adminIf I want to sum it up in three words, “un coup” is usually referred to something sudden, violent, quick but can be translated into various words in English such as shot, hit, blow, knock, punch, stroke, but also “coup” when used in specific contexts.
I’ve just selected a few phrases (Because there are many more…) that we quite often used in our daily life and that you’ll be able to use as well with your French friends.
Remember that they are often used to express something sudden, temporary and quick!
Amusez-vous bien! (Have fun!)
| Phrase | Literal Translation | Actual Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Passer (quelque part) en coup de vent | To pass (somewhere) in a wind gust | To pass by / to go somewhere quickly |
| Passer un coup de fil (à quelqu'un) | To pass a line hit (to someone) | To give someone a call (usually quickly) |
| Passer un coup de balai | To pass a hit of broom | To sweep out the floor (quickly as well) |
| Avoir un coup de Coeur (pour quelqu'un/quelquechose) | To have a hit of heart | To have a crush on something/someone (it's usually sudden) |
| Avoir un coup de barre / un coup de pompe | To have a hit of bar/pump | To feel tired all of a sudden |
| Avoir / attraper un coup de soleil | To have/ to catch a hit of sun | To be sunstroke |
| Avoir un coup dans le nez | To have a shot/hit in the nose | To be a bit drunk |
| Avoir un coup de foudre | To have a bolt of lightning | To fall head over heels with someone (stronger than a crush) |
| Jeter un coup d'oeil | To throw a hit of an eye | To have a quick look |
| Boire un coup | To drink a shot | To have a drink |