rate
/ʁat/feminine
The French word for spleen is rate.
rate is the noun used to refer to the spleen as an organ.
Meaning: organ (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
/ʁat/
Did you know?
- While rate is the anatomical term, the English word 'spleen' in French is spleen when referring to the literary feeling of melancholy and boredom.
- The French word rate shares an unexpected ancestor with the Dutch word for 'honeycomb', because the organ's tissue looks like one.
- Because rate sounds exactly like the French word for 'rat', medical discussions about this organ can sound quite strange to an untrained ear.
Examples in context
- Nous avons dû vous enlever la rate.We had to remove your spleen.Tatoeba #11678759 by lbdx, translation #2953623 by CK
- Dans le cadre de cette étude, nous examinerons les effets pathologiques sur la rate.In the context of this study, we will examine the pathological effects on the spleen.
- J'ai l'impression qu'elle a un problème à la rate.I have the impression that she has a problem with her spleen.
- La rate est un organe important.The spleen is an important organ.
- Elle a une inflammation de la rate.She has inflammation of the spleen.
Example conversation
A doctor is explaining a medical report to a patient.
- LucasL'examen montre une anomalie de la rate.The examination shows an abnormality in the spleen.
- EmmaEst-ce que c'est grave, docteur ?Is it serious, doctor?
- LucasNous devons surveiller cette rate de près.We must monitor this spleen closely.
- EmmaJe comprends, merci pour les explications.I understand, thank you for the explanations.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “spleen” translations and entries rate, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries rate, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
