cal
/kal/masculine
The English word 'callus' can be translated into French as cal. Wiktionary also lists durillon and calus.
Meaning: hardened part of the skin (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| cal | /kal/ | masculine |
| durillon | /dy.ʁi.jɔ̃/ | masculine |
| calus | /ka.lys/ | masculine |
The term refers to a hardened part of the skin.
Which one should you use?
While cal is the general term, durillon is often used to refer specifically to a painful corn or a small, hard callus on the foot. The related term callosité is a more formal or medical term for the condition of having thickened skin.
How do you pronounce it?
/kal/
Did you know?
- In French, the term cal is also used in medicine to describe the bony bridge that forms around a fracture during the healing process of a bone.
- While 'cal' refers to the skin, the adjective 'calleux' describes a person who is emotionally hardened or insensitive.
- French uses the word cor specifically for a callus with a central core, which is distinct from the general cal used for a flat area of hardened skin.
Examples in context
- J'ai une callosité sous la plante de mon pied.I have a callus on the sole of my foot.This sentence is useful for describing a callus on the sole of a foot using the form cal.Tatoeba #10315129 by lbdx, translation #2266982 by _undertoad
- Ce cal me fait mal au pied.This callus hurts my foot.
- Il a un gros cal sur la main.He has a large callus on his hand.
Example conversation
Chloé and Nathan are discussing their foot discomfort after a long walk.
- ChloéNathan, regarde ce cal sur ton talon.Nathan, look at this callus on your heel.
- NathanOui, c'est très douloureux.Yes, it is very painful.
- ChloéTu devrais mettre un pansement.You should put a bandage on it.
- NathanTu as raison, merci Chloé.You are right, thanks Chloé.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “callus” translations and entries cal, durillon, calus, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
