couler

The French verb "couler" primarily means "to flow" or "to sink" depending on the context.

Meanings of "couler":

1. To flow or run (liquids)
   Example: L'eau coule dans la rivière.
   (The water flows in the river.)

2. To sink (a ship or object)
   Example: Le bateau a coulé après la tempête.
   (The boat sank after the storm.)

3. To dribble, leak, or drip
   Example: Le robinet coule.
   (The faucet is dripping.)

4. Figurative meanings:

   • To fail or go badly
     Example: Le projet a coulé.
     (The project failed.)
   • To die (rare and informal)
     Sometimes used in slang.

Synonyms and differences:

• S’écouler: specifically used for the flowing or draining away of liquids, often implying a continuous flow over time.
  Example: L'eau s'écoule du robinet.

• Flotter: can mean "to float" (objects on water), not to sink or flow.

• Noyer: means "to drown" (cause to sink or immerse), not to sink by itself; cause of sinking rather than the action of sinking implicitly.

Summary:

• couler is versatile for liquids flowing, objects sinking, and in figurative senses.
• Use bouche, déborder, or s'écouler when talking about liquids overflowing or draining more subtly.
• For sinking, "couler" is direct and specific.