verb

trembler

tremble

C’est bouger rapidement et légèrement, souvent parce qu’on a peur, froid ou qu’on est nerveux.

The French verb "trembler" means "to tremble" or "to shake." It describes an involuntary, small, rapid movement, often due to cold, fear, excitement, or weakness.

Meaning:

To physically shake or shiver.
To be nervous, anxious, or scared.
Can also describe things that move unsteadily (e.g., a trembling flame).

Example sentences:

Ses mains tremblent de froid. — His hands are trembling from the cold.
Elle tremblait de peur avant l'examen. — She was trembling with fear before the exam.

Synonyms and differences:

frissonner: Often means to shiver or shudder, generally linked more explicitly to cold or a chill.
secouer: Means "to shake" but usually implies deliberate action (e.g., to shake a bottle).
vaciller: Means "to waver" or "to flicker," often used for lights or someone unsteady on their feet, different from the small, rapid movements implied by "trembler."

In summary, "trembler" focuses on involuntary shaking usually caused by a physical or emotional reaction.