germes
The English phrase "germs" is translated into French as germes.
germes refers to microscopic organisms that can cause disease.
Which one should you use?
While germes specifically refers to organisms that cause disease, the word microbes is a more common and general term used in both scientific and everyday contexts to refer to any microscopic organism.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form is le germe, while the plural is les germes.
Did you know?
- While germes refers to pathogens, the French word microbe is sometimes used affectionately in a parental context, such as calling a child a petit microbe.
- In French, the phrase semer des germes is often used metaphorically to describe someone who is intentionally spreading doubt or conflict within a group.
- In French, the word germe is also the technical term used in biology to describe a 'germ cell', which is the cell that gives rise to an embryo.
Examples in context
- Les germes ne sont visibles qu'au microscope.Germs are visible only under the microscope.This sentence is useful for noting that germes are only visible under a microscope.Tatoeba #5321281 by nimfeo, translation #6693645 by Eccles17
- Pour autant que je sache, ce composé chimique empêchera les germes de se multiplier.To the best of my knowledge, this chemical will prevent germs from breeding.This sentence is useful for describing how a chemical prevents germes from breeding.Tatoeba #559520 by sacredceltic, translation #471342 by CM
- Les germes peuvent provoquer des maladies.Germs can cause sickness.This sentence is useful for stating that germes can cause sickness.Tatoeba #435694 by jerom, translation #244203 by CK
- Il est important de se laver les mains pour éliminer les germesIt is important to wash your hands to eliminate germs
- Les microbes peuvent provoquer des maladiesMicrobes can cause diseases
- Attention aux bactéries sur les surfaces non nettoyéesBeware of bacteria on uncleaned surfaces
Example conversation
Léa and Nathan are in the kitchen preparing food.
- LéaLave-toi les mains pour éliminer les germes.Wash your hands to get rid of the germs.
- NathanTu as raison, je le fais tout de suite.You are right, I'll do it right now.
- LéaIl y a beaucoup de germes sur les légumes.There are a lot of germs on the vegetables.
- NathanJe vais bien les rincer alors.I will rinse them well then.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
