mal de dos
The English phrase 'sore back' is translated into French as mal de dos.
mal de dos is used to describe the physical pain or discomfort felt in the back area of the body. It functions as an uncountable noun phrase, much like the English expression 'back pain'.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of mal (pain/ache), de (of) and dos (back), literally meaning 'pain of back'.
Which one should you use?
While mal de dos refers to the general condition or sensation, douleur au dos is a more clinical or specific term for 'back pain'.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the sensation of having a sore back, use the verbal construction avoir mal au dos.
Did you know?
- The French word dos comes from the Latin dorsum, which is also the root of the English word 'dorsal', as in a 'dorsal fin'.
- In French, the word mal can describe both a physical ache like mal de dos and a moral or ethical 'wrong', reflecting its Latin root malus.
- If you want to say your back hurts, you must use the verb avoir (to have) instead of the verb 'to be', meaning you literally 'have pain' in the back.
Examples in context
- J'ai vraiment mal au dosI have a really sore back
- Ça fait un moment que j'ai mal au dos, je pense que ça nécessite une consultation médicale.I've been having a sore back for a while, I think it requires a medical consultation.
Example conversation
Lucas and Chloé are talking in the living room.
- LucasChloé, je ne peux pas m'asseoir, j'ai mal de dos.Chloé, I can't sit down, I have a sore back.
- ChloéC'est à cause du carton que tu as porté ?Is it because of the box you carried?
- LucasOui, c'était beaucoup trop lourd pour moi.Yes, it was much too heavy for me.
- ChloéTu devrais te reposer un peu alors.You should rest a bit then.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, dos, mal, CC BY-SA 4.0.
