lait maternel
masculine
The English phrase "breast milk" is translated into French as lait maternel.
The term refers to milk produced by humans.
Meaning: milk produced by humans (noun)
Which one should you use?
While lait maternel is the standard term, you may encounter the informal expressions le jus de maman and le lait de maman.
How does it change in a sentence?
The term lait maternel is a masculine noun.
Did you know?
- In French, the word maternel is used not only for milk but also to describe the 'maternelle', which is the specific preschool level for children aged three to six.
- If you use the informal le jus de maman in a doctor's office, it might sound slightly comical or overly precious, as 'jus' literally means 'juice'.
- The French word lait shares a root with the English word 'lactate' and the Latin word lac, which also gives us the name for the 'lactose' sugar found in milk.
Examples in context
- Il ne boit pas assez de lait maternel.He doesn't drink enough breast milk.This sentence is useful for showing how to use lait maternel in a negative statement regarding consumption.Tatoeba #844090 by sacredceltic, translation #1426713 by grahambond
- Ma sœur est en train d'allaiter son bébé avec le lait maternel.My sister is breastfeeding her baby with breast milk.
- Le lait maternel est très nutritif.Breast milk is very nutritious.
- Elle conserve le lait maternel au frais.She keeps the breast milk cool.
Example conversation
A couple discussing their newborn's feeding.
- LéaEst-ce que le bébé aime le lait maternel ?Does the baby like breast milk?
- GabrielOui, Léa, il semble très content.Yes, Léa, he seems very happy.
- LéaC'est super pour sa santé.That is great for his health.
- GabrielJe suis d'accord avec toi.I agree with you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “breast milk” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries lait, maternel, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
