French for English speakers Townhall · Lesson 3

Symptoms 2

Describe symptoms in French — J'ai un mauvais rhume (I have a bad cold) — and respond to Peux-tu respirer par le nez ? (Can you breathe through your nose?).

Conversation

  1. Honey Honey

    J'ai un mauvais rhume

    I have a bad cold.

  2. Yennifer Yennifer

    Peux-tu respirer par le nez ?

    Can you breathe through your nose?

  3. Honey Honey

    Oui, mais je n'arrive pas à bien dormir chez moi.

    Yes, but I don't sleep well at home.

    Tip: <n'arriver pas à faire quelque chose> means to not be able to do something.

  4. Yennifer Yennifer

    Peut-être devrions-nous aller chez le médecin.

    Maybe we need to go to the doctor.

Common questions

Quick answers about this lesson's grammar and vocabulary.

How do you say 'I have a cold' in French?

J'ai un rhume. For 'bad cold': j'ai un mauvais rhume. J'ai la grippe = 'I have the flu' (stronger).

Respiratory symptoms in French?

La toux (cough), le nez bouché (stuffy nose), la gorge qui pique (sore throat), l'essoufflement (shortness of breath).

Body parts for breathing?

Le nez (nose), la bouche (mouth), la gorge (throat), les poumons (lungs), la respiration (breathing).

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