cordes
/kɔʁd/
The English phrase "ropes" translates to cordes in French.
cordes refers to physical objects: strong cords made of twisted fibers used for tying or pulling. Note that if you wish to express the English idiom "to show someone the ropes", you should not use the word cordes literally. Instead, a French speaker would say Je connais les ficelles du métier to mean "I know the ropes of the job".
Which one should you use?
While cordes is the standard term for the physical objects, the formal term Les cordages specifically refers to ropes constructed from several twisted strands or fibers.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form of the noun is feminine: une corde.
How do you pronounce it?
/kɔʁd/
Did you know?
- The term corde is used in geometry to describe a 'chord', which is a line segment joining two points on a curve. It shares the same origin as the word for a bowstring.
- The French word for a musical string, such as on a violin, is also corde, meaning the same word for ropes is used for both physical cords and musical strings.
- In French sports terminology, a corde is also the term for a climbing rope used in mountaineering. However, the act of 'roping up' with a partner uses the specific verb s'encorder.
Examples in context
- Des cordes entourent le lieu.Ropes surround the place.This sentence uses cordes to describe ropes surrounding a location.Tatoeba #5357039 by Aiji, translation #29445 by Dejo
- Tom montra les cordes à Mary.Tom showed Mary the ropes.This sentence shows that the English idiom "show the ropes" is not translated literally with cordes.Tatoeba #5366500 by Aiji, translation #5112812 by CK
- Je dois apprendre à grimper sans les cordes.I have to learn to climb without the ropes.
- Les cordages utilisés pour la voile sont très solides.The ropes used for sailing are very strong.
- Les cordes sont trop courtes pour ce colis.The ropes are too short for this package.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Léa and Lucas are preparing to secure some gear in the garden.
- LéaLucas, as-tu besoin de cordes pour le jardin ?Lucas, do you need ropes for the garden?
- LucasOui, j'ai besoin de cordes assez solides.Yes, I need some strong ropes.
- LéaJe vais chercher les cordes dans le garage.I will go get the ropes from the garage.
- LucasMerci, tu es très utile, Léa.Thank you, you are very helpful, Léa.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry cordes, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
