French word

genou

Pronunciation

IPA/ʒənu/

Meaning

  • masculine nounknee

Example

Mon genou me fait mal.

My knee hurts.

Illustration for genou (knee)

More examples

Je me suis foulé le genou en descendant les escaliers.

I sprained my knee while going down the stairs.

Core concept

A central leg joint that folds the lower leg toward the thigh and supports the body.

Common phrases

  • avoir mal au genou

    have a sore knee

  • se fouler le genou

    sprain one's knee

  • une blessure au genou

    a knee injury

Similar words

jambe: The body part from the hip to the ankle that supports standing and walking.
pied: The lower part of the leg that meets the ground during standing or walking.
cheville: The ankle joint linking the foot with the rest of the leg.
cuisse: The part of the leg between the hip and knee, where the thigh muscles are found.

Definition in French

Articulation entre la cuisse et le mollet permettant la flexion, l'appui et le mouvement de la jambe.

Word origin

Latin genu passed into French through historical Old French forms and became genou; the plural spelling genoux reflects medieval writing conventions.

Usage tips

  • For pain, French uses avoir mal au genou, with à plus le contracted to au.

Related words

  • genouillèreknee padnoun
  • s'agenouillerkneelverb
  • agenouillementkneelingnoun

Word lists with this word