English–French

“brains” in French

French

Pronunciation

IPA/sɛʁvɛl/

Example

Il faut de la cervelle pour résoudre ce problème.

It takes brains to solve this problem.

Illustration for cervelle (brains)

How to say “brains” in French

“Brains” in French is cervelle.

The thinking organ in the head, also viewed as a person's mental ability.

Full entry for cervelle: usage tips, similar words and word origin

Example sentences with cervelle

Il a prouvé qu'il avait de la cervelle lors de l'examen.

He proved that he had brains during the exam.

Tips for using cervelle

  • In expressions such as avoir de la cervelle, the noun refers to intelligence rather than to brain tissue.

“brains” in other languages