French word

cri

Pronunciation

IPA/kʁi/

Meaning

  • masculine nouncry

Example

J'ai entendu un cri dans la rue.

I heard a cry in the street.

Illustration for cri (cry)

More examples

Elle a poussé un cri de joie en apprenant la nouvelle.

She let out a cry of joy upon learning the news.

Core concept

A brief burst of voice used to call out, signal distress, or express strong feeling.

Common phrases

  • cri de joie

    cry of joy

  • cri de douleur

    cry of pain

  • cri d'alarme

    cry of alarm

Similar words

hurlement: A deafening cry that continues for a long time and carries far.
pleurs: Continuous crying with tears and audible sobs.
acclamation: A loud group response expressing delight or support.

Definition in French

Exclamation vocale forte et soudaine utilisée pour appeler, exprimer la douleur ou la joie, ou pour attirer l'attention.

Word origin

The noun cri developed from the verb crier in Old French and preserves the older sense of a forceful vocal call.

Usage tips

  • English cry also means shedding tears, but French cri normally denotes an audible shout or call; crying is pleurer.

Other meanings

  • screamnoun
  • cheernoun

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word