lâche
/laʃ/
The French word for coward is lâche. Wiktionary also lists couard and poltron.
Meaning: a person who lacks courage (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| lâche | /laʃ/ /lɑʃ/ |
|
| couard | /kwaʁ/ | masculine |
| poltron | /pɔl.tʁɔ̃/ | masculine |
The word is used to describe a person who lacks courage.
Which one should you use?
While lâche is the most common term for a coward, poltron implies a more pathetic, soft or easily frightened nature.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word lâche can function as both a noun meaning 'a coward' and an adjective meaning 'cowardly'.
How do you pronounce it?
/laʃ/
Did you know?
- The word couard comes from the Old French word for 'tail'. It literally describes someone who tucks their tail between their legs like a frightened animal.
- Calling someone lâche in French is often considered a more severe insult than calling them poltron because it implies a failure of honor.
- The suffix -ard in couard is often used in French to create pejorative nouns that exaggerate a specific trait.
Examples in context
- Je suis un lâche.I'm a coward.This sentence is useful for stating that you are a coward using lâche.Tatoeba #1122782 by sacredceltic, translation #1122735 by Scott
- Ne sois pas lâche !Don't be a coward.This sentence is useful for telling someone not to be a coward using lâche.Tatoeba #7730572 by lbdx, translation #2269315 by CK
- Tu n'es qu'un lâche.You're just a coward.This sentence is useful for telling someone they are nothing but a coward using lâche.Tatoeba #5655162 by Yemana, translation #4296870 by AlanF_US
- Le général a qualifié le soldat de lâche.The general called the soldier a coward.
- Arrête d'être un froussard, ce n'est qu'un petit animal inoffensif !Stop being a coward, it's just a harmless little animal!
- 45 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Manon and Gabriel are discussing a former friend who ran away from a confrontation.
- ManonIl s'est enfui sans rien dire.He ran away without saying anything.
- GabrielC'est un vrai lâche, Manon.He is a real coward, Manon.
- ManonJe suis déçue par son comportement.I am disappointed by his behavior.
- GabrielIl ne mérite pas ton respect.He does not deserve your respect.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “coward” translations and entries lâche, couard, poltron, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries couard, lâche, poltron, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
