course
/kuʁs/feminine
The French word for race is course.
course is a feminine noun used to describe a competitive event, such as a car race (course automobile). Depending on the context, it can also refer to a course in a meal or a course of study. If you wish to express the idea of moving or driving at high speed, you would use the related verb s'élancer.
Meaning: contest (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In certain regions, particularly in Canada, the term la souche is used to refer to an individual's roots or ethnic background. In some African French-speaking countries, l'ethnie is commonly used instead of la race when referring to different ethnic groups.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of course is courses.
How do you pronounce it?
/kuʁs/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using the French word race to mean a competition. In French, race refers to biological lineage or ethnicity. Instead, use course for a race or contest.
Did you know?
- In France, a 'shopping trip' is often called faire les courses, which uses the same word as a competitive race.
- In French, the word course is used to describe a taxi ride, as in une course en taxi, because it refers to the distance and path traveled.
- The word course is an evolutionary relative of the English word 'current', as both can be traced back to the Latin verb currō, meaning 'to run'.
Examples in context
- Tom perdit la course.Tom lost the race.This sentence shows how to express that someone lost the course.Tatoeba #5707297 by Aiji, translation #1093239 by CK
- La course a commencé.The race began.This sentence is useful for stating that the course has started.Tatoeba #11837678 by Amastan, translation #11785465 by Amastan
- As-tu gagné la course ?Did you win the race?This sentence is useful for asking if someone won the course.Tatoeba #2036195 by sacredceltic, translation #1886127 by CK
- La race humaineThe human race
- Connaissez-vous son origine ethnique?Do you know his/her ethnic origin?
- Il est d'origine marocaineHe is of Moroccan origin
- Diverses ethnies cohabitent au SénégalVarious ethnic groups coexist in Senegal
- 73 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Léa and Lucas are talking about a sports event.
- LéaTu participes à la course demain ?Are you participating in the race tomorrow?
- LucasOui, j'espère gagner cette course.Yes, I hope to win this race.
- LéaC'est une course très difficile.It is a very difficult race.
- LucasJe sais, mais je suis prêt.I know, but I am ready.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “race” translations and entries course, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries course, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
