gastro
In French, the English phrase stomach bug is translated as gastro.
The term is used to refer to a germ that causes intestinal distress. To state that someone has a stomach bug, use the verb avoir (to have) followed by the phrase la gastro.
Meaning: germ that causes intestinal distress (noun)
Which one should you use?
The form gastro is a common clipping of the full medical term gastro-entérite. infection intestinale serves as a formal way to refer to the condition, translating to intestinal infection.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For a more formal or clinical setting, use gastro-entérite or infection intestinale. The expression avoir une gastro is also considered an informal way to describe having the bug.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Belgium, the term indigestion is sometimes used to describe a stomach bug.
How does it change in a sentence?
The term gastro is almost always used with the feminine article la.
Did you know?
- Unlike the English 'stomach bug' which implies a tiny creature, the French gastro focuses entirely on the type of inflammation occurring in the gut.
- In some Francophone regions, avoir la gastro is used colloquially to describe any sudden nausea, even if the cause is not a viral bug, such as food poisoning.
- In many French-speaking households, instead of naming the 'bug', people will simply say they have mal au ventre, which is a much more general way of saying 'stomach ache'.
Examples in context
- Mon médecin dit que j'ai une infection intestinaleMy doctor says I have an intestinal infection
- Désolé, je ne peux pas sortir ce soir, j'ai une gastroSorry, I can't go out tonight. I have a stomach bug
- J'ai attrapé une gastro.I caught a stomach bug.
- C'est une gastro très contagieuse.It is a very contagious stomach bug.
- La gastro m'a cloué au lit.The stomach bug kept me in bed.
Example conversation
Gabriel calls Manon to cancel their dinner plans.
- GabrielJe ne peux pas venir, j'ai la gastro.I can't come, I have a stomach bug.
- ManonOh non, c'est vraiment pénible !Oh no, that's really unpleasant!
- GabrielOui, je vais rester au lit aujourd'hui.Yes, I'm going to stay in bed today.
- ManonRepose-toi bien, Gabriel.Get some good rest, Gabriel.
