This is the 2175th most frequent French word.
coupables
Guilty.
In this context, 'coupables' conveys a feeling of guilt or remorse felt by the students.
Les élèves se sentaient coupables pour avoir bavardé en classe.
The students felt guilty for chatting in class.
Here, 'coupables' is used as an adjective describing the state of being guilty about committing crimes.
Les voleurs sont coupables de leurs crimes.
The thieves are guilty of their crimes.
The word 'coupable' here is used to indicate the person who is responsible for a wrongdoing.