épaules larges
The English phrase "broad shoulders" is épaules larges in French.
You may also encounter the informal phrase Des épaules de déménageur, which translates to "mover's shoulders."
Meaning: literally (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
In the phrase épaules larges, épaules means "shoulders" and larges means "broad" or "wide".
How does it change in a sentence?
When using the partitive or indefinite plural article before an adjective in French, 'des' often becomes 'de' (e.g., 'de larges épaules').
Did you know?
- In French, the word épaule is used in the expression mettre l'épaule à la roue, which means to put one's shoulder to the wheel. It describes working hard or contributing effort to a collective task.
- In certain French contexts, referring to someone's carrure can be a way to comment on their social or professional stature, not just their physical width.
- If you are describing a person's frame as being very sturdy, you might use the word carrure, which refers to the breadth of the shoulders and the overall build. One might say il a une belle carrure.
Examples in context
- Il a des épaules largesHe has broad shoulders
- Sa carrure est imposante avec des épaules carréesHe has an imposing build with square shoulders
- Il a des épaules de déménageur, il peut soulever n'importe quoi!He has mover's shoulders, he can lift anything!
- Il a de larges épaules qui lui donnent une allure imposanteHe has broad shoulders that give him an imposing look
- Il a les épaules larges.He has broad shoulders.
- Cette veste souligne ses épaules larges.This jacket emphasizes his broad shoulders.
- Il est impressionnant avec ses épaules larges.He is impressive with his broad shoulders.
Example conversation
Manon and Hugo are looking at a photo of Hugo's brother.
- ManonTon frère est très grand.Your brother is very tall.
- HugoOui, et il a les épaules larges.Yes, and he has broad shoulders.
- ManonIl a une carrure athlétique.He has an athletic build.
- HugoC'est vrai, il fait beaucoup de sport.That's true, he does a lot of sports.
