French word

coup

Pronunciation

IPA/ku/

Meaning

  • masculine nounblow

Example

Le boxeur a porté un coup précis au visage.

The boxer landed a precise blow to the face.

Illustration for coup (blow)

More examples

La voiture a reçu un coup lors du stationnement et la portière a été cabossée.

The car took a hit while parking, and the door was dented.

Core concept

A single sharp contact creates an immediate effect, like an impact that leaves a clear mark.

Common phrases

  • donner un coup

    deliver a blow

  • un coup de coude

    an elbow jab

  • prendre un coup

    take a hit

Similar words

coup de poing: A blow delivered with the fist.
coup de pied: A blow delivered with the foot or leg.
gifle: A blow to the face or elsewhere with an open hand.
frappe: A single blow or impact.

Definition in French

Effet produit par une action brève et unique ; choc ou atteinte résultant d'un seul contact, physique ou figuré.

Word origin

French coup comes through Old French cop from Late Latin colpus, a borrowing of Greek kolaphos meaning 'blow'.

Usage tips

  • Coup is pronounced /ku/, so the final p is silent.

Word lists with this word