seins
The English phrase 'breasts' is translated into French as seins.
The term seins is used to refer to the mammary glands of a human female. In more formal or clinical contexts, you may also see the term la poitrine, which refers to the upper chest area and can be used to describe the breasts politely.
Which one should you use?
While seins refers specifically to the breasts, poitrine is a more clinical or polite term used to refer to the chest area or the breasts in a medical or formal context.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Les seins is the most common and neutral term used in formal contexts. If you are among friends, you might use the slang term les nichons or the informal, playful term les nénés.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form of the word is sein.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using les mamelles to refer to human breasts. This is considered vulgar or dehumanizing because it literally refers to the udders of animals.
Did you know?
- The word sein is also used in the phrase au sein de, which means 'within' or 'at the heart of' an organization or group.
- The slang term nichons is derived from a word meaning 'nests', imagining the breasts as cozy spots.
- While seins is neutral, calling a woman's chest une poitrine généreuse is the standard idiomatic way to say she is 'busty' without being vulgar.
Examples in context
- Elle a de gros seins.She has large breasts.This sentence illustrates the use of seins to describe physical attributes.Tatoeba #784421 by sacredceltic, translation #784435 by Scott
- Il me pousse des seins.I am growing breasts.This sentence shows the use of seins regarding physical development.Tatoeba #3144725 by sacredceltic, translation #2998750 by annabelle
- Il m'a attrapé les seins.He grabbed my breasts.This sentence demonstrates the use of seins in a physical context.Tatoeba #2200636 by sacredceltic, translation #2199553 by Hybrid
- Elle a de beaux seins.She has beautiful breasts.
- 21 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A doctor is examining a female patient.
- LucasJe dois examiner vos seins.I must examine your breasts.
- ChloéD'accord, docteur.Okay, doctor.
- LucasEst-ce que vous ressentez une douleur dans les seins ?Do you feel any pain in your breasts?
- ChloéUn peu, sur le côté gauche.A little, on the left side.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
