Doctor check up

Introduction to "Doctor Check Up" in French

This lesson is designed for B1 level learners eager to navigate common scenarios during a doctor’s visit in France. It covers essential vocabulary, phrases, and expressions used when discussing symptoms, describing health issues, and understanding medical advice in French. The focus is on practical language that you can use during an actual consultation.

Key Vocabulary and Expressions

Understanding the medical-related terms and expressions is crucial. This lesson includes words for body parts, common symptoms, and verbs used to describe pain or discomfort.

• Le patient – the patient
• Une consultation – a medical consultation
• La fièvre – fever
• La douleur – pain
• Je tousse – I am coughing
• J’ai mal à la tête – I have a headache
• Prendre la tension – to take blood pressure
• Faire une prescription – to make a prescription

Common Questions from the Doctor

During your appointment, the doctor will ask questions to better understand your condition. Examples include:

• Depuis quand avez-vous ces symptômes ? – Since when have you had these symptoms?
• Avez-vous des allergies ? – Do you have any allergies?
• Est-ce que la douleur est constante ou intermittente ? – Is the pain constant or intermittent?

Useful Phrases for Describing Symptoms

Learn how to clearly explain your health problems with these phrases:

• Je me sens fatigué(e) depuis plusieurs jours. – I have been feeling tired for several days.
• J’ai une douleur aiguë au ventre. – I have sharp pain in my stomach.
• Mon bras est engourdi. – My arm is numb.

Differences and Notes on French Medical Language

French medical consultations tend to be more formal than in English-speaking countries, often using polite forms like vous even in casual questions. Some medical terms differ subtly; for example, "douleur" (pain) is a broader term than simply "pain" in English and can refer to any unpleasant sensation. Also, French uses reflexive verbs often: s’inquiéter means "to worry," and you might hear je m’inquiète during a consultation.

Understanding these expressions helps you communicate clearly and understand the doctor's advice effectively.