verb

coule

flow · run

C’est quand un liquide descend ou se déplace vers le bas, comme l’eau d’une rivière.

The word "coule" in French is the third-person singular present tense form of the verb "couler," which means "to flow," "to sink," or "to run" depending on the context.

Meaning of "coule":

To flow: Used for liquids like water or lava.
Example: L’eau coule dans la rivière. (The water flows in the river.)
To sink: Used for boats or objects going under the water.
Example: Le bateau coule. (The boat is sinking.)
To run: Can also mean things like tears running down or colors running (in fabrics).

Synonyms and differences:

flux / circuler: These words generally mean "to flow," but "circuler" is used more for air, traffic, or information, while "couler" is for liquids.
s’enfoncer / sombrer: These both mean "to sink," more poetic or specific than "couler." For example, "sombrer" often carries a sense of finally going under or perishing.
fuir: Means "to leak or escape," but does not carry the steady movement connotation as "couler."

In sum, "coule" specifically evokes flowing or sinking actions, usually of liquids or objects in liquid.