tête
head
The French word for 'head' is 'tête'. It is used in the same way as in English to refer to the top part of the human body that includes the brain, eyes, mouth, etc. It is also used metaphorically in phrases like 'prendre la tête' (to be the leader) or 'mal de tête' (headache). Just as in English, 'tête' is a versatile word in French.
Example sentences using: tête
J'ai un mal de tête terrible.
I have a terrible headache.
This phrase is used when someone is experiencing a severe headache. 'Mal de tête' literally translates to 'pain of the head', which is equivalent to 'headache' in English.
Il a perdu la tête.
He lost his mind.
This idiom is used to express that someone isn't thinking rationally or is acting out of character, similar to the English phrase 'to lose one's mind'.
Elle marche la tête haute.
She walks with her head held high.
This phrase is used to describe a person who is proud or confident, and carries herself with dignity, often in the face of adversity.
Il est tombé sur la tête.
He fell on his head.
This phrase can be used literally to describe someone falling and landing on their head. Figuratively, it can also mean someone is acting silly or crazy.
Elle ne pense qu'à elle, elle a la grosse tête.
She only thinks about herself, she has a big head.
In this sentence, 'having a big head' is a metaphorical way to say that someone is very self-centred or conceited.
Il a la tête dans les nuages.
He has his head in the clouds.
Just like in English, having your 'head in the clouds' in French means that you are daydreaming or not paying attention to what is happening around you.
Elle a la tête sur les épaules.
She has her head on her shoulders.
This phrase means that the person is sensible and thinks before they act. The English equivalent would be 'to have one's head screwed on right'.
Je dois me rafraîchir la tête.
I need to clear my head.
This phrase is used when someone needs to take a break and clear their mind, especially when faced with stress or a complex problem.
Je ne peux pas me sortir cette chanson de la tête.
I can't get this song out of my head.
This phrase is used when a song or melody is so catchy that it continues to play in your mind even when you're not actively listening to it.
Il est tombé tête première dans l'eau.
He fell headfirst into the water.
This phrase is used literally to describe someone falling into the water with their head entering first. Metaphorically, it could also indicate someone diving into a situation without thinking.