courage
/ku.ʁaʒ/masculine
The English word "courage" is translated into French as courage.
courage is a masculine noun used to describe the ability to do things that are frightening.
Meaning: ability to do frightening things (noun)
Which one should you use?
While courage is the standard term, the word bravoure can be used to denote courage while adding a touch of chivalry.
How does it change in a sentence?
To describe someone as courageous, you use the adjective courageux for masculine subjects and courageuse for feminine subjects. The noun courage itself is masculine.
How do you pronounce it?
/ku.ʁaʒ/
Did you know?
- The expression prendre son courage à deux mains literally means 'to take one's courage in two hands', meaning to summon a great deal of resolve.
- In French, you can say bon courage to someone starting a difficult but necessary task, like a long day at work. It is a common way to say 'good luck' or 'hang in there'.
- The French word coeur, meaning 'heart', shares the same Latin root as courage and is frequently used in French idioms to describe bravery and emotion.
Examples in context
- Il manque de courage.He is lacking in courage.This sentence shows how to express that someone lacks courage using courage.Tatoeba #10676343 by AutoBot, translation #284928 by CH
- Il admire votre courage.He admires your courage.This sentence demonstrates how to express admiration for someone's courage using courage.Tatoeba #4595506 by Amastan, translation #12878271 by rul
- Son courage m'a surprise.I was amazed at his courage.This sentence illustrates how a person's courage can cause surprise using courage.Tatoeba #3880300 by Scorpionvenin14, translation #287712 by CK
- 110 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hugo and Manon are talking about a mountain climbing trip.
- HugoTu as beaucoup de courage pour grimper ici.You have a lot of courage to climb here.
- ManonMerci, mais j'ai un peu peur quand même.Thanks, but I'm still a little afraid.
- HugoTon courage est impressionnant, Manon.Your courage is impressive, Manon.
- ManonC'est gentil, Hugo, mais je reste prudente.That is kind, Hugo, but I am staying cautious.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “courage” translations and entries courage, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
