How to Say “Doctor” in French: Formal and Informal Ways

If you’re learning French or planning a trip to a French-speaking country, it can be helpful to know how to say “doctor” in French. In this guide, we’ll explore the different formal and informal ways to refer to a doctor, along with some regional variations that you might encounter. We’ll provide you with plenty of tips and examples to help you navigate conversations where medical professionals are involved.

Formal Ways to Say “Doctor” in French

When referring to a doctor in a formal context, you can use the following terms:

1. Médecin: This is the most common formal term for a doctor in French. It is the equivalent of the English term “physician.” For example:

“Mon médecin m’a prescrit des antibiotiques.”

(My doctor prescribed me antibiotics.)

Docteur: This term is also used formally to address medical doctors. It is equivalent to the English term “doctor.” For example:

“Demandez au docteur ce qu’il en pense.”

(Ask the doctor what he thinks about it.)

Docteur en médecine: This term is used when referring to a medical doctor specifically. It is similar to saying “doctor of medicine” in English.

Informal Ways to Say “Doctor” in French

When you’re in an informal setting or having a conversation with friends, you can use these terms to refer to a doctor:

1. Doc: This term is a casual and shortened version of “docteur.” It is often used in spoken French among friends or in informal contexts. For example:

“Je vais voir le doc demain pour mon mal de tête.”

(I’m going to see the doc tomorrow for my headache.)

Médecin traitant: This term refers to a general practitioner or family doctor. It is commonly used in informal conversations to discuss the doctor you regularly see. For example:

“J’ai rendez-vous avec mon médecin traitant cette semaine.”

(I have an appointment with my family doctor this week.)

Médecin de famille: This term has a similar meaning to “médecin traitant” and is often used interchangeably. It refers to the doctor who provides ongoing care to a patient.

Regional Variations

French is spoken across various countries and regions, which can lead to some regional variations in how “doctor” is referred to. Here are a few examples:

1. In Quebec (Canada), “docteur” is commonly used for both formal and informal contexts. However, in a more informal setting, you may come across the term “doc” used similarly to the informal usage in France.
2. In Belgium, the term “médecin” is used both formally and informally, much like in France.
3. In Switzerland, the term “Arzt” is used in German-speaking regions, while “médecin” is used in French-speaking regions. These terms are used formally.

Tips and Cultural Insights

When discussing healthcare or referring to medical professionals in French, it’s essential to keep the following tips and cultural insights in mind:

• French formalities: French culture places a strong emphasis on formalities and respect. Therefore, it is generally advisable to opt for the more formal terms, such as “Médecin” or “Docteur,” especially when interacting with people you don’t know well.
• Getting an appointment: When making an appointment with a doctor in France, it is customary to address them with a formal title and their last name. For example, “Bonjour, Docteur Dupont, je voudrais prendre rendez-vous.”
• Patient records: In France, medical professionals refer to patients using their last names, followed by the honorific title “Monsieur” or “Madame.” For instance, “Monsieur Martin.”
• French medical system: It’s worth noting that in France, the healthcare system is based on having a “médecin traitant” or family doctor who serves as the first point of contact for any health concerns. This is different from some other healthcare systems where patients have more freedom to choose specialists directly.