French word

masser

Pronunciation

IPA/mase/

Meaning

  • verbmassage

Example

Il m'a massé les épaules hier.

He massaged my shoulders yesterday.

Illustration for masser (massage)

More examples

Je préfère me faire masser chez un professionnel.

I prefer to get a massage at a professional's.

Core concept

Hands press and move slowly over tight muscles, easing their stiffness.

Common phrases

  • masser les épaules

    massage the shoulders

  • se faire masser

    get a massage

  • masser le dos

    massage the back

Similar words

appuyer: Press down with the hand or fingers using steady force.
frotter: Move against a surface to produce friction.
caresser: Stroke lightly to express affection or bring calm.

Definition in French

Appliquer avec les mains une pression et des mouvements lents sur une partie du corps pour détendre les muscles ou soulager des tensions.

Word origin

French masser came through Italian massare from medieval Latin massare, meaning to knead or handle, and is related to Latin massa, meaning a lump or mass.

Usage tips

  • Masser is transitive, while the common way to express receiving a massage is se faire masser.

Other meanings

  • kneadverb

Related words

  • massagemassagenoun
  • massémassagedadjective

Word lists with this word