couper
cut
C'est séparer une chose en deux ou plusieurs parties avec un objet tranchant comme des ciseaux ou un couteau.
The French word "couper" is a verb that means "to cut" in English.
Meaning:
- Couper refers to the action of using a tool (like scissors, a knife, or any cutting instrument) to divide or cut through something. For example, cutting paper, hair, or fabric.
- It can also be used figuratively, for example, "couper la parole" means to interrupt someone while they are speaking.
- Additionally, "couper" can mean to stop or break a connection, like "couper le courant" (to cut off the electricity).
Parts of the word:
- Root: coupe- comes from Latin colpare.
- The verb is regular in the first group (-er verbs).
French synonyms:
- Trancher (to slice or cut more decisively)
- Sectionner (to section or cut through)
- Découper (to cut out or to slice into smaller pieces)
French antonyms:
- Assembleur (to assemble), technically opposite to separating by cutting.
- Coller (to stick or glue, opposite to separating)
- Joindre (to join)
Summary:
"Couper" is a versatile verb used primarily for physical cutting but also in more figurative senses related to breaking connections or interrupting.
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Examples
Je vais couper le pain.verb
I am going to cut the bread.
Marie veut couper les légumes.verb
Marie wants to cut the vegetables.
Il coupe ses cheveux.verb
He is cutting his hair.
Pourquoi coupez-vous le papier avec une règle?verb
Why are you cutting the paper with a ruler?
Nous avons coupé le gâteau hier.verb
We cut the cake yesterday.
Les enfants coupent les fruits pour le dessert.verb
The children cut the fruits for dessert.
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