Going to the Doctor in French: Useful Phrases for a Medical Consultation
When living in a French-speaking country or travelling in a region where French is spoken, having to see a doctor can quickly become a stressful situation. Even with some knowledge of French, it is not always easy to clearly explain a health problem.
In these situations, it is essential to know certain expressions to describe your symptoms, answer the doctor’s questions, or ask for clarification. They help you communicate at every stage of the healthcare process, from making an appointment to the consultation and finally visiting the pharmacy.
How do you say “doctor” in French?
Before making an appointment or seeing a healthcare professional, it is useful to know the main terms used in the medical field. Here is some basic vocabulary that you will often encounter.
| English | French |
|---|---|
| Doctor | Médecin |
| Doctor | Docteur |
| General practitioner / Family doctor | Médecin généraliste |
| Doctor’s office / Medical practice | Cabinet médical |
The Main Medical Specialists in French
Depending on your needs, you may have to see a general practitioner or another specialist. Here are the main medical terms and their translations into French.
| English | Français |
|---|---|
| Dentist | Dentiste |
| Paediatrician / Pediatrician | Pédiatre |
| Ophthalmologist / Eye doctor | Ophtalmologue |
| Gynaecologist / Gynecologist | Gynécologue |
| Dermatologist / Skin doctor | Dermatologue |
| Cardiologist | Cardiologue |
Making a Doctor’s Appointment in French
Before seeing a doctor, the first step is usually to contact a medical practice. Whether by phone or directly at the reception desk, some phrases are used very frequently.
Here are the most useful expressions:
“I would like to make an appointment.” « Je voudrais prendre rendez-vous. »
“I need an appointment with the doctor.” « J’ai besoin d’un rendez-vous chez le médecin. »
“Do you have an available appointment slot?” « Avez-vous un créneau disponible ? »
“Is it urgent?” « Est-ce urgent ? »
“When can I come?” « Quand puis-je venir ? »
If you are seeing a doctor for the first time, you can also say:
“I am new here.” « Je suis nouveau / nouvelle ici. »
These simple phrases help you manage the first step of a consultation and explain the reason for your call or visit.
Explaining Your Symptoms in French
Once you are at the doctor’s office, it is important to be able to describe what you are feeling. A few simple phrases are enough to explain your symptoms and quickly describe your situation.
| English | French |
|---|---|
| I don’t feel well | Je ne me sens pas bien |
| I have a headache | J’ai mal à la tête |
| I have a stomach ache | J’ai mal au ventre |
| I have back pain | J’ai mal au dos |
| I have a fever | J’ai de la fièvre |
| I have a cough / I am coughing | Je tousse |
| I have pain / I have aches | J’ai des douleurs |
To give more details, you can use:
“I have been in pain for two days.” « J’ai des douleurs depuis deux jours. »
“The pain is very strong.” « Les douleurs sont très fortes. »
**“It hurts here.”***« J’ai mal ici. »
By simply describing what you feel, you help the doctor ask the right questions and guide you more quickly.
Understanding the Doctor’s Questions in French
During the consultation, the doctor will usually ask several questions to understand your symptoms and your health condition.
Here are some common questions:
“What is wrong?” « Qu’est-ce qui ne va pas ? »
“How long have you had these symptoms?” « Depuis quand avez-vous ces symptômes ? »
“Do you have a fever?” « Avez-vous de la fièvre ? »
“Do you take any medication?” « Prenez-vous des médicaments ? »
“Do you have any allergies?” « Avez-vous des allergies ? »
To answer more easily, these expressions can help:
| English | French |
|---|---|
| Since yesterday | Depuis hier |
| For a week | Depuis une semaine |
| Yes, I take medication | Oui, je prends des médicaments |
| No, I don’t have any allergies | Non, je n’ai pas d’allergies |
Understanding these exchanges allows you to participate more actively in the consultation and avoid misunderstandings.
At the Pharmacy After the Consultation
After a medical visit, you often need to go to the pharmacy to collect your treatment. These phrases can help you communicate with the pharmacist.
“I would like to use this prescription.” « Je voudrais utiliser cette ordonnance. »
“How many times do I have to take this medication?” « Combien de fois dois-je prendre ce médicament ? »
“How long do I have to take this medication?” « Pendant combien de temps dois-je prendre ce médicament ? »
“Are there any side effects?” « Y a-t-il des effets secondaires ? »
Conclusion
Going to the doctor in a foreign language may seem complicated, but knowing a few essential phrases already makes communication much easier. Knowing how to make an appointment, explain your symptoms, and ask for clarification helps you handle this situation with more confidence.
To continue expanding your health-related vocabulary, also discover our article dedicated to medical vocabulary in French. You will find more useful words and expressions to better understand the main terms used in the medical field.
If you would like to go further and become more comfortable in your everyday conversations, discover our French courses as well.