Os du corps humain en français, or the bones of the human body in French, are terribly important when it comes to keeping all the other body parts from flopping around all over the place. This time we will be taking a look at body parts in French, especially the bones, and learning a bit more about how useful they are in holding everything about our bodies together.
The Skeletal System In French
To delve into the world of French bone-related terms, it is crucial to have a basic understanding of the skeletal system. In French, the skeletal system is referred to as “le système squelettique” or “l’appareil locomoteur.” This system comprises different types of bones that provide structure, support, and protection to “le corps” (the body).
Vocabulary For Major Bones (Des Os)
Cranium – Le Crâne
[Speechword voice=”French Female” isinline]Le Crâne[/Speechword]
The skull, or “le crâne,” is the protective bony structure that houses the brain. It is made up of several bones, including the frontal bone (os frontal), the parietal bones (os pariétal), the occipital bone (os occipital), and the temporal bones (os temporal). As well as housing the brain, the skull helps to give shape to la tête (head), and le visage (face). It also makes sure les cheveux (hair) stays mainly on the top of our heads, and les yeux (eyes) don’t fall out.
Femur – Le Fémur
[Speechword voice=”French Female” isinline]Le Fémur[/Speechword]
The femur, or “le fémur,” is the largest bone in the human body, located in the upper leg. It connects the hip joint to the knee joint and plays a crucial role in supporting the weight of other body parts as we move about.
Humerus – L’Humerus
[Speechword voice=”French Female” isinline]L’Humerus[/Speechword]
L’humerus, or the humerus, is the long bone found in the upper arm or forelimb on either side of the upper body. It extends from the shoulder to the elbow, forming part of the shoulder and elbow joints. Les mains (hands) can be located at the end of le bras (arms) and are extremely helpful body parts when it comes to catching things, picking things up, or typing this blog.
Tibia – Le Tibia
[Speechword voice=”French Female” isinline]Le Tibia[/Speechword]
Le tibia, or the tibia, is the larger of the two bones in the lower leg, commonly known as the shinbone. It plays a crucial role in supporting body weight and acts as a major site for muscle attachment.
Fibula – La Fibula
[Speechword voice=”French Female” isinline]La Fibula[/Speechword]
La fibula, or the fibula, is the smaller of the two bones in the lower leg. It runs parallel to the tibia and plays a supporting role in providing stability and muscle attachment.

Bone-Related Phrases
“Avoir Les Os Solides”
[Speechword voice=”French Female” isinline]Avoir Les Os Solides[/Speechword]
The French expression “avoir les os solides” translates to “to have strong bones.” This phrase is used metaphorically to describe someone who is physically strong or resilient. It is also a phrase used to promote milk for its calcium as a builder of strong bones and to sell vitamin pills.
“Casser Les Os”
[Speechword voice=”French Female” isinline]Casser Les Os[/Speechword]
The phrase “casser les os” literally means “to break bones” in French. Figuratively, it is used to describe a challenging or difficult situation that requires significant effort to overcome. “Des bâtons et des pierres pourraient me casser les os…” “Sticks and stones may break my bones…” is the first line of a body part related poem about how harsh words can be just as hurtful, if not more so, as physical pain.
“Rire À Se Tordre Les Os”
[Speechword voice=”French Female” isinline]Rire À Se Tordre Les Os[/Speechword]
Translated as “to laugh until your bones twist,” this phrase depicts extreme laughter. It implies that the laughter is so intense that it causes physical discomfort until your head hurts and your internal organs ache.
Anatomical Terminology
“Articulation” – Joint
[Speechword voice=”French Female” isinline]Articulation[/Speechword]
The term “articulation” is used in French to refer to a joint, where two or more bones come together. It encompasses various types of joints, such as hinge joints (articulation à charnière) and ball-and-socket joints (articulation sphéroïde).
“Cartilage” – Cartilage
[Speechword voice=”French Female” isinline]Cartilage[/Speechword]
“Cartilage” is the same word in French and English and refers to the firm, flexible connective tissue found between bones in many parts of the body. It provides cushioning and reduces friction in joints.

Medical Professions Related To Bones
“Orthopédiste” – Orthopedist
[Speechword voice=”French Female” isinline]Orthopédiste[/Speechword]
An orthopedist, or “un orthopédiste,” is a medical professional who specializes in the treatment of bone and joint disorders. They diagnose, manage, and provide surgical or non-surgical interventions for musculoskeletal conditions.
“Rhumatologue” – Rheumatologist
[Speechword voice=”French Female” isinline]Rhumatologue[/Speechword]
A “rhumatologue” is a rheumatologist, a medical specialist who focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting the joints, muscles, and bones. They address conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis, and autoimmune disorders.
A Recap Of The Bones Of The Human Body In French
French Names For Arm Bones
English | French | Sound |
Collar bone | La clavicule | [Speechword voice=”French Female” isinline]La clavicule[/Speechword] |
Shoulder blade | L’omoplate | [Speechword voice=”French Female” isinline]L’omoplate[/Speechword] |
Humerus | L’humérus (m | [Speechword voice=”French Female” isinline]L’humérus[/Speechword] |
Ulna | Le cubitus | [Speechword voice=”French Female” isinline]Le cubitus[/Speechword] |
Radius | Le radius | [Speechword voice=”French Female” isinline]Le radius[/Speechword] |
French Vocabulary For The Bones Of The Leg
English | French | Sound |
Hip | La hanche | [Speechword voice=”French Female” isinline]La hanche[/Speechword] |
Femur | Le fémur | [Speechword voice=”French Female” isinline]Le fémur[/Speechword] |
Rotula | La rotule | [Speechword voice=”French Female” isinline]La rotule[/Speechword] |
Tibia | Le tibia | [Speechword voice=”French Female” isinline]Le tibia[/Speechword] |
Fibula | Le péroné | [Speechword voice=”French Female” isinline]Le péroné[/Speechword] |
More Bone Names In French
English | French | Sound |
Skull | Le crâne | [Speechword voice=”French Female” isinline]Le crâne[/Speechword] |
Spine | La colonne vertébrale | [Speechword voice=”French Female” isinline]La colonne vertébrale[/Speechword] |
Vertebra | Une vertèbre | [Speechword voice=”French Female” isinline]Une vertèbre[/Speechword] |
Sternum | Le sternum | [Speechword voice=”French Female” isinline]Le sternum[/Speechword] |
Rib cage | La cage thoracique | [Speechword voice=”French Female” isinline]La cage thoracique[/Speechword] |
Rib | Une côte | [Speechword voice=”French Female” isinline]Une côte[/Speechword] |
Pelvis | Le pelvis, le bassin | [Speechword voice=”French Female” isinline]Le pelvis, le bassin[/Speechword] |
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