bouge ton corps
The English phrase 'shake your body' is translated into French as bouge ton corps.
In colloquial French, the verb secouer is often used to convey a more energetic or rhythmic movement than bouger.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase bouge ton corps is literally 'move your body' because the verb bouger (to move) is more commonly used in French for dancing or rhythmic movement than the literal translation of 'shake' (secouer).
Which one should you use?
While secoue ton corps is a literal translation of 'shake your body', it sounds unnatural in a musical or dancing context compared to bouge ton corps.
How does it change in a sentence?
If you are addressing a group of people or using a formal tone, you should use the form bougez votre corps instead of bouge ton corps.
Did you know?
- If a French speaker tells you bouge! in a sharp tone, it does not mean 'dance', but is a command meaning 'get out of the way' or 'move it'.
- The word corps contains a silent 'p' that was added centuries later by scholars to make the spelling look more like its Latin ancestor, 'corpus'.
- In some French regional slang, the act of 'shaking' or 'moving' one's body is referred to as se déhancher, which specifically refers to the rhythmic movement of the hips.
Examples in context
- Bouge ton corps sur la musique.Shake your body to the music.
- Allez, bouge ton corps un peu !Come on, shake your body a little!
Example conversation
Gabriel and Emma are dancing at a party.
- GabrielRegarde-moi, Emma ! Bouge ton corps !Look at me, Emma! Shake your body!
- EmmaJe fais de mon mieux, Gabriel.I am doing my best, Gabriel.
- GabrielSuis le rythme et bouge ton corps !Follow the rhythm and shake your body!
- EmmaD'accord, c'est parti !Okay, here we go!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bouge, corps, ton, CC BY-SA 4.0.
