échographie
The English word ultrasound is échographie in French.
échographie refers to the use of ultrasound.
Meaning: use of ultrasound (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun échographie is feminine. When referring to a single scan, it is preceded by the feminine article une to form une échographie.
Did you know?
- The word écho in échographie is a cognate with the English 'echo'. Both derive from the Greek nymph Echo, who was cursed to only repeat the words of others.
- If a French person says they are 'passing' an ultrasound, they use the verb passer, as in passer une échographie. This is a common way to describe undergoing a medical test.
- French uses the same suffix -graphie for photographie and calligraphie. This links the medical scan to the art of light and the art of beautiful handwriting.
Examples in context
- Excusez-moi, pourriez-vous m'indiquer où je peux passer une échographie?Excuse me, could you please tell me where I can have an ultrasound?
- Échographie – Suivez les flèches.Ultrasound – Follow the arrows.
- Comment s'est passée ton écho?How did your ultrasound go?
- Je dois passer une échographie demain.I have to have an ultrasound tomorrow.
- Le médecin a fait une échographie abdominale.The doctor performed an abdominal ultrasound.
Example conversation
Emma and Gabriel are discussing a medical appointment at home.
- EmmaJ'ai rendez-vous pour une échographie ce matin.I have an appointment for an ultrasound this morning.
- GabrielEst-ce que l'échographie va durer longtemps ?Will the ultrasound last a long time?
- EmmaNon, l'examen devrait être assez rapide.No, the exam should be quite fast.
- GabrielD'accord, j'espère que tout ira bien.Okay, I hope everything goes well.
