courir
/ku.ʁiʁ/
The English verb 'run' is translated into French as courir.
The primary meaning of courir is to move quickly on two feet. For specific contexts, you might use different expressions: to describe the specific act of starting to run, you can use Se mettre à courir. To describe running away or running off, use Partir en courant.
Meaning: to move quickly on two feet (verb)
Which one should you use?
While courir is used for moving quickly on foot, it is distinct from galoper, which specifically refers to a horse galloping. Additionally, if you are talking about a stream or a creek, the related term cours d'eau is used.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
In the present tense, the forms for 'I run' and 'you run' are je cours and tu cours, while 'he/she runs' is il/elle court. The past participle of the verb is couru.
How do you pronounce it?
/ku.ʁiʁ/
Did you know?
- To say someone is 'running' for office in an election, French speakers use se présenter rather than courir.
- The phrase courir les rues is a common idiom meaning that something is 'everywhere' or 'very common', like a rumor.
- The French word for a 'running' nose is nez qui coule, using the verb couler (to flow) rather than courir.
Examples in context
- Il me faut courir.I must run.This sentence shows how to express necessity using courir.Tatoeba #2443537 by sacredceltic, translation #2245994 by CK
- Il commença à courir.He began to run.This sentence illustrates the beginning of an action with courir.Tatoeba #362340 by pierrephi, translation #300899 by CK
- Je n'aime pas courir.I don't like to run.This sentence demonstrates expressing a dislike for the action with courir.Tatoeba #2286679 by sacredceltic, translation #2285780 by AlanF_US
- Le marathonien court très vite.The marathon runner runs very fast.
- Après l'échauffement, les coureurs se mettent à courir.After the warm-up, the runners start running.
- Je vais faire un footing ce soir.I'm going for a run tonight.
- Quand il a vu l'araignée, il est parti en courant!When he saw the spider, he ran away!
- Les enfants courent joyeusement dans le parc.The children run happily in the park.
- 156 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Chloé and Hugo are at a park preparing for a race.
- ChloéTu veux courir avec moi ?Do you want to run with me?
- HugoOui, j'adore courir le matin.Yes, I love running in the morning.
- ChloéOn va courir très vite ?Are we going to run very fast?
- HugoNon, on va courir doucement.No, we are going to run slowly.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “run” translations and entries courir, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
