Ways to say it
| French | Note |
|---|---|
| chute de cheveux | feminine |
| perte de cheveux | feminine |
Both terms refer to the loss of hair. Perte de cheveux is a general term for the loss of hair, while chute de cheveux is frequently used when referring specifically to hair shedding or hair falling out in clumps. If you wish to use a verb, perdre ses cheveux means to lose one's hair and in casual contexts, you might describe the situation as les cheveux qui tombent (hair falling out).
What does it mean word for word?
perte de cheveux is composed of perte (loss) and cheveux (hair). chute de cheveux is composed of chute (fall/drop) and cheveux (hair).
Which one should you use?
perte de cheveux is a more general term for the loss of hair, whereas chute de cheveux specifically implies hair falling out or shedding.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase perte de cheveux, the noun perte is feminine, so any accompanying adjectives must be in the feminine form.
Did you know?
- The word cheveux comes from the Latin capillus, which refers specifically to the fine hair on the head. This is the same root for the English word 'capillary', though in English we use it for blood vessels rather than hair.
- The term perte is a cognate of the English word 'perdition', which describes a state of total loss or spiritual ruin.
- The word chute used in chute de cheveux is the same word used for a waterfall, a landslide or a physical fall.
Examples in context
- Souffrir d'une perte de cheveux à son âge est triste.Suffering from hair loss at her age is so sad.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use perte de cheveux in a sentence.Tatoeba #13889502 by streveler, translation #6101718 by OsoHombre
- Je souffre de la chute des cheveux et je cherche des solutions.I'm suffering from hair loss and I am looking for solutions.
- J'ai perdu mes cheveux suite au traitement médical.I lost my hair due to the medical treatment.
- Mes cheveux chutent beaucoup ces derniers temps.My hair is falling out a lot lately.
- Je pense que ma calvitie est héréditaire, car mon père est aussi chauve.I think my baldness is hereditary because my father is also bald.
- Cette chute de cheveux est très soudaine.This hair loss is very sudden.
- Il cherche un remède contre la chute de cheveux.He is looking for a remedy for hair loss.
Example conversation
Emma and Hugo are talking about a new shampoo in the pharmacy.
- EmmaEst-ce que ce shampoing aide pour la chute de cheveux ?Does this shampoo help with hair loss?
- HugoOui, il est très efficace pour les hommes.Yes, it is very effective for men.
- EmmaHugo, tu devrais l'essayer pour ton problème.Hugo, you should try it for your problem.
- HugoD'accord, je vais en prendre un flacon.Okay, I will take one bottle.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hair loss” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries chute, de, perte, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
