corde
/kɔʁd/feminine
The French word for rope is corde.
corde refers to a thick, strong string. If you are describing a twisted rope or cord specifically, you might use torsade. For a much thicker or more resistant rope, the word câble is often used.
Meaning: thick, strong string (noun)
Which one should you use?
While corde refers to a single piece of rope, the term cordage is used when referring to a collection of ropes or the specific system of ropes used on a ship, such as rigging. In some areas, câble is used specifically for ropes that are thicker or more heavy-duty than a standard corde.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the plural form, ropes, use cordes.
How do you pronounce it?
/kɔʁd/
Did you know?
- The word corde is used in the common expression sauter à la corde, which means 'to jump rope'. In French, you do not jump 'with' a rope, but 'at' the rope.
- The word corde shares its ancestry with the English word 'chord' because both originally referred to a string of gut used in music.
- The phrase être sur la corde raide literally means 'to be on the tightrope' and is used to describe someone in a precarious or risky situation.
Examples in context
- Lâche la corde !Let go of the rope.This sentence is useful for practicing the command to let go of the corde.Tatoeba #4550353 by sacredceltic, translation #29430 by CK
- Où est la corde ?Where's the rope?This sentence is useful for asking about the location of the corde.Tatoeba #3627932 by fleur74, translation #2549199 by CK
- Saisis la corde !Take hold of the rope.This sentence is useful for instructing someone to grasp the corde.Tatoeba #4550355 by sacredceltic, translation #29437 by CK
- 108 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hugo and Chloé are preparing for a camping trip.
- HugoTu as une corde ?Do you have a rope?
- ChloéOui, elle est dans mon sac.Yes, it is in my bag.
- HugoC'est une corde assez longue ?Is it a fairly long rope?
- ChloéOui, elle est très solide.Yes, it is very strong.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “rope” translations and entries corde, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries corde, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
