virus du rhume
The English phrase "cold virus" is translated into French as virus du rhume.
This phrase is used to refer specifically to a virus that causes the common cold.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of virus (virus), du (of the) and rhume (cold).
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun virus is masculine, so when using the definite article, it becomes le virus du rhume to mean "the cold virus".
Did you know?
- The word rhume shares its root with the English word 'rheumatism', as both come from the Greek word for 'flow'.
- While English uses the temperature word 'cold' for both the weather and the illness, the French word rhume has no connection to temperature and refers only to the physical 'flow' of mucus.
- In French, the word rhume can also be used in the expression avoir le rhume au nez, which literally means 'to have the cold in the nose'.
Examples in context
- Le virus du rhume est très contagieux.The cold virus is very contagious.
- Le virus du rhume se transmet vite.The cold virus spreads quickly.
- Je pense avoir attrapé un virus du rhume.I think I caught a cold virus.
Example conversation
Nathan and Léa are talking about why Léa is feeling unwell.
- NathanTu es malade, Léa ?Are you sick, Léa?
- LéaOui, je pense que c'est un virus du rhume.Yes, I think it is a cold virus.
- NathanRepose-toi bien pour guérir.Get some good rest to recover.
- LéaMerci, Nathan.Thanks, Nathan.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries du, rhume, virus, CC BY-SA 4.0.
