spasmes musculaires
The English phrase "muscle spasms" is translated into French as spasmes musculaires.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the singular form, spasme musculaire, the adjective musculaire follows the noun.
Did you know?
- The French word musculaire comes from the Latin musculus, which literally means 'little mouse', because a flexing muscle looks like a small mouse moving under the skin.
- If a French speaker is experiencing a 'spasm' in their eyelid, they will rarely say spasme musculaire and will instead use the phrase avoir l'œil qui saute meaning 'to have the eye jumping'.
- In older French literature, a spasme was often associated with the 'death throes' or final moments of life, giving the word a darker, more dramatic connotation than the modern medical term.
Examples in context
- J'ai des contractures musculaires après avoir fait de l'exercice intensif.I have muscle spasms after intense exercise.
- J'ai souvent des crampes musculaires la nuit.I often have muscle cramps at night.
- Les spasmes musculaires peuvent être causés par le stress.Muscle spasms can be caused by the stress.
- les crampes musculaires au molletMuscle cramps in the calf
- J'ai des spasmes musculaires dans le dos.I have muscle spasms in my back.
- Ces spasmes musculaires sont très douloureux.These muscle spasms are very painful.
- Le stress peut provoquer des spasmes musculaires.Stress can cause muscle spasms.
Example conversation
Lucas is talking to Chloé about his leg pain.
- ChloéQu'est-ce que tu as à la jambe, Lucas ?What is wrong with your leg, Lucas?
- LucasJ'ai des spasmes musculaires depuis ce matin.I have had muscle spasms since this morning.
- ChloéTu devrais te reposer un peu.You should rest a little.
- LucasOui, je vais m'allonger.Yes, I am going to lie down.
