Whether you are an avid runner, a beginner hitting the trails for the first time, or simply interested in expanding your French vocabulary, knowing how to say “running” in French is essential. In this guide, we’ll explore the formal and informal ways to express this action, providing tips, examples, and even delving into regional variations where necessary. So, lace up your shoes, and let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Running” in French
When it comes to formal language, French offers various phrases to express the concept of running. Here are a few options:
1. Courir
Courir is the most common and versatile term for “running” in French. It works well in both formal and informal situations. Here’s an example:
Example: Les participants ont couru rapidement durant la compétition. (The participants ran quickly during the competition.)
2. Faire de la course à pied
Another formal way to describe running in French is to use the phrase “faire de la course à pied.” This literally translates to “to do some running” or “to go for a run.” It emphasizes the activity rather than the action itself. Let’s see an example:
Example: Je fais de la course à pied tous les matins. (I go for a run every morning.)
Informal Ways to Say “Running” in French
In casual conversations or among friends, you can opt for more relaxed and colloquial expressions to describe running. Here are a couple of informal ways to express this action:
1. Courir comme un dératé
This informal phrase is used to describe running wildly or as if being chased by rats. It adds a touch of humor and exaggeration to the description. Here’s an example:
Example: J’ai couru comme un dératé pour attraper le bus. (I ran like crazy to catch the bus.)
2. Trimer
Trimer, a more informal term for running, is often used in familiar conversations. It conveys the idea of running vigorously or tiring oneself out through physical effort. Let’s take a look:
Example: J’ai trimé pour arriver à temps à l’entraînement. (I ran hard to make it to practice on time.)
Regional Variations
While the aforementioned expressions work in most French-speaking regions, it’s worth noting that minor variations may exist due to regional influences. Here’s an example from Quebec, where “running” is often expressed as:
1. Faire du jogging
In Quebec, the term “faire du jogging” is frequently used to talk about running. It aligns with the English expression “to go jogging.” Let’s see it in action:
Example: Je vais faire du jogging dans le parc cet après-midi. (I’m going for a run in the park this afternoon.)
Tips for Speaking French about Running
Here are some handy tips to keep in mind when discussing running in French:
- Pay attention to gender agreement: When using “courir” or “trimer” as verbs, remember to adjust their conjugation based on the subject’s gender. For example, “elle court” (she runs) and “il trimait” (he was running).
- Expand your vocabulary: While “courir” is the most common term for running, it’s always beneficial to familiarize yourself with related words such as “jogging” (running), “sprint” (sprint), or “marathon” (marathon).
- Practice idiomatic expressions: French has idiomatic phrases related to running, such as “avoir du mal à suivre” (to struggle to keep up) or “partir comme une balle” (to take off like a bullet). Incorporating these expressions will make your speech more natural and nuanced.
- Listen and imitate: To improve your pronunciation and fluency, try listening to audio recordings or native speakers and imitating their intonation and rhythm when talking about running.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You now have a solid understanding of how to say “running” in French, encompassing both formal and informal expressions. Remember that “courir” can be used in almost any context, while phrases like “faire de la course à pied” or informal expressions such as “courir comme un dératé” and “trimer” add variety to your vocabulary. Don’t hesitate to practice these terms in everyday conversations or while enjoying your own running adventures in French-speaking regions. Bonne course!
