French · Body & Health

"Wrist" in French: poignet

le poignet

Say it: pwah-NYAYmasculine · le poignetnoun/pwa.ɲɛ/

Wrist in French is le poignet. Plural les poignets. Say J'ai mal au poignet for wrist pain, and une montre au poignet for a watch on the wrist.

After typing all day

J'ai mal au poignet droit.
My right wrist hurts.
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How to pronounce poignet

Say it

pwah-NYAY

/pwa.ɲɛ/

pwah-NYAY. Oi like wa; soft gn as ny; stress on yay.

"Wrist" in French: quick reference

FrenchEnglish
le poignetthe wrist

Default.

les poignetsthe wrists

Plural.

mal au poignetwrist pain

Health.

au poigneton the wrist

Watches, bracelets.

How to use poignet in real life

  1. 1After typing all day

    J'ai mal au poignet droit.

    My right wrist hurts.

    Au poignet.

  2. 2Putting on a watch

    Cette montre est trop serrée au poignet.

    This watch is too tight on the wrist.

    Au poignet.

  3. 3Sports

    Il s'est tordu le poignet au basket.

    He twisted his wrist playing basketball.

    Le poignet.

Mistakes English speakers make with poignet

Incorrect: La poignet.

Correct: Le poignet.

Poignet is masculine.

Incorrect: Le wrist.

Correct: Le poignet.

Use poignet, not English.

Good to know

Poignet also appears in fashion: manchette et poignet for shirt cuffs. Don't confuse with poignée (handle/handful)—different word.

Try it in a ChatPal conversation

After a fall on ice

  1. ChatPal

    Tu as mal au poignet ?

    Does your wrist hurt?

  2. You

    Oui, le poignet gauche est gonflé.

    Yes, the left wrist is swollen.

  3. ChatPal

    On met une attelle sur le poignet.

    We'll put a splint on the wrist.

  4. You

    Bon plan.

    Good plan.

This is a sample. In ChatPal you have this conversation out loud and get feedback on what you say.

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"Wrist" in other languages

FAQ

Common questions about "Wrist" in French

How do you say wrist in French?

Le poignet.

How do I say my wrist hurts?

J'ai mal au poignet.

Is poignet masculine?

Yes.

How do you pronounce it?

pwah-NYAY.

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