roue
/ʁu/feminine
The French word for cartwheel is roue.
The noun roue refers to the gymnastic maneuver. To describe the action of performing this maneuver, you use the verbal phrase faire la roue or faire une roue.
Meaning: gymnastic maneuver (noun)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Because roue is a feminine noun, you must use feminine articles such as la or une when using it. When expressing the action of performing the feat, you can use either faire la roue or faire une roue. The latter is often used to refer to performing a single instance of the maneuver.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʁu/
Did you know?
- In a dark historical context, la roue also refers to the 'breaking wheel', a gruesome method of execution used in France until the 18th century.
- The term roue can also be used as a derogatory slang term to describe a 'rake' or a man of loose morals.
- The French word roue is a direct relative of the English word 'rote', as both stem from the Latin 'rota' meaning 'wheel'.
Examples in context
- Il fit la roue.He did a cartwheel.This sentence is useful for showing how to use the form roue to describe someone performing the maneuver.Tatoeba #829741 by sacredceltic, translation #327946 by CK
- J'allais faire une roue, mais je ne voulais pas voler la vedette.I was gonna do a cartwheel, but I didn't want to steal the limelight.This sentence shows how to use the form roue within a phrase about performing a single maneuver.Tatoeba #8975426 by lbdx, translation #3703103 by Luciosp
- J'ai appris à faire la roue quand j'étais petite.I learned to do cartwheels when I was little.
- Regardez, je peux faire une roue maintenant!Look, now I can do a cartwheel!
- Elle a réussi une très belle roue.She did a very beautiful cartwheel.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma and Hugo are at the park.
- EmmaHugo, regarde ma roue !Hugo, look at my cartwheel!
- HugoC'était vraiment impressionnant, Emma.That was really impressive, Emma.
- EmmaTu veux essayer de faire la roue ?Do you want to try doing a cartwheel?
- HugoNon, je ne sais pas le faire.No, I don't know how to do it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cartwheel” translations and entries roue, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries roue, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
