diarrhée
/dja.ʁe/
The English phrase diarrhoea is translated into French as diarrhée.
In France, you may encounter different ways to describe this condition. Les selles liquides is a variation used to describe diarrhoea, while le mal au ventre is a general term used for gastrointestinal discomfort, including diarrhoea.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For a more formal or medical context, you might use the euphemism troubles intestinaux. In colloquial, everyday French, the term la chiasse is used.
How does it change in a sentence?
diarrhée is a feminine noun, so it is preceded by the feminine article la (la diarrhée).
How do you pronounce it?
/dja.ʁe/
Did you know?
- The phrase avoir le feu au cul is a slang expression that can sometimes be used to describe the burning sensation accompanying la diarrhée.
- The colloquial term la chiasse is so strong that it is often used as a metaphor for extreme fear or panic, similar to the English phrase 'scared shitless'.
- While diarrhée is the standard term, many French speakers avoid it in polite company by using the phrase avoir la courante, which literally means 'to have the current'.
Examples in context
- J'ai eu une terrible diarrhée hierI had a terrible diarrhoea yesterday
- Les selles liquides peuvent être un symptôme de la gastro-entériteLiquid stools can be a symptom of gastroenteritis
- J'ai la diarrhée.I have diarrhoea.
- J'ai une forte diarrhée depuis ce matin.I have had bad diarrhoea since this morning.
- La diarrhée peut causer une déshydratation.Diarrhoea can cause dehydration.
- Il a une diarrhée passagère.He has a temporary bout of diarrhoea.
Example conversation
Nathan tells Emma why he cannot go to dinner.
- NathanJe ne peux pas sortir, j'ai la diarrhée.I can't go out, I have diarrhoea.
- EmmaOh non, est-ce que tu as de la fièvre ?Oh no, do you have a fever?
- NathanNon, mais j'ai juste une forte diarrhée.No, but I just have severe diarrhoea.
- EmmaRepose-toi bien, Nathan.Get some good rest, Nathan.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry diarrhée, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
