une paire / un couple

Question

I thought "une paire" could be used as well as "un couple".  Does "une paire" imply something like "two things that match/belong together", more than "un couple" does?  In English, I would very likely refer to two horses in a field as "a pair of horses", whether they looked alike or not.

Céline Pickard · Accepted Answer

Bonjour Diana,
That's an excellent question!
In French, "un couple" and "une paire" both refer to "two of something" but they’re not used in the same contexts:
Laura et Philippe sont le couple parfait ! = Laura and Philippe are the perfect couple!
-> two people in a romantic relationship*
*with the exception of "un couple de danseurs exceptionel = an exceptional dancing duo"
Marc et Paul sont une paire d'amis inséparables. = Marc and Paul are a pair od inseparable friends.
-> two people in an friendly relationship
J'ai acheté une nouvelle paire de chaussures. = I bought a new pair of shoes.
-> two matching items, i.e. a set
 
I hope this is helpful.
Bonne journée !