un coup de foudre

love at first sight (lit. a lightning strike)

Intermediate Phrase Masculine

🔊

Pronunciation

/kud.fudʁ/

💡

Cultural Note

The French expression 'coup de foudre' — literally 'a bolt of lightning' — perfectly captures the sudden, overwhelming nature of instant attraction. It's one of the most romantic expressions in the French language and is used constantly in French cinema, literature, and everyday conversation. The French deeply believe in this phenomenon.

📝 Example Sentences

Quand je l'ai vue, ça a été le coup de foudre.

When I saw her, it was love at first sight.

Tu crois au coup de foudre ou tu penses que l'amour se construit ?

Do you believe in love at first sight or do you think love is built?

#dating #romance #attraction #idiom

Related Words

attirance

attraction / draw

Noun

charme

charm, spell, allure

Noun

tomber amoureux

to fall in love

Phrase

French Romantic Phrases for Every Occasion: Complete Guide

phrases

Discover beautiful French romantic phrases for every moment! From first dates to anniversaries, master expressions of love, flirting, and deep affection in the language of romance.

French Date Night: 35+ L'amour Words

vocabulary

Say Je t'aime beautifully! AI voice practice, Love Log vocabulary, and Word Gifts for romantic moments.

I Love You in French + Romantic Phrases