j'ai la diarrhée
To say "I have diarrhea" in French, use j'ai la diarrhée.
This phrase is used to state that you are experiencing frequent, liquid bowel movements. In different contexts, you might use the single word Diarrhée to name the condition itself or mention a Médecin (doctor) or a Pharmacie (pharmacy) if seeking help.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase j'ai la diarrhée literally translates to "I have the diarrhea" because French uses the definite article la with this condition.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
A formal way to express this is Excusez-moi, j'ai la diarrhée. If you wish to be more discreet or less graphic in a social setting, you can use the polite alternative j'ai mal au ventre (I have a stomach ache). Conversely, the phrase Désolé(e), mais j'ai la chiasse. is a colloquial and slightly vulgar way to say "Sorry, but I have diarrhea.".
How does it change in a sentence?
In French, you use the verb avoir (to have) to express this condition rather than the verb être (to be).
Did you know?
- The word diarrhée shares an ancient Greek root with the word 'flow', which is also the origin of the name 'Jordan'.
- In France, you can buy certain medications for la diarrhée over the counter at a pharmacie without a prescription, as pharmacists have a higher level of clinical autonomy than those in the US or UK.
- While j'ai la diarrhée is the direct term, French speakers often use the phrase avoir la courante to describe the condition in a slightly more euphemistic way.
Examples in context
- J'ai la diarrhée.I have diarrhea.Tatoeba #9713 by sacredceltic, translation #25352 by jejda
- Je souffre de diarrhée sévère depuis plusieurs jours, pouvez-vous m'aider?I have been suffering from severe diarrhea for several days, can you help me?
- Je ne peux pas sortir, j'ai la diarrhée.I cannot go out, I have diarrhea.
- Désolé, j'ai la diarrhée depuis ce matin.Sorry, I have had diarrhea since this morning.
Example conversation
Hugo is calling Léa to explain why he cannot come to their lunch date.
- HugoLéa, je ne peux pas venir déjeuner.Léa, I cannot come to lunch.
- LéaPourquoi ? Est-ce que tu es malade ?Why? Are you sick?
- HugoOui, j'ai la diarrhée.Yes, I have diarrhea.
- LéaOh mince, repose-toi bien, Hugo.Oh shoot, rest well, Hugo.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries diarrhée, j'ai, la, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
