Are you interested in learning how to say “lift weights” in French? Whether you want to talk about your fitness routine with French-speaking friends, or you’re planning to visit a French-speaking gym, this guide will help you express yourself in both formal and informal situations. Keep reading to discover various ways to say “lift weights” in French!
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions
When speaking in formal situations or with people you don’t know well, it’s essential to use appropriate expressions. Here are a few formal ways to say “lift weights” in French:
1. Soulever des poids
Soulever des poids is the most common formal expression used to convey the idea of lifting weights. The verb “soulever” means “to lift” and “des poids” refers to “weights”. So, if you want to express the concept of lifting weights in a formal setting, this is your go-to phrase!
2. Faire de la musculation
In a more formal context, you can use the phrase “faire de la musculation” which translates to “do weightlifting”. This expression specifically refers to the activity of lifting weights as part of a fitness routine and is widely understood in French-speaking countries.
Informal Expressions
Now let’s explore some more relaxed and informal ways to talk about lifting weights in French. These expressions are perfect for conversations with friends or in casual settings.
3. Lever de la fonte
In colloquial French, you can use the expression “lever de la fonte” to mean “lift weights”. This phrase uses the word “fonte” which stands for “cast iron” and refers to the material weights are often made of.
4. Faire de la muscu
If you’re looking for a more casual way to say “lift weights”, you can use the abbreviation “faire de la muscu”. “Muscu” is a popular short form for “musculation” and is commonly used among friends or in informal conversations.
Regional Variations
In most French-speaking regions, the expressions mentioned above are widely understood and used. However, it’s crucial to note that there might be regional variations, especially when it comes to informal terms or expressions. Here are a couple of examples:
5. Faire de la haltérophilie
In some regions, especially in France and Belgium, you might come across the phrase “faire de la haltérophilie” which translates to “do weightlifting”. This expression is more common in specific contexts, such as competitive weightlifting or Olympic-style weightlifting.
6. Faire de la gonflette
Another informal expression you might hear in certain regions, including France, is “faire de la gonflette”. Although less widespread, it refers to the activity of lifting weights and gaining muscle mass.
Additional Tips and Examples
Now that you know how to say “lift weights” in French, let’s explore some additional tips and examples to enhance your understanding:
- Use gestures: In French-speaking countries, it’s common to use hand gestures while speaking. To emphasize your words, you can mimic the action of lifting weights using your hands.
- Explain your gym routine: If you want to provide more context about your fitness routine, you can say “Je fais de la musculation régulièrement” (I lift weights regularly) or “Je m’entraîne à la salle de sport” (I work out at the gym).
- Include specific exercises: If you’d like to mention specific weightlifting exercises, such as bench press or squats, you can say “Je fais du développé couché” (I do bench press) or “Je fais des squats avec des poids” (I do squats with weights).
Here are a few examples of how to use the expressions mentioned above:
- “Hier, j’ai soulevé des poids pendant deux heures à la salle de sport.”
- “On fait de la muscu ensemble demain matin?”
- “Je vais à la salle pour lever de la fonte, et ensuite, je fais des exercices cardio.”
- “Tu devrais essayer de faire de la gonflette, ça te plairait.”
I hope this guide has been helpful in expanding your French vocabulary related to weightlifting. Practice these expressions and feel confident discussing your fitness regimen in French-speaking environments. Bonne chance!
