hoquet
/ɔ.kɛ/masculine
In French, the word for hiccups is hoquet.
hoquet is a masculine noun used to describe the physical condition of experiencing involuntary diaphragm spasms.
Meaning: the condition of having hiccup spasms (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
To say 'to have the hiccups', use the phrase avoir le hoquet. This construction uses the verb avoir (to have) followed by the definite article le and the noun hoquet.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɔ.kɛ/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid treating the word as a plural in French as you do in English. While English speakers say they 'have hiccups', in French you say you 'have the hiccup' (avoir le hoquet).
Did you know?
- In French culture, a common folk remedy for hoquet involves drinking a glass of water from the opposite side of the rim, which requires the person to lean forward in an awkward position.
- French speakers often use the term hoquet metaphorically to describe a sudden, jerky interruption in a process or a 'glitch' in a sequence of events.
- The word hoquet is likely onomatopoeic, meaning it was originally designed to mimic the actual sound of the hiccup itself.
Examples in context
- Que devrais-je faire pour arrêter un hoquet ?What should I do to stop hiccups?This sentence shows how to ask for advice on stopping a hoquet.Tatoeba #1058616 by sacredceltic, translation #1057307 by CK
- Le hoquet est causé par des spasmes du diaphragme.Hiccups are caused by spasms of the diaphragm.This sentence provides a medical explanation for what causes a hoquet.Tatoeba #9198639 by Micsmithel, translation #9032557 by AlanF_US
- J'ai le hoquet.I have hiccups.This sentence is a simple way to state that you hoquet.Tatoeba #796087 by U2FS, translation #796086 by U2FS
- Il a le hoquet depuis ce matin.He has hiccups since this morning.
- Elle a souvent des hoquets après avoir mangé rapidement.She often gets hiccups after eating quickly.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Léa and Gabriel are eating lunch together.
- LéaOh non, j'ai encore le hoquet !Oh no, I have the hiccups again!
- GabrielBois un verre d'eau rapidement, Léa.Drink a glass of water quickly, Léa.
- LéaÇa ne marche jamais avec le hoquet.That never works with hiccups.
- GabrielEssaie de retenir ta respiration alors.Try holding your breath then.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hiccups” translations and entries hoquet, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries hoquet, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
