cul
/ky/
The English word "arse" is translated into French as cul.
cul is a vulgar term for the buttocks. It is also used in idiomatic expressions, such as se casser le cul, which means to work one's arse off or to exert an extreme amount of effort.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
cul is a vulgar and highly informal term, similar to the English words "arse" or "ass". For more polite or less vulgar options, you can use le postérieur, which is a slightly more formal alternative or le derrière, which is a polite term for "the behind". If you want to be cute or playful, you can use le popotin.
How does it change in a sentence?
cul is a masculine noun. When used with a definite article, it is le cul.
How do you pronounce it?
/ky/
Did you know?
- The phrase un cul de poule is actually a common term for a 'cake tin' or 'bundt pan', despite the literal translation sounding much more anatomical.
- The term cul-de-sac is used in both English and French, but in French, it is a standard, non-vulgar way to describe a dead-end street.
- The expression avoir le cul bordé de plaies is used to describe someone who is incredibly lucky, though it literally refers to having a backside covered in sores.
Examples in context
- Bouge ton cul !Move your arse!This sentence uses cul to command someone to move.Tatoeba #10630601 by AutoBot, translation #10630600 by AutoBot
- Chacun a un cul.Everyone has an arse.This sentence uses cul to state a general fact about everyone.Tatoeba #12442977 by Rovo, translation #12397948 by the_usual
- Bouge-toi le cul !Get your arse into gear!This sentence uses cul in an idiom meaning to get moving or get into gear.Tatoeba #2216248 by sacredceltic, translation #839999 by AutoBot
- Quelques kilos en plus sur le popotin, hein?A few extra kilos on the arse, huh?
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Léa and Hugo are watching a comedy show on TV.
- LéaRegarde ce type, il a un cul énorme !Look at that guy, he has a huge arse!
- HugoC'est vrai, c'est ridicule.It's true, it's ridiculous.
- LéaIl va se casser le cul en tombant.He's going to break his arse falling.
- HugoNe dis pas de bêtises, Léa.Don't say such nonsense, Léa.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry cul, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
