pleurs
In French, the English noun 'crying' is translated as pleurs.
The noun pleurs refers to the act of crying. While it describes the action, it is also frequently used in poetic or literary contexts to refer to the tears themselves. If you want to describe the action of crying using a verb, the most general and widely used term is pleurer. Other ways to express different nuances include pleurer à chaudes larmes to indicate intense weeping or sobbing, and laisser couler les larmes which suggests allowing oneself to cry freely and naturally.
Meaning: action of the verb cry (noun)
Which one should you use?
There is a distinction between the action and the noun: use the verb pleurer to describe the act of crying, and use the noun pleurs to name the act or the tears. Additionally, while pleurs is the standard noun, you may encounter the formal phrase verser des larmes to mean 'to shed tears'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun pleurs is almost always used in its plural form.
Did you know?
- The expression pleurer comme une Madeleine is used to describe someone crying uncontrollably, referencing the biblical figure Mary Magdalene.
- The French verb pleurer is used to describe both people and inanimate objects, such as a willow tree called saule pleureur.
- French distinguishes between pleurer (to cry) and sangloter (to sob). While both involve tears, sangloter specifically describes the convulsive gasping and rhythmic breathing associated with heavy crying.
Examples in context
- Elle éclata en pleurs.She burst out crying.This sentence is useful for describing someone bursting into crying using pleurs.Tatoeba #2347737 by sacredceltic, translation #2346074 by Hybrid
- Il mit fin à ses pleurs.He stopped crying.This sentence is useful for describing someone stopping their crying using pleurs.Tatoeba #3529531 by sacredceltic, translation #3494866 by _undertoad
- Vos pleurs ne résoudront rien.Your crying won't solve anything.This sentence is useful for stating that crying will not solve anything using pleurs.Tatoeba #11621428 by Aiji, translation #3560679 by DostKaplan
- Elle a pleuré toute la nuitShe cried all night
- Le garçon a perdu son chien et pleure à chaudes larmesThe boy lost his dog and is crying hot tears
- Le film était si émouvant qu'elle a laissé couler les larmesThe movie was so touching that she let the tears flow
- Arrête de chialer, ce n'est pas si graveStop crying, it's not that serious
- Il a perdu sa chance et broie du noir depuis, en larmesHe lost his opportunity and has been brooding ever since, in tears
- Après sa victoire, il a versé une larme d'émotionAfter his victory, he shed a tear of emotion
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Manon are talking about a sad movie.
- LucasSes pleurs étaient très émouvants.Her crying was very moving.
- ManonOui, le film était triste.Yes, the movie was sad.
- LucasManon, tu as aussi pleuré ?Manon, did you cry too?
- ManonUn peu, oui.A little, yes.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
