matériel médical
The English phrase "medical supplies" is translated into French as matériel médical.
matériel médical is used to refer to medical equipment or durable goods, such as machines or tools.
Which one should you use?
There is a distinction between types of supplies in French. Use matériel médical for equipment or durable goods like machines. Use fournitures médicales when referring to consumable supplies such as bandages or syringes. If you are referring to different types or categories of medical equipment, you can use the plural form matériels médicaux.
How does it change in a sentence?
matériel médical is a masculine singular noun phrase in French, even though it refers to a collection of items.
Did you know?
- The word matériel shares a surprising lineage with the English word 'mother', as both traces stem from the Latin 'mater'.
- French distinguishes matériel (the physical gear) from matière (the raw substance). One cannot be used for the other, whereas English often uses 'material' for both.
- The word matériel can also refer to the physical equipment of a musician or a technician, meaning the same word used for 'medical supplies' also describes a guitarist's amplifiers.
Examples in context
- Le matériel médical a été distribué aux victimes du sinistre.The medical supplies were allocated to the victims of the disaster.This sentence shows how matériel médical can be used when discussing the distribution of supplies to disaster victims.Tatoeba #11277370 by lbdx, translation #27893 by Luornu
- J'ai besoin d'une seringue pour administrer le médicament.I need a syringe to administer the medication.
- T'as besoin d'une seringue pour prendre le médicament.You need a syringe to take the medication.
- Nous devons commander du matériel médical rapidement.We need to order medical supplies quickly.
- Le stock de matériel médical est épuisé.The stock of medical supplies is exhausted.
Example conversation
Emma and Gabriel are checking the inventory in a small clinic.
- EmmaGabriel, est-ce qu'il manque du matériel médical ?Gabriel, is there any medical supplies missing?
- GabrielOui, il nous faut plus de matériel médical.Yes, we need more medical supplies.
- EmmaJe vais passer la commande tout de suite.I will place the order right away.
- GabrielMerci Emma, c'est très important.Thank you Emma, it is very important.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries matériel, médical, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
