jumeaux siamois
The English phrase 'conjoined twins' is translated into French as jumeaux siamois.
The term jumeaux siamois is used to describe two twins who are physically connected to each other from birth.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to 'Siamese twins'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase is masculine plural because jumeaux is the masculine plural form of jumeau (twin). In a sentence, you will often see the phrase preceded by the definite article les to form les jumeaux siamois (the conjoined twins).
Did you know?
- While the English term 'Siamese twins' refers to a specific historical phenomenon, the French term jumeaux siamois is often criticized by modern French-speaking medical professionals for being outdated.
- The word jumeau is used in French to describe things that are identical or matching, such as des crayons jumeaux for two identical pencils.
- The word jumeau comes from the Latin 'gemellus', which is also the ancestor of the English word 'geminate' meaning doubled.
Examples in context
- Les médecins ont procédé à une opération complexe pour séparer les jumeaux siamois.The doctors proceeded with a complex operation to separate the conjoined twins.
- Les jumeaux siamois partagent un cœur commun.The conjoined twins share a common heart.
- Les médecins ont réussi à séparer les frères siamois avec succès.The doctors successfully separated the Siamese brothers.
- L'histoire parle de jumeaux siamois célèbres.The story is about famous conjoined twins.
- On a vu des jumeaux siamois au musée.We saw conjoined twins at the museum.
Example conversation
Lucas and Emma are discussing a medical documentary they watched.
- LucasEst-ce que ce documentaire parlait de jumeaux siamois ?Was this documentary about conjoined twins?
- EmmaOui, c'était l'histoire de jumeaux siamois très courageux.Yes, it was the story of very brave conjoined twins.
- LucasC'était vraiment impressionnant à voir.It was truly impressive to see.
- EmmaJe suis d'accord, Lucas.I agree, Lucas.
