j'ai de la toux
To say "I have a cough" in French, use j'ai de la toux.
This phrase is a direct way to inform someone that you are experiencing a cough.
Did you know?
- In French medical contexts, a 'wet' cough is described as toux grasse, which literally translates to 'fat cough'.
- If you are coughing in a public space in France, it is common to say pardon or excusez-moi immediately after, as coughing is often viewed as a disruption of social harmony.
- The word toux shares an ancient root with the English word 'push', via the Proto-Indo-European root meaning 'to hit or strike'.
Examples in context
- J'ai de la toux et un peu de fièvre.I have a cough and a little fever.This sentence is useful for describing a cough alongside other symptoms.Tatoeba #4055 by eS, translation #135968 by dkulp
- Excusez-moi, j'ai une toux persistante.Excuse me, I have a persistent cough.
- J'ai chopé un rhume hier, maintenant je tousse beaucoup.I caught a cold yesterday, now I am coughing a lot.
Example conversation
Emma is telling Nathan why she cannot go to the cinema.
- EmmaJe ne peux pas sortir, j'ai de la toux.I cannot go out, I have a cough.
- NathanOh non, tu es malade ?Oh no, are you sick?
- EmmaOui, je me sens très fatiguée.Yes, I feel very tired.
- NathanRepose-toi bien, Emma.Get some good rest, Emma.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, j'ai, la, toux, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
