collyre
The English phrase "eye drops" can be translated into French as collyre.
In French, the term refers to a liquid medicine used by dropping small amounts into the eye to treat irritation or infection.
Which one should you use?
The term collyre is a technical or medical term, whereas gouttes pour les yeux is a more common way to refer to eye drops in everyday conversation.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun collyre is masculine, so you would use un collyre to refer to an eye drop or a single bottle.
Did you know?
- The word collyre shares a common ancestor with the English word 'glue', both originating from the Greek word for 'glue' because the ancient medicine was often a sticky substance applied to the eyes.
- The term collyre is so technical that using it in a casual conversation with friends might sound like you are pretending to be a doctor.
- In French medical literature, the action of applying a collyre is often described using the verb instiller, which specifically means to let a liquid fall drop by drop.
Examples in context
- J'ai besoin d'acheter des collyres pour mes yeux.I need to buy some eye drops for my eyes.
- Je recherche des gouttes pour les yeux pour traiter une irritation.I'm looking for eye drops to treat irritation.
- Quelle marque de collyre recommandez-vous ?Which brand of eye drops do you recommend?
- Est-ce que tu as un collyre ici ?Do you have eye drops here?
- Le médecin m'a prescrit un collyre.The doctor prescribed me eye drops.
Example conversation
Chloé is helping Lucas find something in the medicine cabinet.
- LucasChloé, où est mon collyre ?Chloé, where is my eye drops?
- ChloéIl est sur l'étagère, Lucas.It is on the shelf, Lucas.
- LucasMerci, mes yeux me brûlent.Thanks, my eyes are burning.
- ChloéUtilise le collyre rapidement.Use the eye drops quickly.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries collyre, CC BY-SA 4.0.
