reculer
/ʁə.ky.le/
The French phrase for 'go backwards' is reculer.
reculer is used to describe moving in a direction opposite to where one is facing. This includes the common usage of a driver backing up a vehicle. Beyond physical movement, it can also be used figuratively to mean stepping back from a position or retreating from a decision.
Which one should you use?
While reculer describes the physical act of moving backwards, it can also be used to mean retreating or stepping back in a more abstract sense.
How does it change in a sentence?
The present tense conjugation for the first and third person singular is recule. The past participle of the verb is reculé, which is used to say one 'went backwards'.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has three syllables: /ʁə.ky.le/.
Did you know?
- The word reculer is built upon the noun cul, which is a common, albeit vulgar, word for 'bottom' or 'buttocks'.
- The expression reculer pour mieux sauter describes taking a step back to gain momentum for a leap.
- While reculer means to move back, the word recul refers to the distance or perspective gained by stepping away from something.
Examples in context
- Il lui a demandé de reculer la voiture.He asked him/her to move the car backwards.
- La situation économique a malheureusement reculé.The economic situation has unfortunately regressed.
- Tu peux reculer la voiture s'il te plaît ?Can you move the car backwards, please?
- Reculez doucement.Back up slowly.
- Peux-tu reculer un peu la voiture ?Can you back up the car a little?
- Il faut reculer pour laisser passer l'autobus.You have to move backwards to let the bus pass.
Example conversation
Lucas is parking his car in a narrow street.
- EmmaLucas, tu ne peux pas passer.Lucas, you can't pass.
- LucasJe dois reculer pour trouver de la place ?Do I have to go backwards to find space?
- EmmaOui, recule doucement vers la droite.Yes, back up slowly towards the right.
- LucasD'accord, j'y vais.Okay, I'm doing it.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry reculer, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries reculer, CC BY-SA 4.0.
