commotion cérébrale
feminine
The French word for concussion is commotion cérébrale. Wiktionary also lists commotion.
Meaning: injury (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| commotion cérébrale | feminine | |
| commotion | /kɔ.mɔ.sjɔ̃/ | feminine |
The term refers to a brain injury. In medical contexts, the shorter form commotion is often used as a shorthand for the full term.
Which one should you use?
Commotion cérébrale is the complete term, while commotion is a shorter version frequently used in medical settings.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word commotion is a feminine noun.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use the English word concussion when speaking French. In French, concussion refers to the collection of taxes or fees rather than a brain injury.
Did you know?
- French law distinguishes concussion from corruption because the former involves an official taking money they believe they are entitled to, even if they are not.
- While commotion refers to a brain injury in a medical context, in everyday conversation it often means a state of emotional agitation or a violent disturbance.
- The word commotion shares the same root as the English 'commotion', which refers to a state of noisy disturbance or chaos.
Examples in context
- Ma fille a eu une commotion.My daughter had a concussion.This sentence is useful for saying that someone had a commotion.Tatoeba #3660850 by sacredceltic, translation #1048937 by ondo
- Yanni a souffert d'une commotion cérébrale.Yanni had a concussion.This sentence is useful for saying that someone suffered from a commotion.Tatoeba #12481964 by always, translation #9958813 by Amastan
- Après une commotion cérébrale, il a légèrement souffert d'amnésie.After a concussion, he suffered mildly from amnesia.This sentence is useful for describing the effects following a commotion.Tatoeba #8923038 by lbdx, translation #6907560 by swolesuki
Example conversation
Hugo and Manon are discussing a friend's recent accident.
- HugoEst-ce qu'il a une commotion cérébrale ?Does he have a concussion?
- ManonOui, le médecin a confirmé une commotion cérébrale.Yes, the doctor confirmed a concussion.
- HugoC'est inquiétant pour son état de santé.It is worrying for his health.
- ManonIl doit simplement se reposer maintenant.He just needs to rest now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “concussion” translations and entries commotion, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
