avoir une âme

/avwaʁ yn‿ɑm/

to have soul or depth

Ce tableau a une âme.

This painting has soul.

◆ What It Really Means

To possess an intangible, meaningful essence or depth.

¶ Literal Meaning

To literally have a soul or spiritual essence.

Literal Breakdown

avoirto possess+une âmea soul

◇ Mental Image

A metaphorical soul or essence that gives life, meaning, or character to something.

◈ When to Use

Describing a person who is deeply empathetic or an old building that retains its historical character.

◉ Cultural Note

The phrase reflects French cultural values of depth, authenticity, and emotional resonance in art and life.

literary

To possess an inner essence, depth, or meaningful quality that transcends the physical or superficial.

Cette ville a une âme, malgré sa modernité.

This city has soul, despite its modernity.

Often used to describe art, places, or people with profound character or emotional resonance.

Collocations

avoir une âme sensibleto have a sensitive soulperdre son âmeto lose one's soul

Synonyms

avoir du caractère avoir de la profondeur

Antonyms

être superficiel être vide

Related Phrases

perdre son âmeidiom

to lose one's soul or integrity

Pro Tip

Cultural Nuance

In French, 'avoir une âme' often implies a connection to tradition, history, or emotional authenticity.

Gold Rule

Literal vs. Figurative

Avoid translating literally as 'to have a soul' in contexts where 'soul' isn't the primary connotation.

Word Origin

From the French verb 'avoir' (to have) and the noun 'âme' (soul), reflecting the idea of possessing an intangible essence.

Usage Notes

Common in literary and philosophical contexts to describe things or people with depth or emotional significance.

Word Breakdown

avoir

to have

verb

une âme

a soul

noun

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