Definition
The heart — the organ in your chest, or the emotional center of a person. Often used to express feelings, courage, or the core of something.
Example
Elle a parlé avec tout son cœur ce soir.
Show translation
She spoke with all her heart this evening.
Etymology
From Latin *cor* (heart), from Proto-Indo-European *ḱḗr. The same root gives English "cordial" (warm-hearted) and "courage" — which in Old French literally meant "what is in the heart."
Cultural note
*Cœur* is one of the most culturally loaded words in French. Expressions built on it are everywhere: *par cœur* (by heart = memorized), *avoir le cœur sur la main* (to be very generous, lit. "to have one's heart in one's hand"), and *coup de cœur* (a sudden infatuation or favorite thing — you'll see this on menus and shop signs across France). Learners sometimes confuse *le cœur* (heart) with *le corps* (body), so watch the spelling carefully.