implant mammaire
masculine
The English phrase 'breast implant' is translated into French as implant mammaire.
This term refers to a medical prosthesis.
Meaning: medical prosthesis (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The term is composed of the noun implant and the adjective mammaire, which means 'pertaining to the breasts'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
implant mammaire is a common way to say breast implant, but the term prothèse mammaire is the more formal medical term used by healthcare professionals. In informal speech, one might hear the expression Se refaire les seins, which means 'to have one's breasts redone'.
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the phrase plural, both the noun and the adjective must take an 's', resulting in implants mammaires.
Did you know?
- Unlike in English, where 'breast' can be a general term, French uses mammaire specifically for the anatomical or medical aspect, whereas poitrine is used for the chest area in a more general or aesthetic sense.
- The word mammaire shares a common ancestor with the English word 'mammal', as both stem from the Latin 'mamma' meaning 'breast'.
- The phrase se refaire les seins uses the reflexive verb se refaire, which literally means 'to remake oneself', suggesting a total transformation of the person's image.
Examples in context
- J'ai subi une chirurgie d'implantation de prothèse mammaire.I underwent breast implant surgery.
- Elle a décidé de se faire poser des implants mammaires.She decided to have breast implants put in.
- L'implant mammaire est de bonne qualité.The breast implant is of good quality.
- Elle a un nouvel implant mammaire.She has a new breast implant.
- Le chirurgien vérifie l'implant mammaire.The surgeon is checking the breast implant.
Example conversation
Emma is talking to Lucas about her recent surgery.
- LucasComment se passe ta récupération, Emma ?How is your recovery going, Emma?
- EmmaC'est difficile, mais mon implant mammaire est bien placé.It is difficult, but my breast implant is well placed.
- LucasJe suis content que tout aille bien pour toi.I am glad that everything is going well for you.
- EmmaMerci Lucas, c'est très gentil.Thank you Lucas, that is very kind.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “breast implant” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mammaire, CC BY-SA 4.0.
