How to Say "Kneel" in French - How To Say Guide

s'agenouiller

To kneel in French is s'agenouiller.

The verb s'agenouiller means to stoop down and rest on the knee.

Meaning: to stoop down and rest on the knee (verb)

How does it change in a sentence?

s'agenouiller is a pronominal verb, which means it is used with a reflexive pronoun (se/s') to indicate that the subject is performing the action on themselves.

Did you know?

In Catholic French tradition, the act of s'agenouiller is performed on a prie-dieu, which literally translates to 'pray-god'. This is a specialized kneeling desk designed specifically for this purpose.
The word genou shares an ancient root with the English word 'genu', used in medical terms like 'genu valgum'. This explains the similar sound between s'agenouiller and these specialized English terms.
In old French literature, the act of s'agenouiller before a lady was a central part of the 'amour courtois' or courtly love tradition, signifying a romantic vassalage rather than just religious piety.

Examples in context

Lors de la cérémonie, les chevaliers s'agenouillent devant la reine.
During the ceremony, the knights kneel before the queen.
Caroline a demandé à Damien de se mettre à genoux pour lui faire sa demande en mariage.
Caroline asked Damien to kneel down to propose to her.
Lors de la prière, les fidèles s'agenouillent dans l'église.
During the prayer, the worshippers kneel in the church.
Les enfants se sont mis à genoux pour ramasser les jouets éparpillés.
The children knelt down to pick up the scattered toys.
Pour obtenir le pardon de son père, Antoine s'est agenouillé et a demandé grâce.
To seek forgiveness from his father, Antoine kneeled down and pleaded for mercy.
Il s'est agenouillé pour prier.
He knelt down to pray.
Il faut s'agenouiller pour prier.
One must kneel to pray.