Significado
To get goosebumps from fear or cold.
Contexto cultural
In France, this expression is often used in artistic reviews. A 'frisson' or 'poils qui se dressent' is the ultimate proof of a performer's talent. Quebecers might use 'avoir la chair de poule' more frequently in daily life for cold, but 'les poils qui se dressent' is reserved for more intense, often scary, moments. Usage is identical to France, but you might hear it combined with local belgianisms for fear like 'avoir les pépettes'. In Francophone Africa, physical reactions to the supernatural are often described with great detail. This phrase is common when discussing 'les esprits' (spirits).
Use 'en'
When talking about a cause, use 'en' : 'J'en ai les poils qui se dressent' (I have goosebumps *from it*).
Poils vs Cheveux
Never say 'cheveux' for this idiom. It's a very common mistake for English speakers.
Significado
To get goosebumps from fear or cold.
Use 'en'
When talking about a cause, use 'en' : 'J'en ai les poils qui se dressent' (I have goosebumps *from it*).
Poils vs Cheveux
Never say 'cheveux' for this idiom. It's a very common mistake for English speakers.
The 'Faire' structure
To sound more native, use 'Ça me fait dresser les poils' when reacting to something external.
Teste-se
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the idiom.
Il fait très froid dehors, j'ai les ______ qui se ______.
We use 'poils' for body hair and the verb must be plural ('dressent') to agree with 'les poils'.
Which situation best fits the idiom 'avoir les poils qui se dressent'?
Quand est-ce qu'on utilise cette expression ?
The idiom describes a physical reaction to fear or cold.
Fill in the missing line in the dialogue.
A: Tu as entendu ce cri ? B: Oui, ______.
This is the natural idiomatic reaction to a scary sound.
Match the cause to the effect.
Associez la cause à l'effet : 1. Une musique magnifique 2. Un vent glacial 3. Un film d'horreur
The idiom works for all three, but the underlying reason changes.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Recursos visuais
Banco de exercicios
4 exerciciosIl fait très froid dehors, j'ai les ______ qui se ______.
We use 'poils' for body hair and the verb must be plural ('dressent') to agree with 'les poils'.
Quand est-ce qu'on utilise cette expression ?
The idiom describes a physical reaction to fear or cold.
A: Tu as entendu ce cri ? B: Oui, ______.
This is the natural idiomatic reaction to a scary sound.
Associez la cause à l'effet : 1. Une musique magnifique 2. Un vent glacial 3. Un film d'horreur
The idiom works for all three, but the underlying reason changes.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Perguntas frequentes
4 perguntasYes! It's very common to use it for beautiful music or a moving speech.
Usually 'les poils' because French uses definite articles for body parts when the owner is clear ('J'ai les poils...').
Not at all. It's neutral and can be used with friends, family, or even in a casual work setting.
'Chair de poule' focuses on the skin texture. 'Poils qui se dressent' focuses on the hair. They are 90% interchangeable.
Frases relacionadas
avoir la chair de poule
synonymTo have goosebumps
donner le frisson
similarTo give the chills
hérisser le poil
specialized formTo annoy someone
faire froid dans le dos
similarTo send a shiver down one's spine
