MST
/ɛ.mɛs.te/feminine
In French, the English phrase "std" is translated as MST. Wiktionary also lists IST.
Meaning: sexually transmitted disease (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| MST | /ɛ.mɛs.te/ | feminine |
| IST | feminine |
The term is used to refer to a sexually transmitted disease.
What does it mean word for word?
MST is an acronym for maladie sexuellement transmissible.
Which one should you use?
MST refers specifically to a sexually transmitted disease. In contrast, IST is a more modern and broader term used to refer to a sexually transmitted infection (infection sexuellement transmissible).
How does it change in a sentence?
Both MST and IST are feminine nouns in French.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɛ.mɛs.te/
Did you know?
- In French, the term IST is often preferred over MST because IST implies a condition that can be managed, whereas MST can carry a heavier social stigma associated with permanent illness.
- The word maladie, found in MST, shares a root with the English word 'malady', though in modern French it is the standard, neutral term for any 'disease'.
- French public health campaigns have systematically replaced MST with IST in official literature to encourage more people to get tested by removing the word 'disease' from the label.
Examples in context
- J'ai attrapé une MST.I caught an STD.This sentence is useful for expressing that one has caught a MST.Tatoeba #12432552 by lbdx, translation #12427863 by DJ_Saidez
- Les médecins recommandent de se faire dépister pour les MST régulièrement.Doctors recommend getting tested for STDs regularly.
- Il est crucial de se protéger lors des rapports afin de prévenir les IST.It is crucial to protect yourself during intercourse to prevent STDs.
- On peut attraper une MST lors d'un rapport non protégé.One can catch an STD during unprotected intercourse.
- Il faut faire attention aux MST.You have to be careful about STDs.
Example conversation
Nathan and Chloé are discussing sexual health in a cafe.
- NathanEst-ce que tu te protèges contre les MST ?Do you protect yourself against STDs?
- ChloéOui, c'est très important pour la santé.Yes, it is very important for health.
- NathanTu as raison, il faut être prudent.You are right, one must be careful.
- ChloéAbsolument, la prévention est la clé.Absolutely, prevention is the key.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “std” translations and entries MST, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
