herpès
/ɛʁ.pɛs/masculine
The English phrase herpes is translated into French as herpès.
herpès refers to the viral disease. In more specific contexts, you may use the formal term Herpès génital to refer to genital herpes or Herpès labial to refer specifically to oral herpes or cold sores.
Meaning: viral disease (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables and is pronounced /ɛʁ.pɛs/.
Did you know?
- The French term herpès shares the same Latin ancestor as the English word 'herpetology', which is the study of reptiles and amphibians.
- While 'herpes' in English is often used in a medical sense, French speakers might use the more descriptive phrase bouton de fièvre (fever button) in everyday conversation to refer to a cold sore.
- While herpès is the medical term, French speakers frequently use the phrase avoir un bouton to discreetly refer to an outbreak without naming the virus.
Examples in context
- Santiago a l'herpès.Santiago has herpes.This sentence demonstrates how to use herpès to state that someone has the condition.Tatoeba #12480502 by always, translation #11793600 by Amastan
- Je souffre souvent du herpès labial pendant les mois d'hiver.I often suffer from cold sores during the winter months.
- J'ai attrapé l'herpès lors de mes dernières vacances. C'est embêtant!I caught herpes during my last vacation. It's annoying!
- L'herpès est un virus très courant.Herpes is a very common virus.
Example conversation
Emma is talking to Nathan about her health.
- EmmaNathan, je crois que j'ai de l'herpès.Nathan, I think I have herpes.
- NathanC'est possible, tu devrais voir un médecin.It's possible, you should see a doctor.
- EmmaEst-ce que l'herpès est douloureux ?Is herpes painful?
- NathanOui, cela peut piquer un peu.Yes, it can sting a bit.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “herpes” translations and entries herpès, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries herpès, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
