déglutition
/de.ɡly.ti.sjɔ̃/feminine
The English word "swallowing" is translated into French as déglutition.
The common verb used to describe the action of swallowing is avaler.
Meaning: act of swallowing (noun)
Which one should you use?
déglutition is a noun used to name the act of swallowing, whereas avaler is the verb used to perform the action.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
déglutition is a formal or medical term. In professional, scientific or medical contexts, you might also encounter the formal verb déglutir, which serves as a formal alternative to the more common verb avaler.
How does it change in a sentence?
déglutition is a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /de.ɡly.ti.sjɔ̃/. It has 4 syllables.
Did you know?
- While déglutition is a technical term, the common verb avaler is used in the idiom avaler des couleuvres, which literally means 'to swallow grass snakes' but actually means to accept something unpleasant without protesting.
- While déglutition is the technical term, French speakers use the phrase avoir un chat dans la gorge to describe the physical sensation of something stuck during swallowing, similar to 'having a frog in one's throat'.
- The verb avaler can be used to describe a fast pace of movement, such as avaler les kilomètres, meaning to cover a great distance very quickly.
Examples in context
- Je dois avaler ce médicament avec de l'eau.I have to swallow this medicine with water.
- Il lui est difficile d'avaler des aliments solides.It is difficult for him to swallow solid food.
- La déglutition est un processus naturel et automatique.Swallowing is a natural and automatic process.
- Il doit avaler cette grossière insulte et continuer son travail.He has to swallow this rude insult and continue his work.
- Elle a avalé la nourriture sans goûter chaque bouchée.She swallowed the food without tasting each bite.
- Je crois que j'ai mal avalé ma gorgée de vin.I think I swallowed my sip of wine incorrectly.
- La déglutition est parfois difficile avec une gorge enflammée.Swallowing is sometimes difficult with a sore throat.
- Le médecin a examiné sa déglutition.The doctor examined his swallowing.
- Une déglutition douloureuse peut indiquer une infection.Painful swallowing can indicate an infection.
Example conversation
Lucas is talking to Chloé at a doctor's appointment.
- LucasJ'ai mal quand je mange.It hurts when I eat.
- ChloéEst-ce que la déglutition est douloureuse ?Is swallowing painful?
- LucasOui, surtout avec les aliments solides.Yes, especially with solid foods.
- ChloéJe vais examiner votre gorge, Lucas.I am going to examine your throat, Lucas.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “swallowing” translations and entries déglutition, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
