cellules cérébrales
The English phrase 'brain cells' is translated into French as cellules cérébrales.
This phrase is used to refer to the biological cells that compose the brain.
What does it mean word for word?
The term is composed of cellules (cells) and cérébrales (relating to the brain).
Which one should you use?
While cellules cérébrales and cellules neuronales are both formal ways to say 'brain cells', in biological or medical contexts, French speakers are more likely to use the word neurones to refer to brain cells.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase is feminine plural, so both the noun and the adjective must take the feminine plural endings. The singular form for a single 'brain cell' is cellule cérébrale.
Did you know?
- Calling someone cérébral can actually be a subtle criticism in French, implying they are too much in their head and not enough in their heart.
- While cellules cérébrales is the literal term, French speakers often use matière grise (grey matter) as a colloquial synonym for intelligence or brain power.
- The adjective cérébrales comes from the Latin cerebrum, which also gave English the word 'cerebellum'. In French, cerveau is the common word for 'brain', but cérébral is reserved for technical or descriptive contexts.
Examples in context
- Les chercheurs étudient actuellement les cellules cérébrales dans le cadre de leurs recherches sur les maladies neurologiques.Researchers are currently studying brain cells in the context of their research on neurological diseases.
- Il faut mobiliser nos neurones pour résoudre ce problème complexe.We need to use our brain cells to solve this complex problem.
- Je suis content d'avoir encore un peu de matière grise pour comprendre ce roman.I'm glad I still have some brain cells left to understand this novel.
- Il faut protéger ses cellules cérébrales.You must protect your brain cells.
- Le manque de sommeil affecte les cellules cérébrales.Lack of sleep affects brain cells.
- Les scientifiques étudient les cellules cérébrales.Scientists study brain cells.
Example conversation
Nathan and Manon are discussing a science article.
- NathanCet article parle des cellules cérébrales.This article talks about brain cells.
- ManonC'est fascinant, Nathan.It's fascinating, Nathan.
- NathanLe fonctionnement des cellules cérébrales est complexe.The functioning of brain cells is complex.
- ManonJe suis d'accord avec toi.I agree with you.
