French · Body & Health
"Shoulder" in French: épaule
l'épaule
Shoulder in French is l'épaule, feminine. J'ai mal à l'épaule means my shoulder hurts. Hausser les épaules is to shrug.
Gym
J'ai mal à l'épaule droite.Speak with an AI partner · 7 days free
How to pronounce épaule
Say it
lay-POHL
/le.pol/
Épaule is ay-POHL. L'épaule is lay-POHL after elision.
"Shoulder" in French: quick reference
| French | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| l'épaule | the shoulder Default with elision. | Default with elision. |
| mal à l'épaule | shoulder pain Injury talk. | Injury talk. |
| hausser les épaules | to shrug Gesture. | Gesture. |
| sac à l'épaule | bag over the shoulder Carrying. | Carrying. |
How to use épaule in real life
- 1Gym
J'ai mal à l'épaule droite.
My right shoulder hurts.
Mal à l'épaule.
- 2Bag strap
Porte le sac sur l'autre épaule.
Carry the bag on the other shoulder.
Sur l'épaule.
- 3Uncertain answer
Il hausse les épaules et dit je ne sais pas.
He shrugs and says I don't know.
Les épaules.
Mistakes English speakers make with épaule
Incorrect: Le épaule.
Correct: L'épaule.
Use elision: l'épaule. Also feminine: une épaule.
Incorrect: J'ai mal au shoulder.
Correct: J'ai mal à l'épaule.
Use épaule.
Good to know
Clothing sizes and sewing patterns mark largeur d'épaules (shoulder width). Sports physio talk uses épaule constantly.
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
After carrying a heavy suitcase
ChatPal
Tu as mal à l'épaule ?
Does your shoulder hurt?
You
Oui, l'épaule gauche. La valise était trop lourde.
Yes, the left shoulder. The suitcase was too heavy.
ChatPal
Change de côté la prochaine fois.
Switch sides next time.
You
Bonne idée.
Good idea.
This is a sample. In ChatPal you have this conversation out loud and get feedback on what you say.
Practice this conversation in ChatPal"Shoulder" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "Shoulder" in French
How do you say shoulder in French?
L'épaule.
Is épaule feminine?
Yes: une épaule, l'épaule.
How do you say my shoulder hurts?
J'ai mal à l'épaule.
How do you pronounce épaule?
Ay-POHL.
Learn a word, then use it out loud
- Step 1: See it in context
- Step 2: Say it out loud
- Step 3: Get feedback
- Step 4: Use it in real scenarios
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