étreindre
/e.tʁɛ̃dʁ/
To embrace in French is étreindre. Wiktionary also lists embrasser.
Meaning: to clasp (someone or each other) in the arms with affection (verb)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA |
|---|---|
| étreindre | /e.tʁɛ̃dʁ/ |
| embrasser | /ɑ̃.bʁa.se/ |
The phrase refers to the act of clasping someone or each other in one's arms with affection.
Which one should you use?
While étreindre is a more literal and literary term that often implies a stronger, more physical squeezing or clutching, embrasser is a dated way to express an embrace. In modern everyday French, however, embrasser most commonly means 'to kiss'.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The present participle of étreindre is étreignant.
How do you pronounce it?
/e.tʁɛ̃dʁ/ (2 syllables)
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use embrasser when they mean to embrace (a hug), but in a modern context, this frequently results in the meaning 'to kiss'. To avoid this, consider using étreindre for a formal embrace or serrer dans ses bras to say 'hold in one's arms'.
Did you know?
- The verb étreindre shares a common ancestor with the English word 'strict', as both stem from the idea of 'tightening' or 'binding'.
- The verb étreindre is used in French to describe things that are not human, such as the 'embrace' of a cold fog or the 'clutch' of fear.
Examples in context
- On ne peut étreindre l'inétreignable.One cannot embrace the unembraceable.This sentence uses étreindre to illustrate a philosophical impossibility.Tatoeba #3515197 by sacredceltic, translation #1916473 by marafon
- L'espéranto nous permet d'embrasser le monde.Esperanto allows us to embrace the world.This sentence uses embrasser in its figurative sense of reaching or embracing a wide scope.Tatoeba #3615013 by mervert1, translation #2675588 by shekitten
- Après des années de séparation, ils se sont pris dans les bras avec émotion.After years of separation, they embraced each other emotionally.
- Elle a serré son enfant dans ses bras pour le réconforter.She hugged her child to comfort him/her.
- Nous nous sommes étreints pour célébrer notre victoire commune.We embraced to celebrate our common victory.
- Elle a fait un câlin à son petit frère après sa journée difficile.She gave her little brother a hug after his tough day.
- Après leur victoire, ils s'enlacèrent joyeusement.After their victory, they joyfully embraced.
- Il voulut étreindre son amie.He wanted to embrace his friend.
Example conversation
Lucas and Chloé meet after a long time apart.
- LucasJe suis tellement content de te voir, Chloé !I am so happy to see you, Chloé!
- ChloéMoi aussi, Lucas ! Viens, je veux t'étreindre.Me too, Lucas! Come, I want to embrace you.
- LucasC'est vraiment agréable de se retrouver.It is really nice to be reunited.
- ChloéOn a tellement de choses à se dire.We have so much to tell each other.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “embrace” translations and entries étreindre, embrasser, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries embrasser, étreindre, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
