nerf
/nɛʁ/masculine
The English word nerve is translated into French as nerf.
The word nerf refers to a bundle of neurons. For example, the phrase sur les nerfs is used to describe being irritated or agitated, much like the English expression 'on one's nerves'. You can also use the expression avoir des nerfs d'acier to say someone has 'nerves of steel'.
Meaning: bundle of neurons (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular masculine form is nerf and the plural form is les nerfs.
How do you pronounce it?
/nɛʁ/
Did you know?
- While an English speaker might say someone has 'nerve' to describe their boldness, a French speaker would use the word culot, which literally refers to the 'bottom' or 'base' of an object.
- The French nerf was inherited from the Latin nervus, which originally referred to a bowstring or a tendon before it ever described the nervous system.
- In French, the adjective nerveux can be a compliment when describing a piece of music or an athlete, meaning they are 'vigorous' or 'energetic' rather than anxious.
Examples in context
- Il me tape vraiment sur les nerfs.He gets on my last nerve.This sentence shows how to use nerf when someone is being irritating.Tatoeba #2027724 by sacredceltic, translation #2027649 by halfb1t
- Ne perds pas tes nerfs !Don't lose your nerve!This sentence uses the plural form of nerf in an idiom about composure.Tatoeba #10509303 by Adelpa, translation #11778201 by Adelpa
- Le nerf sciatique est le plus long nerf du corps humain.The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the human body.This sentence uses nerf in a biological context regarding the sciatic nerve.Tatoeba #432720 by Clavain, translation #432719 by Clavain
- Ce commentaire me tape sur les nerfs.This comment gets on my nerves.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A student and a teacher are discussing anatomy.
- NathanEst-ce que ce nerf est sensible ?Is this nerve sensitive?
- ManonOui, ce nerf est très réactif.Yes, this nerve is very reactive.
- NathanJe peux voir le nerf sur l'image ?Can I see the nerve in the image?
- ManonRegarde bien ce petit nerf bleu.Look closely at this small blue nerve.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “nerve” translations and entries nerf, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries nerf, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
