conjonctivite
/kɔ̃.ʒɔ̃k.ti.vit/
The English phrase "pink eye" is translated into French as conjonctivite.
conjonctivite refers to an inflammation or infection of the outer membrane of the eyeball that causes redness and irritation.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun is feminine, so when referring to "a pink eye", the indefinite article une is used (une conjonctivite).
How do you pronounce it?
/kɔ̃.ʒɔ̃k.ti.vit/
Did you know?
- The French language uses the same root conjonct- for the word conjonction in grammar. Both refer to the act of joining two things together, whether they are eyelids or sentences.
- In France, conjonctivite is often associated with the 'école' because it is one of the most common reasons for children to be sent home from class. Parents frequently use the phrase avoir une conjonctivite as a standard excuse for school absences.
- The suffix -ite in conjonctivite is a linguistic marker used across many languages to denote inflammation. You can find this same pattern in other French medical terms like otite for an ear infection or rhinite for a runny nose.
Examples in context
- J'ai une conjonctivite très douloureuse.I have a very painful pink eye.
- Il a attrapé une conjonctivite à l'école.He caught pink eye at school.
- La conjonctivite rend l'œil très rouge.Pink eye makes the eye very red.
Example conversation
Gabriel and Léa are talking about Gabriel's red eye.
- GabrielLéa, mon œil est tout rouge ce matin.Léa, my eye is all red this morning.
- LéaJe pense que tu as une conjonctivite.I think you have pink eye.
- GabrielC'est grave ? Ça me pique beaucoup.Is it serious? It stings a lot.
- LéaNon, mais tu dois voir un médecin.No, but you should see a doctor.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry conjonctivite, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
