Published November 9, 2020 • Updated September 2, 2026 — By French teacher David Issokson with native audio by Marie Assel Cambier
Coup de foudre meaning
Coup de foudre is a very common French expression meaning “love at first sight.” Literally, un coup de foudre means “a lightning strike.” The image is of suddenly being struck by intense romantic attraction.
Coup de foudre pronunciation
IPA pronunciation of coup de foudre is /ku də fudʁ/, which sounds approximately like “koo duh foodr.”
Example Sentences
Love at first sight
Pierre a eu le coup de foudre pour Julie.
Pierre fell in love with Julie at first sight.
Quand j’ai vu Sylvie, ça a été le coup de foudre.
When I saw Sylvie, it was love at first sight.
Weather usage
First and foremost, coup de foudre is a French weather term meaning “lightning”, “lightning strike” or “lightning bolt”. For example:
Il y aura des coups de foudre cet après-midi.
There will be lightning this afternoon.
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Expression origin
In the late 18th century, French speakers began using it figuratively to describe a sudden, overwhelming emotional shock, especially an immediate and intense romantic attraction. The metaphor is easy to understand: love appears suddenly, powerfully, and without warning, just like being struck by lightning.
Related French Words & Expressions
- tomber amoureux / amoureuse — to fall in love
- avoir le coup de foudre — love at first sight
- craquer pour quelqu’un — to fall for someone
- avoir un faible pour quelqu’un — to have a soft spot for someone
- un coup de cœur — an instant favorite
- être amoureux / amoureuse — to be in love
📚 Related lessons
👉 Avoir conjugations »
👉 Être conjugations »
👉 Je t’aime – I love you »
👉 Coup (strike, hit) »
👉 French Pick-Up Lines »
👉 Terms of Endearment »
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