The word coup means a blow, or an unexpected movement. In French, you encounter this word frequently in various expressions.

Are you already familiar with these expressions using the word coup? Discover their meanings and expand your French vocabulary.

Love at first sight? In French, that is called a coup de foudre.
>> Literally: a lightning strike.

The meaning in French: Amour soudain et passionné, souvent à première vue.

If you have a favorite person in French, they are your coup de coeur.
>> Literally: a blow to the heart. It is worth noting that heartbeat is translated as le battement de coeur or le rythme cardiaque.

The meaning in French: Un sentiment d’affection ou d’admiration soudain pour quelque chose ou quelqu’un.

If you have a stroke of luck, you say: coup de chance.
>> Literally: a blow of luck.

The meaning in French: Une opportunité ou un événement positif inattendu.

If, on the other hand, you have a sudden energy dip, you have a coup de barre.
>> Literally: a blow from a bar.

The meaning in French: Une baisse soudaine d’énergie.

If you have an outburst of anger in French, you have a coup de gueule.
>> Literally: a blow from a snout.

The meaning in French: Une manifestation soudaine de colère ou d’indignation.