French word of the day: Epauler
When French people give a shoulder, it's rarely cold. Here's why.
Why do I need to know épauler?
Because you don’t want to translate it into the English expression of ‘giving someone a cold shoulder’.
What does it mean?
Quite the opposite. Epauler literally means ‘to shoulder’, but it really is a way of expressing 'help', 'support' or 'backup'.
The English equivalent would be 'giving someone a leg-up' or 'having someone's back'.
It's a versatile verb and can also mean 'reinforce' or strengthen. Use it in the same way you would use soutenir (support) or donner un coup de main (giving a helping hand).
It's not quite the same as se serrer les coudes (locking elbows), which means 'standing together'. Both are actions of solidarity, they're just a little different. Whereas se serrer les coudes is about helping each other, épauler implies someone helping someone else.
Use it like this
Je t'épaules. - I've got your back.
Tu m'épaules ? - You've got my back?
Ne t'inquiètes pas, on va t'épauler. - Don't worry, we'll help you.
Tous les jours après l'école il épaulait ses parents en faisant les ménages. - Every day after school he helped his parents by cleaning the house.
Le gouvernement français a mis en place plusieurs mesures pour épauler les entreprises impactées par le coronavirus. - The French government has put in place a series of measures to support business affected by the coronavirus.
Synonyms
Soutenir - support
Appuyer - back up
Assister - assist
Donner un coup de main - giving a helping hand
Comments
See Also
Why do I need to know épauler?
Because you don’t want to translate it into the English expression of ‘giving someone a cold shoulder’.
What does it mean?
Quite the opposite. Epauler literally means ‘to shoulder’, but it really is a way of expressing 'help', 'support' or 'backup'.
The English equivalent would be 'giving someone a leg-up' or 'having someone's back'.
It's a versatile verb and can also mean 'reinforce' or strengthen. Use it in the same way you would use soutenir (support) or donner un coup de main (giving a helping hand).
It's not quite the same as se serrer les coudes (locking elbows), which means 'standing together'. Both are actions of solidarity, they're just a little different. Whereas se serrer les coudes is about helping each other, épauler implies someone helping someone else.
Use it like this
Je t'épaules. - I've got your back.
Join the conversation in our comments section below. Share your own views and experience and if you have a question or suggestion for our journalists then email us at [email protected].
Please keep comments civil, constructive and on topic – and make sure to read our terms of use before getting involved.
Please log in here to leave a comment.