousu d'or"

— To be extremely wealthy or 'rolling in it'.

Depuis qu'il a vendu sa boîte, il est cousu d'or.

Colloquial

"Motus et bouche cousue"

— My lips are sealed; I won't say a word.

C'est un secret, alors motus et bouche cousue !

Common

"En découdre"

— To fight, to battle, or to have a showdown with someone.

Les deux adversaires ont hâte d'en découdre sur le terrain.

Journalistic/Sports

"Coudre la bouche à quelqu'un"

— To force someone to be silent (often used figuratively).

On ne peut pas lui coudre la bouche, il dira tout.

Metaphorical

"Cousu sur le corps"

— Describing a garment that fits perfectly, as if it were part of the person.

Ce costume semble cousu sur lui.

Descriptive

"Découdre le vrai du faux"

— To separate truth from falsehood (less common than 'démêler').

Il faut découdre le vrai du faux dans cette affaire.

Literary

"Avoir la bouche cousue"

— To be unable or unwilling to speak.

Face au juge, il a gardé la bouche cousue.

Common

"Coudre des boutons sur une veste de bois"

— To do something completely useless (rare/regional).

Essayer de le convaincre, c'est comme coudre des boutons sur une veste de bois.

Regional

"Rire comme une baleine décousue"

— To laugh uncontrollably (variation of 'rire comme une baleine').

Elle riait comme une baleine décousue en entendant la blague.

Informal

Easily Confused

coudre vs coude

Sounds like 'coud'.

'Coude' is a noun meaning 'elbow'. 'Coud' is the verb 'coudre'.

Il a un trou au coude, je dois le coudre.

coudre vs moudre

Rhymes and conjugates similarly.

'Moudre' means to grind (coffee/grain). 'Coudre' means to sew.

Je mouds le café pendant qu'elle coud.

coudre vs tricoter

Both involve needles and thread/wool.

Tricoter is knitting (making fabric); coudre is sewing (joining fabric).

On coud du tissu, mais on tricote de la laine.

coudre vs broder

Both are decorative work with needles.

Broder is specifically for surface decoration; coudre is for assembly.

Elle coud la chemise et brode ses initiales.

coudre vs découdre

Related but opposite.

Découdre is to unpick or rip out stitches.

J'ai dû découdre l'ourlet car il était raté.

Sentence Patterns

Sujet + coudre + COD

Je couds un bouton.

Sujet + avoir + cousu + COD

J'ai cousu une jupe.

Sujet + coudre + à la + outil

Elle coud à la machine.

Sujet + imperfect + pendant que...

Il cousait pendant que je lisais.

Il faut que + sujet + cousiez

Il faut que vous cousiez plus droit.

Ce + nom + se coud + adverbe

Ce lin se coud difficilement.

C'est + nom + cousu de + nom

C'est une excuse cousue de fil blanc.

Nul ne saurait + coudre + nom abstrait

Nul ne saurait coudre le passé au présent.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Common in household, fashion, and medical contexts.

Common Mistakes

Nous coudons → Nous cousons
Many learners try to keep the 'd' from the singular, but the plural stem must use 's'.
J'ai coudé → J'ai cousu
The past participle is 'cousu'. 'Coudé' means 'angled' or 'bent' (from 'coude').
Ils coudent → Ils cousent
The 3rd person plural also requires the 's' stem and a silent '-ent' ending.
Coudre une écharpe en laine → Tricoter une écharpe en laine
You knit wool (tricoter), you don't sew it (unless joining pieces).
Pronouncing the 'd' in 'il coud' → Pronouncing it like 'koo'
The final 'd' is silent in the singular forms of the present tense.

Tips

Stem Change Alert

Remember the 's' in plural forms. Think of 'stitching' to remember the 's' sound in 'nous cousons'.

Silent 'd'

Don't pronounce the 'd' in 'je couds'. It's just there for the spelling. It sounds like 'koo'.

Tool Names

Learn 'aiguille' (needle) and 'fil' (thread) along with 'coudre' for a complete set.

Bouche Cousue

Use 'bouche cousue' when you want to tell someone to keep a secret. It's very common!

Haute Couture

Understand that 'couture' is a point of national pride in France. Respect the craft!

Mnemonic

Associate 'coudre' with 'cousin' to remember the 's' in the plural forms.

Machine vs Hand

Always specify 'à la main' or 'à la machine' to be more precise.

Past Participle

Memorize 'cousu'. It's irregular but follows the pattern of other -re verbs like 'lu' or 'vu'.

Medical Use

If you are at the doctor, they might use 'points de suture' along with the verb 'coudre'.

Recoudre

Use 'recoudre' for repairs. It makes you sound much more like a native speaker.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'COUD' (could) you sew this for me? And remember that when there are many people sewing, they are 'COUSins' (cousons).

Visual Association

Imagine a needle (which looks like a capital 'I') piercing a piece of fabric to form the letter 'S' in 'cousons'.

Word Web

aiguille fil tissu bouton machine vêtement mode réparer

Challenge

Try to name five things in your room that were made by someone who had to coudre them. Use the sentence: 'On a dû coudre...' for each one.

Word Origin

From the Latin verb 'consuere', which is a compound of 'con-' (together) and 'suere' (to sew). This Latin root is also the ancestor of the English word 'suture'.

Original meaning: To join together with thread.

Romance (Latin-derived)

Cultural Context

No major sensitivities, but be aware that 'coudre' in a medical context can be distressing for some.

In English-speaking countries, sewing is often seen as a hobby, whereas in France, it carries a stronger connotation of professional craftsmanship and high-end industry.

Coco Chanel (famous for her revolutionary sewing style) The TV show 'Cousu Main' The novel 'La Cousine Bette' by Balzac (mentions sewing)

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At Home

Où est ma boîte à coudre ?
Je dois coudre un bouton.
Peux-tu me coudre ce trou ?
Je couds mes propres rideaux.

Fashion Workshop

Il faut coudre la doublure.
Cousez avec un fil invisible.
Cette machine à coudre est rapide.
On va coudre les perles à la main.

Medical

On va vous coudre la plaie.
Il a fallu coudre dix points.
Est-ce que ça fait mal de coudre ?
L'infirmier va recoudre le bandage.

Shopping

Pouvez-vous coudre cet ourlet ?
Je cherche du fil à coudre.
Est-ce que c'est cousu main ?
Je voudrais apprendre à coudre.

Poetic/Metaphorical

C'est cousu de fil blanc.
Motus et bouche cousue.
Il est cousu d'or.
Coudre ses rêves.

Conversation Starters

"Est-ce que tu sais coudre ou est-ce que tu préfères acheter tes vêtements ?"

"Quelle est la chose la plus difficile que tu as jamais essayé de coudre ?"

"Est-ce que ta grand-mère t'a appris à coudre quand tu étais petit ?"

"Si tu avais une machine à coudre, que créerais-tu en premier ?"

"Penses-tu que coudre ses propres habits est important pour l'environnement ?"

Journal Prompts

Décrivez un vêtement que vous aimeriez coudre vous-même. Quel tissu choisiriez-vous ?

Racontez un souvenir lié à une personne qui savait très bien coudre.

Pourquoi pensez-vous que le 'fait main' et la couture redeviennent populaires aujourd'hui ?

Imaginez que vous êtes un couturier célèbre à Paris. Décrivez votre journée à coudre des robes.

Expliquez le sens de l'expression 'cousu de fil blanc' avec un exemple de votre vie.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, 'coudre' is an irregular verb from the third group. Its stem changes from 'coud-' in the singular (je couds) to 'cous-' in the plural (nous cousons). This makes it unique and important to memorize separately from regular -re verbs.

The past participle is 'cousu'. For example, 'J'ai cousu cette robe'. It is used with the auxiliary 'avoir' and follows the standard rules for agreement if the direct object comes before the verb.

A sewing machine is called 'une machine à coudre'. It is a very common term in French households and fashion ateliers.

It is an idiom meaning something is very obvious or a lie is easily detected. It literally means 'sewn with white thread', referring to temporary stitches that are meant to be seen and removed.

'Coudre' is the general term for sewing. 'Piquer' is a more technical term often used for machine sewing or making specific, pricking stitches. In a workshop, you might hear 'piquer à la machine'.

The future tense is relatively regular: je coudrai, tu coudras, il coudra, nous coudrons, vous coudrez, ils coudront. The stem is 'coudr-'.

Yes, in casual conversation, doctors or patients might say 'coudre une plaie' (sew a wound). However, the formal medical term is 'suturer'.

No, the 'd' is silent. 'Je couds' is pronounced like 'zhuh koo'. The 'd' only appears in writing in the singular forms.

The direct opposite is 'découdre', which means to unsew or rip out stitches. Another conceptual opposite is 'couper' (to cut).

You say 'coudre un bouton'. It is one of the most common collocations for this verb.