French Words for Body Parts
You’d be surprised how often you’ll need to know the French words for body parts! If you’ve ever tried reading poetry in French, you’ve probably noticed that metaphors comparing the eyes, hair, or lips of someone are key to understanding the poem.
Body part vocabulary is also essential in picking out anyone you want to refer to. If you somehow get separated from your tour group in the famously huge Paris museum, the Louvre, you’ll need to be able to describe which tour guide you were following to help track them down. Or, imagine you’re at a bar and your French friend wants to draw your attention to their ex by saying, “It’s the guy with blonde hair, brown eyes, and a beard.” Without pointing directly at someone, how will they describe who they’re talking about?
Though we hope it never happens, if you ever need to describe someone for more serious reasons, such as to the police or in an emergency situation, memorizing body part vocabulary should be a crucial first step before traveling in a French-speaking foreign country. Additionally, body vocabulary will come in handy if you ever need to see a French doctor during your travels or while living in a French-speaking country.
French Words for Body Parts
Learn body parts in French, which adjectives are appropriate for them, and how to communicate that something is in pain. Sign up for a free trial of Lingvist to start memorizing vocabulary at light speed!
| French | English |
|---|---|
| bleus Elle a les yeux bleus. | blue She has blue eyes. |
| blonds Tu as les cheveux blonds ou bruns ? | blond Do you have blond or brown hair? |
| roux Il a les cheveux roux. | red-headed, ginger He has red hair. |
| mains Les mains en l'air ! | hands Put your hands in the air! |
| dents J'ai mal aux dents. | teeth I have a toothache. |
| oreilles Les humains ont deux oreilles. | ears Human beings have two ears. |
| lèvres Elle a toujours le sourire aux lèvres. | lips She always has a smile on her lips. |
| épaules Une grande responsabilité repose sur ses épaules. | shoulders He has a big responsibility on his shoulders. |
| joues Elle a les joues roses. | cheeks Her cheeks are pink. |
| tête Tu as mal à la tête ? | head Does your head hurt? |
| bouche Ce n'est pas poli de parler la bouche pleine. | mouth It's impolite to speak with your mouth full. |
| barbe Il s'est fait tailler la barbe. | beard He got his beard trimmed. |
| moustache Il porte une moustache. | moustache He has a moustache. |
| dos Il a mal au dos. | back His back is hurting. |
| corps Le corps a besoin d'eau. | body The body needs water. |
| bras Viens dans mes bras ! | arms Come into my arms! |
| nez Elle a un petit nez. | nose She has a small nose. |
| poils Les nageurs professionnels s'épilent les poils pour pouvoir nager plus vite. | hair Professional swimmers shave their body hair in order to swim faster. |
| ongles Elle s'est coupé les ongles. | nails She cut her fingernails. |