Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| sage-femme | /saʒ.fam/ | feminine |
| maïeuticien | /ma.jø.ti.sjɛ̃/ | |
| sage-femme homme | masculine | |
| accoucheur | /a.ku.ʃœʁ/ | masculine |
| accoucheuse | /a.ku.ʃøz/ | feminine |
The primary way to refer to a person who assists women in childbirth is using the term sage-femme.
What does it mean word for word?
The term sage-femme literally translates to 'wise woman'.
Which one should you use?
sage-femme is the standard, modern term. In contrast, accoucheur (masculine) and accoucheuse (feminine) are more old-fashioned or technical terms. The word maïeuticien is a highly formal or academic term used to describe a midwife or obstetrician.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
sage-femme is the term used in formal settings. maïeuticien is a highly formal or academic term. accoucheur and accoucheuse are considered more old-fashioned.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun sage-femme is grammatically feminine even when it refers to a man. To specify a male practitioner, you can use sage-femme homme.
How do you pronounce it?
/saʒ.fam/
Did you know?
- The formal term maïeuticien relates to the Socratic method of 'bringing forth' ideas, a concept known as maieutics.
- The word sage in sage-femme can mean both 'wise' and 'well-behaved' in modern French, though it only means 'wise' in this specific phrase.
- The verb used for the profession, accoucher, is related to the French word coucher, which means 'to lay' or 'to put to bed'.
Examples in context
- Elle est sage-femme.She's a midwife.This sentence is useful for stating a profession using sage-femme.Tatoeba #927321 by U2FS, translation #2327278 by Hybrid
- Dans notre famille tous les enfants sont venus au monde avec l'aide d'un vieux maïeuticien.In our family all siblings were born with the help of an old male midwife.This sentence shows how to use maïeuticien in a descriptive context.Tatoeba #8771709 by marioo, translation #8771710 by marioo
- La sage-femme apporte un soutien essentiel aux femmes enceintes et facilite le processus d'accouchement.The midwife provides essential support to pregnant women and facilitates the childbirth process.
- J'ai réservé une consultation chez une maïeuticienne pour ma prochaine visite prénatale.I've booked a consultation with a midwife for my upcoming prenatal visit.
- La sage-femme est très douce avec les patientes.The midwife is very gentle with the patients.
Example conversation
Emma is telling Lucas about her new job.
- LucasTu as trouvé un nouveau travail ?Did you find a new job?
- EmmaOui, je travaille comme sage-femme maintenant.Yes, I am working as a midwife now.
- LucasFélicitations, c'est un métier magnifique.Congratulations, it is a magnificent profession.
- EmmaMerci, je suis très heureuse de ce poste.Thank you, I am very happy with this position.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “midwife” translations and entries sage-femme, maïeuticien, accoucheur, accoucheuse, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries accoucheur, accoucheuse, homme, sage-femme, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
