noun

le genou

knee

C'est la partie de la jambe qui relie la cuisse au bas de la jambe et qui permet de plier la jambe.

Definition & meaning

The French word "genou" means "knee" in English. It refers to the joint connecting the thigh and the lower leg, which allows the leg to bend and support the body’s weight.
In a figurative sense, it can sometimes appear in expressions related to humility, submission, or posture — for example, “mettre un genou à terre” (to kneel down).

Grammar & Word origin

Gender: masculine (un genou, le genou)
Plural: les genoux
Etymology: derives from Old French genol, from Latin genu, which also means "knee".
The word shares its Indo-European root with English “knee” and German “Knie”.

Synonyms & antonyms

There are no true direct synonyms, as genou is an anatomical term, but in poetic or figurative contexts it could relate to "jambe" (leg).
No real antonym exists, though if used figuratively (e.g. kneeling vs. standing), "pied" (foot) or "debout" (standing) could be seen as oppositional in imagery rather than meaning.