bras
/bʁa/
The English word "arms" is translated into French as bras.
The most common and straightforward term for "arms" in French is bras. You can also use the phrase dans les bras de [quelqu'un] to describe being held or embraced by someone.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word bras is the same in both singular and plural forms.
How do you pronounce it?
/bʁa/
Did you know?
- A bras cassé (broken arm) is a French slang term for someone who is clumsy, incompetent or useless at their job.
- In French, the phrase prendre quelqu'un à bras-le-corps means to tackle a problem or a person with great energy and determination.
- In French, the phrase croiser les bras means to fold one's arms, but it is often used idiomatically to describe refusing to work or staying passive during a crisis.
Examples in context
- Il croisa les bras.He crossed his arms.Tatoeba #4702202 by sacredceltic, translation #2565532 by Hybrid
- Lâche-moi les bras !Let go of my arms.Tatoeba #4550771 by sacredceltic, translation #2852139 by CK
- Viens dans mes bras.Come into my arms.Tatoeba #6096465 by Blabla, translation #6098886 by carlosalberto
- Elle a de beaux bras musclés.She has beautiful muscular arms.
- Il a étudié l'anatomie des membres supérieurs.He studied the anatomy of the upper limbs.
- Ses biscotos sont impressionnants !His/her arms are impressive!
- 133 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Manon are at the gym.
- LucasTu as mal aux bras, Manon ?Do your arms hurt, Manon?
- ManonOui, j'ai les bras très fatigués.Yes, my arms are very tired.
- LucasC'est normal après cet entraînement.It is normal after this workout.
- ManonLucas, tu as raison, je dois me reposer.Lucas, you are right, I need to rest.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry bras, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
