You wake up with a sore throat… and you’re in France. How do you explain what hurts, ask for help at the pharmacy, or talk to a doctor? Today you’ll learn essential body and health vocabulary in French, the super-useful pattern “avoir mal à…”, and polite phrases for real visits to the doctor or pharmacy. Short, practical, and very French.

Essential body vocabulary you’ll actually use

Here are common body parts you’ll need to describe everyday aches and pains. Notice the articles (le, la, l’, les) — they matter! Try to repeat them aloud with the nouns.

Try it yourself. Complete the sentences with the right word.

J’ai à la tête.

Elle a mal oreilles.

Useful symptoms and how to describe them

Here are high-frequency phrases you’ll need at the pharmacy or doctor. Keep the subjects and verbs simple — perfect for A2.

At the doctor: phrases you’ll hear and use

When you see a “médecin généraliste” (GP), you’ll often hear polite imperatives and simple questions.

Common doctor questions:

• Qu’est-ce qui vous amène ? (What brings you in?)
• Depuis quand ? (Since when?)
• Vous avez de la fièvre ? (Do you have a fever?)

Common instructions:

• Ouvrez la bouche, s’il vous plaît.
• Respirez profondément.
• Ne bougez pas.

Treatment language:

• Je vais vous prescrire un sirop/comprimé.
• Prenez ce médicament trois fois par jour.

Reflexive verbs for routines (and injuries)

French uses reflexive verbs with body parts — and the definite article, not a possessive.

• Je me lave les mains. (not “mes mains”)
• Il s’est blessé au genou. (He hurt his knee.) — past example for emergencies

Start with “se laver” (to wash oneself).

Je me les mains.

Je suis froid. → J’ai froid. Use “avoir + froid/chaud/faim/soif” for physical states. Je lave mes mains. → Je me lave les mains. Reflexive verb + definite article for body parts. J’ai mal mon tête. → J’ai mal à la tête. Use “à + article” before the body part.

At the pharmacy: key words you’ll hear

• un médicament (medicine)
• un comprimé (tablet, pill)
• un sirop (cough syrup)
• une pommade (ointment)
• une ordonnance (prescription)

Practice the key pharmacy items:

Try one more quick completion with an instruction you might hear.

Ne pas le bras.

Cultural tip: how health care moments feel in France

• Many people first visit the pharmacie (green cross sign). Pharmacists can advise you for common problems (cold, cough, minor pain) and suggest over‑the‑counter medicine.
• For a doctor, you typically see a médecin généraliste by appointment. After the visit, you get une ordonnance for any prescription medicines.
• If you live in France, you’ll use a carte Vitale for reimbursement at the doctor/pharmacy.
• For emergencies, dial 15 (SAMU) or 112.

Polite phrases help: “Bonjour”, “S’il vous plaît”, “Merci, bonne journée”. They go a long way.

Mini pronunciation notes

• le dos → final “s” is silent [do]
• estomac → the “h” is silent; liaison: à l’estomac
• fièvre → the “è” is an open “eh” sound Say them slowly, then try them in a full sentence.

Wrap-up: what to remember

• Use “avoir mal à + article + body part” (au/à la/à l’/aux).
• Know key symptoms: je suis enrhumé(e), je tousse, j’ai de la fièvre.
• At the doctor: simple imperatives (Ouvrez…, Respirez…, Ne bougez pas.).
• With reflexive verbs + body parts, use the definite article: je me lave les mains.

Keep these phrases handy, and next time you don’t feel well, you’ll be ready to explain clearly — en français ! Courage, you’ve got this.