gouttes auriculaires
The English phrase 'ear drops' is translated into French as gouttes auriculaires.
This phrase refers to a liquid medication that is applied by placing drops into the ear canal.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of gouttes (drops) and the adjective auriculaires (relating to the ear/auricle).
Which one should you use?
The term gouttes auriculaires is the standard, technical way to refer to this medication. You may also use the more descriptive alternative gouttes pour l'oreille, which literally means 'drops for the ear'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form goutte auriculaire is used when referring to a single drop or when describing the type of medication in a singular sense.
Did you know?
- In French, the word auriculaire is used both for medical ear terms and as the standard name for the 'pinky finger'.
- The word auriculaire comes from the Latin auricula, which means 'little ear'.
- A French speaker using the word auriculaires in a casual conversation would sound as though they are pretending to be a doctor.
Examples in context
- Vous auriez des gouttes auriculaires à me recommander, s'il vous plaît ? J'ai des problèmes d'oreilles.Do you have any ear drops to recommend, please? I'm having ear problems.
- Je dois mettre des gouttes auriculaires.I need to put in some ear drops.
- Est-ce que tu as des gouttes auriculaires ?Do you have any ear drops?
- Il faut acheter des gouttes auriculaires à la pharmacie.We need to buy ear drops at the pharmacy.
Example conversation
Gabriel is feeling unwell and Léa is helping him in the living room.
- LéaEst-ce que tu as mal à l'oreille ?Does your ear hurt?
- GabrielOui, ça me fait mal.Yes, it hurts.
- LéaJe vais chercher des gouttes auriculaires dans la trousse.I will look for some ear drops in the kit.
- GabrielMerci, c'est gentil.Thank you, that is kind.
