paracétamol
/pa.ʁa.se.ta.mɔl/
The English phrase "paracetamol" is paracétamol in French.
paracétamol refers to the common medication used to relieve pain and reduce fever.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 5 syllables and is pronounced /pa.ʁa.se.ta.mɔl/.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often omit the accent on the second 'e', but in French, the accent is required: paracétamol.
When do people say it?
Doliprane is a popular brand of paracetamol used in France and is often used interchangeably with paracetamol.
Did you know?
- The word paracétamol is used across the Francophone world, but in Canada, French speakers are more likely to use the term acétaminophène to align with North American medical terminology.
- In many French pharmacies, you cannot buy paracétamol in large quantities or without a prescription for certain high-dosage forms, unlike the over-the-counter availability in some English-speaking countries.
- French speakers may use the phrase prendre un cachet to describe taking a paracétamol tablet, where cachet refers specifically to the pill's form rather than the chemical compound.
Examples in context
- Je prends du paracétamol pour ma migraine.I am taking paracetamol for my migraine.
- Est-ce que tu as du paracétamol ?Do you have any paracetamol?
- Le paracétamol aide à faire baisser la fièvre.Paracetamol helps to reduce the fever.
Example conversation
Emma and Hugo are at home during a cold season.
- EmmaHugo, j'ai très mal à la tête.Hugo, I have a very bad headache.
- HugoTu veux un peu de paracétamol ?Do you want some paracetamol?
- EmmaOui, s'il te plaît, merci beaucoup.Yes, please, thank you very much.
- HugoTiens, je vais chercher un verre d'eau.Here, I will go get a glass of water.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry paracétamol, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
