The most common way to say 'shoulder' in French is épaule. You'll hear it in everyday conversation, at the doctor's office, or even when talking about a 'shoulder bag' (un sac en bandoulière). But French, being the rich and precise language it is, offers more than just one way to talk about this part of the body. Whether you're describing a specific anatomical part, using a colorful expression, or talking about a shoulder of lamb, there are different words and phrases you might need. Ready to shrug off any confusion? Let's dive into the various ways to say 'shoulder' in French!

1. The standard 'shoulder' – l'épaule

The standard, most direct translation for the body part 'shoulder' in French is l'épaule. It's the word you'll use in almost every context, from medical discussions to everyday conversation.

A crucial detail in French is that épaule is a feminine noun. Because it starts with a vowel, the definite article la is elided to become l', hence l'épaule. When using an indefinite article, you would say une épaule (a shoulder).

The plural form is les épaules (the shoulders). A common phrase you might hear is J'ai mal aux épaules, which means 'My shoulders hurt' or 'I have a pain in my shoulders'.

L'épaule is also a cornerstone of several important French idioms:

• Hausser les épaules: This means 'to shrug one's shoulders', expressing indifference or uncertainty.
• Avoir la tête sur les épaules: Literally 'to have the head on the shoulders', this expression means to be sensible, level-headed, or mature.
• Vivre aux épaules de quelqu'un: To live off someone, to be financially dependent on them.

Just like in English, épaule can be used figuratively to represent support and strength. A phrase like offrir une épaule means 'to offer a shoulder to cry on', signifying emotional support for someone in need.

💡 * Il a une douleur à l'épaule droite.

• Quand elle ne savait pas la réponse, elle a simplement haussé les épaules.
• C'est un jeune homme qui a la tête sur les épaules.
• N'hésite pas à t'appuyer sur mon épaule si tu as besoin de parler.
• Les soldats marchaient épaule contre épaule.

The 'shoulder blade' – l'omoplate

The primary French term for the 'shoulder blade' is l'omoplate. This is the specific anatomical word you would use when visiting a doctor or discussing anatomy.

L'omoplate is a feminine noun. You'll notice it uses l' because it starts with a vowel, but any adjectives describing it must be in the feminine form. For example, you would say l'omoplate droite for 'the right shoulder blade'.

This word is most frequently used in medical, anatomical, or fitness contexts. You might hear it from a doctor (médecin), a physical therapist (kinésithérapeute), or a personal trainer when describing exercises that target the upper back.

It's important not to confuse l'omoplate with l'épaule, which means 'shoulder'. L'épaule refers to the entire shoulder joint and region, whereas l'omoplate specifically names the flat, triangular bone.

The plural form is les omoplates, used when referring to both shoulder blades. A common phrase you might hear is une douleur entre les omoplates, meaning 'a pain between the shoulder blades'.

💡 * Le médecin a dit que je me suis fracturé l'omoplate.

• Je ressens une tension entre les omoplates après avoir travaillé à l'ordinateur.
• Cet exercice de musculation cible les muscles autour de l'omoplate gauche.
• L'omoplate est aussi appelée la scapula en terminologie médicale.

The 'road shoulder' – l'accotement

When driving in France, a key piece of vocabulary is l'accotement (m.), which is the French word for the 'shoulder' of a road. It refers to the area alongside the main paved roadway.

You'll typically encounter this term in formal driving contexts, such as in le Code de la route (the highway code), on road signs, or during traffic reports. It's essential for understanding safety warnings and regulations.

A very common sign you might see is Accotement non stabilisé, which warns drivers of a soft or unstable shoulder that may not be safe to pull over on.

A close synonym is le bas-côté. While they are often used interchangeably, l'accotement is the more technical and official term, whereas le bas-côté might be used more colloquially to refer to the side of any road, not just a major one.

The most common verbs used with this noun are related to stopping or parking, such as s'arrêter sur l'accotement (to stop on the shoulder) and stationner sur l'accotement (to park on the shoulder).

💡 * J'ai dû m'arrêter sur l'accotement à cause d'un pneu crevé.

• Le panneau indique "Accotement non stabilisé", alors soyez prudent.
• Il est interdit de stationner sur l'accotement de l'autoroute sauf en cas d'urgence.
• Le cycliste roulait sur l'accotement pour plus de sécurité.

The 'shoulder' of a garment – la carrure

The 'shoulder' of a garment – la carrure

La carrure is a feminine noun that refers to the width of a garment across the shoulders. It's a crucial measurement in tailoring, defining how a jacket, shirt, or coat will fit.

Beyond clothing, la carrure is also used to describe a person's physical build, specifically the breadth of their shoulders. To say someone has 'une belle carrure' is a compliment, meaning they have a strong, broad-shouldered physique.

You'll hear this term in clothing stores when discussing fit, but it's also common in everyday language to describe a person's imposing or athletic presence. It conveys more than just size; it implies a certain stature.

💡 * Cette veste est trop serrée au niveau de la carrure. (This jacket is too tight across the shoulders.)

• Il a une carrure d'athlète. (He has the build of an athlete.)
• La carrure de ce manteau est parfaite. (The shoulder fit of this coat is perfect.)
• C'est un homme d'une carrure impressionnante. (He is a man with an impressive build.)

The 'shoulder' of lamb (butchery) – l'épaule d'agneau

In French butchery and cuisine, l'épaule d'agneau translates directly to 'lamb shoulder.' It is a popular and flavorful cut of meat found in butcher shops (boucheries) and on restaurant menus across France.

L'épaule d'agneau refers to the upper front leg of the lamb. It's known for being more economical than the leg (le gigot) but equally delicious, with a rich flavor due to a good balance of meat and fat.

This cut is incredibly versatile. It can be slow-roasted whole (rôtie), braised with vegetables (braisée), or cut into cubes for stews like a navarin d'agneau. When cooked slowly, the meat becomes exceptionally tender and falls off the bone.

The word épaule is a feminine noun, so it is always referred to as l'épaule (the shoulder) or une épaule (a shoulder). The l' is used because épaule starts with a vowel.

L'épaule d'agneau is a classic choice for family meals, especially for a Sunday lunch. While the leg of lamb (le gigot d'agneau) is the traditional star for Easter, a slow-cooked shoulder is a cherished and common alternative.

💡 * Je vais acheter une épaule d'agneau chez le boucher pour le dîner de dimanche. (I'm going to buy a lamb shoulder at the butcher's for Sunday dinner.)

• Le chef a préparé une épaule d'agneau confite de sept heures. (The chef prepared a seven-hour slow-cooked lamb shoulder.)
• Pour cette recette, il faut désosser l'épaule d'agneau. (For this recipe, you need to debone the lamb shoulder.)
• Nous avons commandé l'épaule d'agneau braisée aux herbes de Provence. (We ordered the lamb shoulder braised with herbs from Provence.)

1. The 'shoulder pad' or 'epaulette' – l'épaulette

The French word for a shoulder pad or a decorative epaulette is l'épaulette (feminine, plural: les épaulettes). The word derives directly from épaule, which means 'shoulder'. Unlike slang, this is the standard and correct term used in all contexts, from fashion to military attire.

In the world of fashion and tailoring, une épaulette refers to the padding used in the shoulders of garments like jackets (vestes), blazers, and coats (manteaux). Their purpose is to add shape, structure, and definition to the silhouette. They were a defining feature of 1980s fashion but remain a staple in formal and structured clothing.

The term also directly translates to 'epaulette' in English, referring to the ornamental shoulder pieces found on military or other formal uniforms. These often display insignia that signify rank (le grade) or are part of a ceremonial dress uniform. For instance, you might see des épaulettes dorées (golden epaulettes) on a high-ranking officer.

Beyond its literal meaning, the word appears in the figurative expression avoir les épaulettes, which means 'to have the authority, rank, or seniority' to do something. This idiom draws from the military association, implying that someone has earned the 'stripes' or clout necessary to make a decision or lead.

💡 * Cette veste des années 80 a des épaulettes beaucoup trop larges.

• L'officier de marine portait des épaulettes blanches sur son uniforme de cérémonie.
• J'ai demandé au tailleur d'enlever les épaulettes de mon blazer pour un look plus décontracté.
• Il pense avoir les épaulettes pour changer les règles, mais il se trompe.

1. To shrug one's shoulders – hausser les épaules

The direct French equivalent for 'to shrug one's shoulders' is the expression hausser les épaules. It's a very common gesture and phrase in French, used to convey the same meaning as in English: uncertainty, indifference, or ignorance.

The phrase is composed of two parts: the verb hausser, which means 'to raise' or 'to lift,' and the noun les épaules, which means 'the shoulders.' When put together, it literally translates to 'to raise the shoulders'.

You conjugate the verb hausser according to the subject. For instance, je hausse les épaules (I shrug my shoulders). This action is often paired with expressions like « Je ne sais pas » (I don't know) or simply done in silence to show a lack of an answer.

💡 * Quand je lui ai demandé où il allait, il a juste haussé les épaules. (When I asked him where he was going, he just shrugged his shoulders.)

• Elle a haussé les épaules pour signifier qu'elle n'avait pas la réponse. (She shrugged her shoulders to signify that she didn't have the answer.)
• « Pourquoi tu n'as pas fini ? » Il a haussé les épaules sans rien dire. ("Why didn't you finish?" He shrugged his shoulders without saying anything.)

To stand shoulder to shoulder – être épaule contre épaule

The French expression être épaule contre épaule literally translates to "to be shoulder against shoulder." While it can describe physical proximity, its more common and powerful usage is figurative, conveying a strong sense of unity and solidarity.

This phrase is used to describe people who are united in a common cause, facing a challenge together, or showing unwavering support for one another. It implies a deep connection and a shared struggle or goal, highlighting mutual reliance and collective strength.

You will often hear être épaule contre épaule in contexts involving teamwork, social movements, or overcoming adversity. It's perfect for describing teammates on a sports field, colleagues working on a difficult project, or a community standing together against hardship.

💡 * Pendant la compétition, toute l'équipe était épaule contre épaule. (During the competition, the whole team stood shoulder to shoulder.)

• Face à l'injustice, les manifestants se tenaient épaule contre épaule. (Facing injustice, the protesters stood shoulder to shoulder.)
• Les deux amis ont traversé cette période difficile épaule contre épaule. (The two friends went through this difficult period shoulder to shoulder.)

To have a good head on one's shoulders – avoir la tête sur les épaules

The French expression avoir la tête sur les épaules literally translates to 'to have the head on the shoulders.' While this sounds like a simple physical description, its true power lies in its figurative meaning, which is remarkably similar to the English equivalent.

In practice, avoir la tête sur les épaules means to be sensible, level-headed, mature, and reasonable. It's a high compliment used to describe someone who is grounded, makes wise decisions, and doesn't get carried away by foolish impulses.

You use this idiom to praise someone's reliability and good judgment. The verb avoir (to have) must be conjugated to match the subject. For instance, you would say elle a la tête sur les épaules for 'she has a good head on her shoulders' or ils ont la tête sur les épaules for 'they have a good head on their shoulders.'

💡 * Malgré son jeune âge, ce garçon a vraiment la tête sur les épaules.

• Je te fais confiance pour ce projet, je sais que tu as la tête sur les épaules.
• Ses parents sont fiers car elle a la tête sur les épaules et réussit ses études.
• Pour gérer une entreprise, il faut avoir la tête sur les épaules.

Are there other ways to say 'shoulder' in French?

Are there other ways to say “shoulder” in French?

This article has focused on the most common word for “shoulder,” épaule. However, French also has a variety of related terms, from specific anatomical vocabulary to culinary terms and even slang.

You can expand your vocabulary by searching for specific contexts. For example, try looking up “découpes de l'épaule en boucherie” for butcher's cuts or “articulation de l'épaule” for more detailed anatomical terms.

Whenever you encounter a new word related to épaule, be sure to check its specific meaning and context. A term used in a medical textbook will be very different from one used in a recipe.

Pay attention when you're engaged with French media. Listening to conversations, watching cooking shows, or reading about sports might reveal different ways the French refer to the shoulder in everyday life.

For a deeper dive into idiomatic expressions and related vocabulary, the WordReference page for épaule is a fantastic starting point. You'll find many phrases that use the word in creative ways.

I hope this guide has given you a solid understanding of the word for 'shoulder' in French. To leave you with a useful expression, remember the phrase avoir la tête sur les épaules, which means 'to have a good head on one's shoulders'—in other words, to be sensible and down-to-earth.