Now that we are witnessing the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, it is a good time to bring you some simple French expressions related to sports.
The French people’s passion for sport is known all over the world. Especially for soccer, as the country is a two-time world champion in this sport (1998 and 2018), as well as having won several other major championships: 2 European Championships, 1 Conmembol, and 2 times the Fifa Confederations Cup. In addition, the country has several important teams such as Paris Saint-Germain, Olympique de Marseille, and F. C. Girondins de Bordeaux.
This article covers the vocabulary of some of the most popular sports, such as soccer, basketball, cycling, and golf, among others. If you want to travel to France, participate in sporting events in French, or simply improve your vocabulary, knowing sporting terms will bring you want step closer to mastering the language.
General terms in French sport
We will start with some basic terms used in most sports, common to all of them.
Le sport (Sport)
The term “le sport” simply refers to sport in general. It is a good starting point for any sporting conversation.
L’athlétisme (Athletics)
This term refers to athletics, a discipline that includes running, jumping, and throwing activities.
L’entraînement (Training)
“L’entraînement” means training.
L’entraîneur (Trainer)
“L’entraîneur” means coach.
And now, some common phrases you may hear during sports in France.
Faire du sport
Doing sport.
Être en forme
To be in shape.
Gagner un match
Win a match.
Perdre un match
To lose a match.
Allez les bleus,
let’s go blue! This is the cry of support for the French teams.
A supporter
A fan.
Le stade
Stadium.
The mi-temps
Half-time.
Terms related to football/ soccer
Soccer is probably the most popular sport all over the world, not only in France. It is very likely that you are one of the billions of fans of this sport, so we leave you some French expressions so you can practice them with your friends.
Le football (Soccer)
Soccer is known as “le football” in France, although it is often abbreviated simply as “le foot”.
Le but (Goal)
A goal in soccer is called “le but”. Scoring a “but” is the main objective of the game.
Le gardien de but (Goalkeeper)
The goalkeeper is known as “le gardien de but”. He is the last line of defense on the field.
L’arbitre (Referee)
The referee, the person responsible for enforcing the rules of the game, is called “l’arbitre”.
Terms related to basketball
Basketball is also very popular in France. Here are some key terms.
Le basket (Basketball)
Basketball in French is called “le basket”. It is a dynamic and exciting sport.
Le panier (Basket)
A basket, the main goal in basketball, is called “le panier”.
Le dribble (Dribbling)
Dribbling, the ability to control the ball while running, is called “le dribble”.
Le pivot (Pivot)
The pivot is a key position in basketball, known as “le pivot”.
Terms related to tennis
Tennis is another sport where France has made its mark, with important tournaments such as Roland Garros. Here is some essential vocabulary.
Le tennis (Tennis)
Tennis is called “le tennis” in French. It’s a demanding sport that encompasses skill, strategy, and endurance.
Le court (Court)
The tennis court is called “le court”.
Le service
The service is called “le service”.
Le coup droit (forehand)
The forehand stroke, a fundamental shot in tennis, is called “le coup droit”.
Terms related to rugby
Rugby is popular in certain regions of France, even having more followers in those regions than other sports such as cycling or tennis.
Le rugby (Rugby)
Rugby in French is called “le rugby”.
L’essai (Essay)
An essay, similar to a touchdown in American soccer, is called “l’essai”.
Le mêlée (The scrum)
The scrum, a key formation in rugby, is called “le mêlée”.
Le plaquage (Tackling)
Tackling, a defense technique, is called “le plaquage”.
Terms related to cycling
France is famous for the Tour de France, so knowing these terms is essential.
Le cyclisme (Cycling)
Cycling in French is called “le cyclisme”.
Le peloton (Peloton)
The peloton is the main group of cyclists in a race.
Le maillot jaune (Yellow jersey)
The yellow jersey is the jersey worn by the leader of the general classification in the Tour de France.
Le contre-la-montre (Time trial)
The time trial is called “le contre-la-montre”.
Terms related to swimming
Swimming is also a popular competitive and recreational sport in France. The country is currently ranked 13th among Olympic champions.
La natation (Swimming)
Swimming in French is called “la natation”.
La brasse (Breaststroke)
Breaststroke, a swimming style, is called “la brasse”.
Le papillon (Butterfly)
The butterfly style is called “le papillon”.
Le nageur (Swimmer)
The swimmer is called “le nageur”.
Terms related to athletics
Athletics encompasses a wide range of disciplines. They are among the oldest sports in the world, some were even part of the Olympic Games in the ancient era.
La course (Race)
The race is called “la course”.
Le saut en longueur (Long jump)
The long jump is called “le saut en longueur”.
Le lancer de javelot (Javelin throw)
The javelin throw is called “le lancer de javelot”.
Le marathon (Marathon)
The marathon is called “le marathon”.
Terms related to skiing
Skiing is a very popular winter sport in the highlands of France, especially in the French Alps.
Le ski (Ski)
Skiing in French is called “le ski”.
Le slalom (Slalom)
The slalom, a ski race between flags, is called “le slalom”.
La piste (slope)
The ski slope is called “la piste”.
Le télésiège (Chairlift)
The chairlift is called “le télésiège”.
Golf-related terms
Golf is a sport that requires precision and control. Although it may seem an elitist sport to some, in recent years it has been growing in different countries and social backgrounds.
Le golf (Golf)
Golf in French is called “le golf”.
Le green (The green)
The green area around the hole is called “le green”.
Le putt
The putt, a type of golf shot that ends up in the hole, is called “le putt”.
Le club (Golf Club)
The golf club is called “le club”.
Motivational expressions in sports
Sports is full of inspirational quotes. Athletes in general are people capable of overcoming themselves, with great motivation, endurance, and persistence.
Ne jamais abandonner
Never give up.
Donner le meilleur de soi-même
To give the best of oneself.
L’esprit d’équipe
The team spirit.
La victoire
Victory.
Conclusion
These French sports terms and expressions may help you follow sporting events and better connect with French culture at the same time.
France has a rich sporting history and a distinct vocabulary for each sport.
Every sport, from soccer to tennis to cycling, has its vocabulary.
While it is true that sport is a universal language that connects people across language barriers, if you also know its vocabulary, you will open new doors of communication and understanding and get closer to French culture.
We hope you’ll be motivated to keep studying and exploring.