cœur
/kœʁ/masculine
The English word "core" can be translated into French as cœur or centre.
Meaning: center or inner part (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| cœur | /kœʁ/ /kœʁ/ (Canada) |
masculine |
| centre | /sɑ̃tʁ/ | masculine |
In French, cœur is used metaphorically to describe the core or the heart of an issue, an idea or a business activity. For a professional context, the phrase cœur de métier is the standard way to express "core business" or "core competency".
Which one should you use?
Centre refers to a physical or geometric center. In contrast, cœur is used for the metaphorical "core" or "heart" of a matter or a business.
How does it change in a sentence?
Both centre and cœur are masculine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/kœʁ/
Did you know?
- If you are talking about the 'core' of a fruit like an apple, French speakers often use the word trognon instead of cœur or centre.
- The word centre comes from the Ancient Greek word kéntron, which originally meant a 'sharp point' rather than a middle area.
- French speakers use the word cœur to describe the 'core' of a cabbage, referring to the tightest, most central leaves.
Examples in context
- C'est le cœur du problème.This is the core of the problem.This sentence shows how to use cœur to describe the core of a problem.Tatoeba #911860 by sacredceltic, translation #56311 by CK
- L'entreprise a rapidement aiguillé son activité hors de son cœur de métier dans les dernières années.The company has rapidly branched out from its previous core business in recent years.This sentence demonstrates the professional use of cœur within the phrase cœur de métier.Tatoeba #570258 by sacredceltic, translation #556966 by sacredceltic
- La notion d'algorithme est au cœur de toute l'informatique.The notion of algorithm forms the core of all of the computation theory.This sentence illustrates how cœur can be used to describe the central importance of a concept in a field.Tatoeba #10528498 by carlosalberto, translation #10528489 by carlosalberto
- Les valeurs centrales de notre entrepriseThe core values of our company
- Le concept essentiel de cette théorieThe core concept of this theory
- le noyau d'un problèmeThe core of a problem
- Le fond du problèmeThe core of the issue
- Au centre de son argumentAt the core of his argument
- Les principes fondamentaux de cette philosophieThe core principles of this philosophy
- Au cœur du problèmeAt the heart of the issue
- L'idée essentielle de ce livreThe core concept of this book
Example conversation
Manon and Gabriel are examining a broken piece of fruit in the kitchen.
- GabrielLe cœur de cette pomme est tout noir.The core of this apple is completely black.
- ManonC'est dommage, elle avait l'air bonne.That's a shame, it looked good.
- GabrielOn ne peut pas la manger ainsi.We cannot eat it like this.
- ManonJe vais en chercher une autre.I will go find another one.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “core” translations and entries cœur, centre, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries centre, cœur, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
