poux
The English phrase lice is translated into French as poux.
poux is the most common and standard term for lice in French.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form of poux is pou.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers may confuse poux (lice) with époux (husband) due to the similar spelling and sound.
Did you know?
- The expression avoir la puce dans l'oreille translates literally to 'having a flea in the ear', but it actually means to be suspicious or to suspect that something is being hidden.
- In some French regional dialects, pou can be used in colorful insults to describe someone who is parasitic or clings to others for money.
- The term pédiculose is often the only word a French doctor will use to avoid the unappetizing or 'dirty' connotations of the word pou.
Examples in context
- John avait des poux.John had lice.Tatoeba #11607773 by Amastan, translation #11531338 by Amastan
- Le pluriel de "pou" est "poux".The plural form of "louse" is "lice".This sentence explains the relationship between the singular and plural forms.Tatoeba #821563 by sacredceltic, translation #329281 by fcbond
- Mon époux a des poux.My husband has lice.Tatoeba #11967622 by Fenrir, translation #11967623 by Fenrir
- Les poux sont des insectes parasites qui vivent dans les cheveux humains.Lice are parasitic insects that live in human hair.
- Les poux du corps peuvent causer des problèmes de santé, notamment des démangeaisons intenses et des infections cutanées.Body lice can cause health problems, including intense itching and skin infections.
- Les poux de tête se transmettent généralement par contact direct, comme le partage de brosses à cheveux ou de bonnets infestés.Head lice are usually transmitted through direct contact, such as sharing infested hairbrushes or hats.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nathan and Manon are at home checking for head lice.
- NathanManon, je crois que j'ai des poux.Manon, I think I have lice.
- ManonLaisse-moi regarder tes cheveux, Nathan.Let me look at your hair, Nathan.
- ManonC'est vrai, tu as des poux !It's true, you have lice!
- NathanOn doit acheter un shampooing spécial.We need to buy a special shampoo.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
