RCR
feminine
CPR in French is RCR in Quebec and Canada, while France and most other French-speaking regions say RCP. If unsure, use RCR.
Meaning: cardiopulmonary resuscitation (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | Note |
|---|---|
| RCR | feminine |
| RCP | feminine |
Both abbreviations name cardiopulmonary resuscitation, the emergency technique of chest compressions and rescue breaths.
What does it mean word for word?
RCP stands for Réanimation cardio-pulmonaire, cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
Which one should you use?
RCP is the standard term in France and most French-speaking regions. RCR is the term used in Quebec and the rest of Canada.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Use RCR in Quebec and Canada and RCP in France.
How does it change in a sentence?
Both RCP and RCR are feminine nouns, so they take the feminine article, as in la RCP.
Did you know?
- In France, you will often hear people say massage cardiaque instead of the technical term RCP. This literally translates to 'cardiac massage', reflecting the physical action of chest compressions.
- The word réanimation from RCP is used as a shorthand for the entire Intensive Care Unit in France. Medical professionals often simply refer to the ICU as la réa.
- French emergency services frequently refer to the actions of CPR as gestes qui sauvent. This phrase translates to 'gestures that save' and frames the medical act as a heroic or altruistic action.
Examples in context
- Je connais la RCP.I know CPR.la RCP uses the feminine article because the abbreviation is a feminine noun.Tatoeba #2467965 by sacredceltic, translation #2245926 by CK
- Appelez une ambulance et commencez la réanimation cardio-pulmonaire (RCP) maintenant!Call an ambulance and start CPR now!
- La RCR est essentielle pour sauver des vies.CPR is essential for saving lives.
- Il a pratiqué la RCR sur le blessé.He performed CPR on the injured man.
Example conversation
Léa and Nathan are discussing workplace safety training.
- LéaEst-ce que tu sais pratiquer la RCR ?Do you know how to perform CPR?
- NathanNon, je n'ai jamais appris.No, I have never learned.
- LéaL'entreprise propose une formation en RCR.The company is offering CPR training.
- NathanC'est une excellente idée, je m'inscris.That is a great idea, I will sign up.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cpr” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
