Introduction
The field of health and medicine is vital in every culture, and understanding the terminology in French can be crucial for communication in medical contexts. This guide explores key terms and phrases used in French-speaking medical environments.
Common Terms
General Vocabulary
| French | English |
|---|---|
| Médecin | Doctor |
| Hôpital | Hospital |
| Médicament | Medication |
| Pharmacie | Pharmacy |
| Infirmier/Infirmière | Nurse |
| Clinique | Clinic |
| Dentiste | Dentist |
| Spécialiste | Specialist |
| Chirurgien | Surgeon |
| Urgence | Emergency |
Body Parts
| French | English |
|---|---|
| Tête | Head |
| Bras | Arm |
| Jambe | Leg |
| Cœur | Heart |
| Poumon | Lung |
| Estomac | Stomach |
| Dos | Back |
| Main | Hand |
| Pied | Foot |
| Oreille | Ear |
Medical Conditions
| French | English |
|---|---|
| Maladie | Disease |
| Infection | Infection |
| Blessure | Injury |
| Fièvre | Fever |
| Douleur | Pain |
| Allergie | Allergy |
| Toux | Cough |
| Rhume | Cold |
| Grippe | Flu |
| Diabète | Diabetes |
Treatments & Procedures
| French | English |
|---|---|
| Vaccin | Vaccine |
| Opération | Surgery |
| Traitement | Treatment |
| Consultation | Consultation |
| Prescription | Prescription |
| Thérapie | Therapy |
| Radiographie | X-ray |
| Analyse sanguine | Blood test |
| Rééducation | Rehabilitation |
| Pansement | Bandage |
Specialized Vocabulary
| French | English |
|---|---|
| Cardiologie | Cardiology |
| Dermatologie | Dermatology |
| Pédiatrie | Pediatrics |
| Psychiatrie | Psychiatry |
| Neurologie | Neurology |
| Gynécologie | Gynecology |
| Orthopédie | Orthopedics |
| Anesthésie | Anesthesia |
| Oncologie | Oncology |
| Radiologie | Radiology |
Essential Phrases
Seeking Medical Help
- Je dois voir un médecin.
I need to see a doctor.
- Où est l'hôpital le plus proche ?
Where is the nearest hospital?
- J'ai une ordonnance.
I have a prescription.
- C'est une urgence médicale.
This is a medical emergency.
- Puis-je parler à un infirmier/une infirmière ?
Can I speak to a nurse?
Describing Symptoms
- J'ai mal à la tête.
I have a headache.
- J'ai de la fièvre.
I have a fever.
- Je ressens une douleur ici.
I feel pain here.
- Je suis allergique à...
I am allergic to...
- Je tousse beaucoup.
I am coughing a lot.
Common Questions
- Quels sont les effets secondaires ?
What are the side effects?
- Combien de fois par jour ?
How many times a day?
- Est-ce que c'est sérieux ?
Is it serious?
Conclusion
Understanding medical terminology in French is essential for effective communication in healthcare settings. Whether you're visiting a doctor, describing symptoms, or seeking emergency assistance, these terms and phrases will help you navigate the medical world in French.