j'ai perdu ma voix
In French, "I lost my voice" is translated as j'ai perdu ma voix.
This phrase is used when someone is unable to speak because of a sore throat or illness. You may also encounter the phrase J'ai la voix cassée. to describe having a broken or cracked voice.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The expression J'ai la voix cassée. is used in certain areas to describe a voice that sounds broken or cracked.
Did you know?
- The word voix is used for both the physical sound of speaking and a 'vote' in an election, meaning perdre sa voix could theoretically be a pun about losing a vote.
- In French, you can describe a voice as éteinte, which literally means 'extinguished' like a candle, to describe a voice that has lost its power or luster.
- If you are losing your voice due to extreme emotion rather than illness, you might say your voice is émue instead of using the word for 'lost'.
Examples in context
- Je ne peux pas chanter, j'ai perdu ma voix.I cannot sing, I lost my voice.
Example conversation
Nathan and Emma are meeting for coffee.
- NathanSalut Emma ! Pourquoi tu ne dis rien ?Hi Emma! Why aren't you saying anything?
- EmmaJe suis désolée, j'ai perdu ma voix.I'm sorry, I lost my voice.
- NathanOh non, tu es malade ?Oh no, are you sick?
- EmmaOui, j'ai très mal à la gorge.Yes, I have a very sore throat.
