French Conversation · Level 8
90 words
French word
jambe
Pronunciation
IPA/ʒɑ̃b/
Meaning
- feminine nounleg
Example
Mes jambes sont fatiguées après la marche.
My legs are tired after the walk.
More examples
Je me suis blessé à la jambe en jouant au football.
I injured my leg while playing football.
Core concept
The long weight-bearing part of the body used for standing and walking, from the thigh area toward the foot.
Common phrases
avoir mal à la jambe
have a sore leg
se casser la jambe
break one's leg
se blesser à la jambe
injure one's leg
Similar words
pied: The part from the toes to the heel that touches the ground when standing or walking.
genou: The joint between the thigh and shin that allows the leg to bend and straighten.
cuisse: The thick upper part between the torso and the knee.
mollet: The rounded part below the knee and above the ankle.
Definition in French
La jambe désigne le membre inférieur humain dans son ensemble ou, selon le contexte, la partie entre la cuisse et le pied, utilisée pour la locomotion et le soutien.
Word origin
The French noun developed from Late Latin gamba through medieval French, alongside related Romance words such as Italian gamba.
Usage tips
- In French, jambe can also mean the leg of clothing in la jambe d'un pantalon, so context determines the sense.