noun

le bras

arm

Partie du corps humain qui va de l’épaule à la main et qui sert à porter ou bouger des choses.

The French word "bras" means "arm." It usually refers to the part of the human body between the shoulder and the hand.

Meaning:

Physically, "bras" is the limb that connects the shoulder to the hand.
It is used in both anatomical and figurative contexts (e.g., “avoir les bras fatigués” means "to have tired arms," and “mettre la main à la pâte” means starting to work, but with "bras" you have expressions like "à bras ouverts," meaning "with open arms").

Synonyms and differences:

"Main": means "hand," the part at the end of the arm. Not interchangeable with "bras."
"Avant-bras": means "forearm," the lower part of the arm between the elbow and the wrist.
"Épaule": means "shoulder," the joint that connects the arm to the torso.

Unlike "bras," these terms denote specific parts related to or connected with the arm, but they are not synonyms.

In some expressions, "bras" can also figuratively refer to help or support (like “donner un coup de bras” meaning "to lend a hand/help"). The word is neutral and used in both formal and informal language.