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A2 noun #8,000 más común 11 min de lectura

cicatrice

Top 8,000

Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos cicatrice en 30 segundos

Explicación cicatrice in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should learn 'cicatrice' as a basic noun to describe the body. It is a feminine word: 'la cicatrice'. You can use it with simple verbs like 'avoir' (to have). For example, 'J'ai une cicatrice sur le bras' (I have a scar on my arm). It is helpful to know this word if you need to describe yourself or someone else to a doctor or a friend. At this stage, just focus on the physical meaning. Think of it like 'une marque sur la peau' (a mark on the skin) that stays forever. You might see it in a simple story or a comic book. Remember: 'une cicatrice', not 'un cicatrice'. You can describe the size: 'une petite cicatrice' or 'une grande cicatrice'. It's a useful word for talking about childhood accidents, like falling off a bike. Don't worry about the metaphorical meanings yet; just focus on the visible mark on the skin. If you go to a pharmacy in France, you might need this word to ask for a bandage or cream. Practice saying it: 'si-ka-triss'. The 'c' sounds like 's'.

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At the A2 level, you can start using 'cicatrice' in slightly more complex sentences, including past tense descriptions. You might explain how you got a scar: 'Je suis tombé quand j'avais six ans et j'ai gardé une cicatrice.' (I fell when I was six and I kept a scar). You should also learn common adjectives that go with it, like 'profonde' (deep), 'légère' (slight), or 'ancienne' (old). Remember that these adjectives must be feminine to match 'la cicatrice'. You might also encounter the verb 'cicatriser', which means 'to heal'. For example, 'Ma coupure cicatrise bien' (My cut is healing well). At this level, you should be able to describe a person's appearance using this word as a detail. 'Il est grand, il a les cheveux bruns et une cicatrice sur le front.' This level also introduces the idea of 'la cicatrisation' (the healing process) as something you might discuss with a healthcare professional. You should be comfortable using the word in a medical context, such as explaining a past surgery. You can also start to see it in simple news reports or health articles.

At the B1 level, you can use 'cicatrice' in more abstract and metaphorical ways. You should be able to talk about 'les cicatrices de l'esprit' (scars of the mind) or 'les cicatrices du passé' (scars of the past). This allows you to discuss deeper topics like personal history, emotional experiences, and even historical events. For example, you might say, 'La ville porte encore les cicatrices de la guerre' (The city still bears the scars of the war). You will also learn more specific vocabulary, such as 'effacer une cicatrice' (to erase/remove a scar) or 'dissimuler une cicatrice' (to hide a scar). You should understand the nuances between 'cicatrice' and synonyms like 'marque' or 'trace'. In a B1 conversation, you might discuss how certain experiences have 'marqué' (marked) you, leaving a 'cicatrice'. You'll also start to see this word in literature and more advanced media. You should be able to write a short paragraph about a significant event in your life and mention if it left a physical or emotional scar. Your grammar should be more precise, using correct prepositions like 'une cicatrice au visage' or 'sur la main'.

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At the B2 level, you should have a nuanced understanding of 'cicatrice' in various registers. You can use it in formal discussions about history, sociology, or psychology. You might analyze how a nation deals with its 'cicatrices historiques' (historical scars) or how a character in a novel is defined by their 'cicatrices intérieures' (inner scars). You will be familiar with more technical terms like 'tissu cicatriciel' (scar tissue) and 'chéloïde'. Your ability to use the word in idiomatic expressions will increase, such as 'rouvrir une cicatrice' (to reopen a scar/wound), meaning to bring up a painful past topic. You should be able to debate the importance of physical appearance and the societal pressure to remove scars. In writing, you can use 'cicatrice' to create vivid imagery, describing how a landscape is 'cicatrisé' by industrial activity. You will also notice the word in more sophisticated French cinema and literature, where it often symbolizes a character's journey or trauma. You should be able to distinguish between 'cicatrice' and more literary terms like 'balafre' or 'stigmate' and choose the one that best fits the tone of your speech or writing.

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At the C1 level, your use of 'cicatrice' should be fluid and precise. You can use it to discuss complex philosophical or psychological concepts. For instance, you might explore the idea of 'la beauté des cicatrices' (the beauty of scars) in the context of resilience or the Japanese art of Kintsugi, translated into a French cultural context. You will understand the subtle connotations the word carries in different literary movements, from Romanticism to Modernism. You can use it in high-level academic writing to describe the 'cicatrices socio-économiques' of a region. Your vocabulary will include rare or formal related words like 'cicatriciel' or 'cicatrisant' used as adjectives in complex structures. You should be able to interpret the word's use in poetry, where it might represent the 'sillon' (furrow) of time or the 'trace' of a lost love. In professional settings, such as medicine or law, you can use the term with absolute precision regarding its physical and psychological implications. You will be able to follow fast-paced discussions or podcasts where 'cicatrice' is used as a metaphor for current political divisions or historical traumas without any hesitation.

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At the C2 level, you have complete mastery over the word 'cicatrice' and its entire semantic field. You can use it with the same level of nuance as a highly educated native speaker. You might use it in a doctoral thesis or a sophisticated piece of journalism to describe the 'cicatrices indélébiles' (indelible scars) left by colonialism or a major cultural shift. You can appreciate and use the word in puns, double entendres, or complex literary metaphors. You understand the historical evolution of the word from its Latin roots to its modern usage. You can discuss the ethics of 'effacement des cicatrices' in the age of plastic surgery or the psychological necessity of 'porter ses cicatrices' as a form of identity. Your speech will naturally incorporate idioms and collocations involving 'cicatrice' with perfect timing and context. You can analyze the use of 'cicatrice' in the works of authors like Proust or Baudelaire, where the word might be central to themes of memory and decay. At this level, the word is not just a vocabulary item but a versatile tool for expressing deep, multifaceted ideas about the human condition, history, and the passage of time.

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Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos

cicatrice en 30 segundos

Cicatrice is a feminine noun meaning 'scar', referring to the permanent mark left after a wound heals.
It is used both physically (skin/organs) and metaphorically (emotional/historical trauma).
Commonly paired with the verb 'porter' (to carry/wear) or 'garder' (to keep).
Must agree with feminine adjectives: 'une cicatrice profonde', 'des cicatrices visibles'.

The French word cicatrice is a feminine noun that translates directly to the English word 'scar'. In its most literal sense, it refers to the permanent mark left on the skin or internal organs after a wound, burn, or surgical incision has healed. The biological process behind this is known as la cicatrisation. When a person falls and scrapes their knee as a child, the resulting mark they carry into adulthood is their cicatrice. In French culture, as in many others, these marks are often seen as physical records of one's personal history, though they can also be sources of self-consciousness or pride, depending on the context. Beyond the medical and physical realm, cicatrice is frequently used metaphorically to describe psychological or emotional wounds. Just as skin can be scarred, a person's psyche or a nation's collective memory can bear the cicatrices of trauma, war, or heartbreak. Understanding this word requires recognizing its dual nature: the tangible, visible mark and the intangible, felt memory of past pain.

Medical Context: In a clinical setting, a doctor might discuss the quality of a cicatrice after surgery, noting if it is 'chéloïde' (raised) or 'atrophique' (depressed). Patients are often given 'crème cicatrisante' to help the skin recover more smoothly.

Après son opération du genou, il a gardé une longue cicatrice qui lui rappelle son accident de ski.

Emotional Usage: Metaphorically, one might say 'le temps n'efface pas toutes les cicatrices de l'âme' (time does not erase all scars of the soul), referring to lingering emotional distress from a past event.

In literature and cinema, the cicatrice often serves as a character trait or a plot device. Think of the famous 'cicatrice en forme d'éclair' (lightning-shaped scar) of Harry Potter, which serves as both a physical mark and a connection to his past and his antagonist. In French literature, characters from Victor Hugo's novels often carry scars that symbolize their societal struggles or past crimes. The word carries a certain gravity; it is rarely used for something trivial. It implies a significant event that was painful enough to leave a lasting impression. When discussing history, French historians often refer to the 'cicatrices de la guerre' (scars of war) visible on buildings or within the demographics of a city. This versatility makes it an essential word for intermediate learners who wish to move beyond basic descriptions to more nuanced emotional and historical discussions.

Cette vieille maison porte encore les cicatrices des bombardements de 1944.

Aesthetic Perspective: In the beauty industry, products are marketed to 'atténuer les cicatrices' (fade scars), highlighting a cultural desire for flawless skin, contrasting with the 'scars are cool' trope often found in action movies.

Elle porte une petite cicatrice au-dessus du sourcil gauche depuis son enfance.

Les cicatrices psychologiques sont parfois plus difficiles à guérir que les physiques.

Using the word cicatrice correctly involves understanding its grammatical gender and common verb pairings. Since it is a feminine noun, any accompanying adjectives must agree in gender and number. For example, 'une cicatrice profonde' (a deep scar) or 'des cicatrices visibles' (visible scars). The plural form is simply 'cicatrices'. When speaking about having a scar, the most common verb is avoir (to have) or porter (to wear/carry). 'Porter une cicatrice' suggests a more permanent or significant presence, often used when the scar is a defining feature. If you are describing the process of a scar forming, you would use the verb cicatriser (to heal/scar over). For example, 'La plaie commence à cicatriser' (The wound is beginning to heal).

Verb Pairings: Common verbs: garder (to keep/be left with), effacer (to erase), dissimuler (to hide), montrer (to show), soigner (to treat).

Il a gardé une vilaine cicatrice après sa chute à vélo.

Adjective Agreement: Remember to add 'e' or 'es' to adjectives where applicable: 'une cicatrice légère', 'des cicatrices anciennes'.

In more formal or literary contexts, you might encounter the word in passive constructions or as part of a more elaborate description. For instance, 'Son visage était marqué par une fine cicatrice' (His face was marked by a thin scar). This uses the past participle 'marqué' to emphasize the effect of the scar on the person's appearance. In medical reports, you might see 'cicatrice opératoire' to refer specifically to a surgical scar. It is also important to note the difference between la cicatrice (the mark) and la cicatrisation (the healing process). If you say 'La cicatrice est belle', you are commenting on how the mark looks. If you say 'La cicatrisation se passe bien', you are saying the wound is healing well. This distinction is crucial in healthcare settings.

Le chirurgien a vérifié si la cicatrice était bien fermée.

Abstract Usage: 'Les cicatrices de l'histoire' refers to the lasting impacts of historical events on a place or culture.

Chaque cicatrice raconte une histoire différente sur son corps.

Elle essayait de cacher ses cicatrices sous un long vêtement.

You will encounter the word cicatrice in a variety of real-world French contexts, ranging from the mundane to the highly dramatic. One of the most common places is at the pharmacie or the médecin. If you have a cut, the pharmacist might ask, 'Voulez-vous une crème pour éviter la cicatrice ?' (Do you want a cream to avoid the scar?). In this context, it's a practical, everyday term related to health and skincare. France has a large cosmetics and dermo-cosmetics industry (think brands like La Roche-Posay or Avène), so you will frequently see 'anti-cicatrices' or 'réparation cicatricielle' on product packaging in any French supermarket or drugstore.

Daily Life: Conversations about childhood accidents: 'Tu vois cette cicatrice ? Je me suis fait ça en tombant d'un arbre.'

À la pharmacie : 'Cette pommade aide à réduire l'apparence de la cicatrice.'

Pop Culture: In the French dub of Harry Potter, the 'lightning bolt scar' is famously called 'la cicatrice en éclair'.

Another significant context is in French news and documentaries, especially those dealing with historical memory. France has a complex history with wars and social upheavals. Reporters often speak of 'les cicatrices de la guerre' when visiting former battlefields or cities that were heavily bombed. In a more modern sense, social 'cicatrices' might refer to the lasting effects of economic crises or social unrest in the banlieues. Furthermore, in the world of sports, particularly contact sports like rugby (very popular in the South of France), players are often described by their 'cicatrices de combat', which are seen as badges of honor. Even in a simple conversation about getting a tattoo, someone might mention a cicatrice they want to cover up. The word is ubiquitous because it connects the physical body to the passage of time and the events that shape us.

Le reportage montrait les cicatrices laissées par l'ouragan sur la côte.

Literature: French poets often use 'cicatrice' to describe the 'blessures' of love that never truly heal, making it a staple of romantic and melancholic writing.

Le vieux marin avait une cicatrice qui lui barrait tout le front.

Certaines cicatrices ne se voient pas à l'œil nu.

While cicatrice is a relatively straightforward cognate to 'scar', English speakers often make a few specific errors. The most common is a gender mistake. Because 'scar' has no gender in English, learners often default to 'le cicatrice'. However, it is strictly la cicatrice. Remembering it as a feminine noun is vital for correct adjective agreement. Another frequent error is confusing the noun cicatrice with the verb cicatriser or the noun cicatrisation. You cannot 'cicatrice' a wound; you cicatrise a wound. Similarly, if you want to talk about the 'healing process', you must use la cicatrisation, not la cicatrice.

Gender Error: Incorrect: *Le cicatrice est profond. Correct: La cicatrice est profonde.

Attention : On dit 'une belle cicatrice' et non 'un beau cicatrice'.

Confusion with 'Blessure': A 'blessure' is a wound that is currently hurting or bleeding. A 'cicatrice' is the final result after the 'blessure' has healed. Don't say 'ma cicatrice saigne' (my scar is bleeding) unless you mean the scar tissue has re-opened; usually, you mean 'ma blessure saigne'.

Learners also sometimes struggle with the metaphorical use. In English, we might say 'the scars of the past', and in French, it is indeed 'les cicatrices du passé'. However, sometimes English uses 'scars' where French might prefer 'séquelles' (after-effects/sequelae), especially when referring to long-term medical complications or disabilities resulting from an illness rather than just a mark on the skin. For example, 'les séquelles d'une maladie' is more common than 'les cicatrices d'une maladie' unless you are specifically talking about skin marks like those from smallpox. Finally, watch out for the pronunciation. The 'ci' at the beginning is a soft 's' sound [si], and the 'ce' at the end is also a soft 's' sound [s]. It is not pronounced with a hard 'k' sound like 'cat'.

Ne confondez pas la cicatrice (le résultat) avec la cicatrisation (le processus).

Preposition Pitfalls: We say 'une cicatrice au visage' (on the face) or 'sur le bras' (on the arm). Using the wrong preposition can sound unnatural.

Il a une cicatrice de dix centimètres sur la jambe.

La cicatrice s'est estompée avec les années.

French has several words that are related to cicatrice, each with its own nuance. Understanding these can help you sound more like a native speaker and choose the right word for the right situation. The most common synonym in a more intense or literary context is balafre. A balafre is a large, often disfiguring scar, usually on the face, caused by a cut or a slash. It sounds more violent than cicatrice. If you want to talk about a small, less permanent mark, you might use marque or trace. These are much more general terms that could apply to anything from a bruise to a temporary impression on the skin.

Cicatrice vs. Balafre: Cicatrice is the general, neutral term for any scar. Balafre implies a deep, wide, and often scary-looking scar, like one from a sword fight or a major accident.

Le méchant dans le film avait une énorme balafre en travers de l'œil.

Cicatrice vs. Stigmate: While a cicatrice is physical, a stigmate (stigma) is often used in a sociological or religious sense to describe a mark of disgrace or a divine mark, though it can also mean a physical trace of a disease.

In a medical context, you might hear lésion. While a lésion is a broader term for any damage to tissue, it is often the precursor to a cicatrice. Another related term is chéloïde, which is a specific type of thick, raised scar. For emotional contexts, blessure (wound) is often used interchangeably with cicatrice, though blessure implies the pain is still active, whereas cicatrice implies the event is over but the memory remains. For example, 'une blessure ouverte' (an open wound) vs 'une cicatrice refermée' (a closed scar). If you're looking for a word that means 'to leave a mark' without using 'laisser une cicatrice', you could use the verb marquer. 'Cet événement l'a marqué à vie' (This event marked him for life).

Le chirurgien a fait une suture très fine pour minimiser la cicatrice.

Cicatrice vs. Trace: A trace is much more subtle. You might have a trace of a sunburn, but a cicatrice from a third-degree burn.

Il ne reste plus qu'une légère trace de son ancienne blessure.

Les stigmates de la variole étaient autrefois très fréquents.

How Formal Is It?

Dato curioso

The word has remained virtually unchanged in its spelling and meaning for nearly a thousand years, showing how fundamental the concept is to human experience.

Guía de pronunciación

UK /si.ka.tʁis/

US /si.ka.tʁis/

In French, stress is generally on the final syllable: si-ka-TRICE.

Rima con

actrice factrice matrice caprice complice service exercice sacrifice

Errores comunes

Pronouncing the 'c' as a 'k' (like 'kikatrise').
Pronouncing the 'e' at the end like an English 'ee'.
Using an English 'r' instead of the French uvular 'r'.
Stress on the first syllable.
Mispronouncing 'ci' as 'chi'.

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 2/5

Easy to recognize due to English similarity, but gender must be noted.

Escritura 3/5

Spelling 'cicatrice' and matching feminine adjectives requires attention.

Expresión oral 3/5

Pronunciation of 'ci' and 'trice' needs practice for native flow.

Escucha 2/5

Clear sound, usually easy to pick out in conversation.

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

corps peau blessure mal guérir

Aprende después

cicatrisation cicatriser opération chirurgie stigmate

Avanzado

chéloïde suture atrophique hypertrophique indélébile

Gramática que debes saber

Feminine noun agreement

Une cicatrice profonde (add 'e' to adjective).

Preposition 'à' for body parts

Une cicatrice au visage (à + le = au).

Preposition 'sur' for surface

Une cicatrice sur la jambe.

Possessive adjectives

Ma cicatrice, ta cicatrice, sa cicatrice (all use feminine forms).

Verb 'guérir' vs 'cicatriser'

La plaie guérit; le tissu cicatrise.

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Ejemplos por nivel

J'ai une petite cicatrice sur le doigt.

I have a small scar on my finger.

'une petite cicatrice' shows feminine agreement.

Où est ta cicatrice ?

Where is your scar?

Uses the possessive adjective 'ta' for a feminine noun.

La cicatrice est rouge.

The scar is red.

'rouge' does not change for feminine singular.

Elle a une cicatrice au genou.

She has a scar on her knee.

'au' is a contraction of 'à le'.

C'est une vieille cicatrice.

It is an old scar.

'vieille' is the feminine form of 'vieux'.

Ma cicatrice ne me fait pas mal.

My scar doesn't hurt me.

Negative structure 'ne... pas'.

Regarde ma cicatrice de chat !

Look at my cat scar!

'de chat' describes the origin of the scar.

Il y a une cicatrice sur son visage.

There is a scar on his face.

'sur' indicates location.

Je porte cette cicatrice depuis mon accident de vélo.

I have been wearing this scar since my bike accident.

The verb 'porter' is used for having a visible mark.

Le médecin dit que la cicatrice va disparaître.

The doctor says the scar will disappear.

Future tense with 'va' + infinitive.

Elle utilise une crème pour sa cicatrice.

She is using a cream for her scar.

Present tense of 'utiliser'.

Sa cicatrice est très longue et profonde.

His/Her scar is very long and deep.

Adjectives 'longue' and 'profonde' are feminine.

Est-ce que ta cicatrice te gratte ?

Does your scar itch you?

Reflexive-like structure with 'te gratte'.

Il a une cicatrice en forme de cœur.

He has a heart-shaped scar.

'en forme de' is a common descriptive phrase.

Nous avons tous des cicatrices d'enfance.

We all have childhood scars.

Plural form 'des cicatrices'.

La cicatrice est devenue blanche avec le temps.

The scar became white over time.

Passé composé with 'être' for 'devenir'.

Cette cicatrice me rappelle toujours ce jour-là.

This scar always reminds me of that day.

'me rappelle' uses the indirect object pronoun.

Il essaie de cacher sa cicatrice avec du maquillage.

He is trying to hide his scar with makeup.

Infinitive 'cacher' after 'essayer de'.

La ville garde les cicatrices des inondations.

The city keeps the scars of the floods.

Metaphorical use for environmental damage.

Après l'opération, la cicatrisation a laissé une fine cicatrice.

After the surgery, the healing process left a fine scar.

Distinction between 'cicatrisation' and 'cicatrice'.

Elle a une cicatrice invisible à l'œil nu.

She has a scar invisible to the naked eye.

'invisible' modifies 'cicatrice'.

Les cicatrices émotionnelles mettent du temps à guérir.

Emotional scars take time to heal.

Metaphorical use for psychological pain.

Il a une cicatrice qui lui barre la joue.

He has a scar that crosses his cheek.

'qui lui barre' is a descriptive relative clause.

Peut-on vraiment effacer une cicatrice au laser ?

Can one really erase a scar with a laser?

Question with 'peut-on'.

Le roman explore les cicatrices laissées par la révolution.

The novel explores the scars left by the revolution.

Metaphorical use in a literary context.

Sa cicatrice est un témoignage de son courage.

His scar is a testament to his courage.

'témoignage' implies a deeper meaning.

Il ne faut pas rouvrir les vieilles cicatrices du passé.

One must not reopen the old scars of the past.

Idiomatic expression 'rouvrir les cicatrices'.

La cicatrice chéloïde nécessite un traitement spécialisé.

The keloid scar requires specialized treatment.

Technical medical term 'chéloïde'.

Malgré la chirurgie esthétique, la cicatrice reste visible.

Despite plastic surgery, the scar remains visible.

Conjunction 'malgré' followed by a noun.

Le paysage était défiguré par les cicatrices de l'exploitation minière.

The landscape was disfigured by the scars of mining.

Passive voice 'était défiguré'.

Elle porte ses cicatrices avec une certaine fierté.

She wears her scars with a certain pride.

The verb 'porter' used for pride/identity.

L'accord de paix visait à refermer les cicatrices de la nation.

The peace treaty aimed to close the nation's scars.

Metaphorical use in political context.

L'œuvre de cet artiste porte les cicatrices de son exil.

This artist's work bears the scars of his exile.

Abstract usage in art criticism.

La cicatrice n'est pas seulement un stigmate, c'est une mémoire.

The scar is not just a stigma; it is a memory.

Philosophical contrast between 'stigmate' and 'mémoire'.

Le chirurgien a réussi une suture quasi invisible, minimisant la cicatrice.

The surgeon succeeded in a nearly invisible suture, minimizing the scar.

Complex sentence with an adverb 'quasi' and a gerund 'minimisant'.

Les cicatrices du colonialisme sont encore palpables dans la langue.

The scars of colonialism are still palpable in the language.

Sociolinguistic metaphor.

Il s'agit d'une cicatrice psychologique profonde qui entrave son quotidien.

It is a deep psychological scar that hinders his daily life.

Relative clause 'qui entrave son quotidien'.

La poésie de Baudelaire évoque souvent les cicatrices de l'âme déchue.

Baudelaire's poetry often evokes the scars of the fallen soul.

Literary analysis context.

L'urbanisme moderne tente de masquer les cicatrices industrielles de la ville.

Modern urban planning tries to mask the industrial scars of the city.

Context of urban development.

Chaque ride est une cicatrice du temps qui passe.

Each wrinkle is a scar of passing time.

Poetic metaphor for aging.

L'herméneutique du récit permet de déchiffrer les cicatrices textuelles de l'auteur.

The hermeneutics of the narrative allow for the deciphering of the author's textual scars.

Highly academic register.

La résilience ne consiste pas à effacer la cicatrice, mais à l'intégrer au soi.

Resilience does not consist of erasing the scar, but of integrating it into the self.

Psychological/Philosophical definition.

Les cicatrices géopolitiques de la Guerre Froide structurent encore les alliances actuelles.

The geopolitical scars of the Cold War still structure current alliances.

Advanced political science context.

L'esthétique du fragment dans l'art contemporain valorise la cicatrice comme trace créatrice.

The aesthetics of the fragment in contemporary art value the scar as a creative trace.

Art theory terminology.

Il porte en lui les cicatrices indélébiles d'une enfance passée sous le joug de la dictature.

He carries within him the indelible scars of a childhood spent under the yoke of dictatorship.

Literary and historical weight.

La cicatrisation sociale est un processus lent qui exige une reconnaissance des torts passés.

Social healing is a slow process that requires recognition of past wrongs.

Abstract noun 'cicatrisation' used socially.

L'analyse freudienne s'attache à repérer les cicatrices laissées par les traumatismes infantiles.

Freudian analysis focuses on identifying the scars left by childhood traumas.

Psychoanalytic context.

Le paysage, autrefois luxuriant, n'est plus qu'un champ de cicatrices écologiques.

The landscape, once lush, is now nothing more than a field of ecological scars.

Environmental critique with 'ne... plus que'.

Colocaciones comunes

cicatrice profonde

cicatrice invisible

cicatrice émotionnelle

cicatrice de guerre

cicatrice opératoire

cicatrice ancienne

cicatrice chéloïde

laisser une cicatrice

effacer une cicatrice

cicatrice au visage

Frases Comunes

Garder une cicatrice

— To be left with a scar after an injury.

Il a gardé une cicatrice de sa chute.

Porter une cicatrice

— To have a scar as a permanent feature.

Elle porte une cicatrice sur le front.

Une cicatrice en éclair

— A lightning-shaped scar (famous reference).

Harry Potter a une cicatrice en éclair.

Les cicatrices du passé

— The emotional or physical traces of past events.

Nous portons tous les cicatrices du passé.

Cicatrices de l'âme

— Deep emotional pain that remains.

Certaines cicatrices de l'âme ne guérissent jamais.

Atténuer une cicatrice

— To make a scar less visible.

Cette crème aide à atténuer la cicatrice.

Cicatrice indélébile

— A scar that can never be removed.

L'événement a laissé une cicatrice indélébile.

Dissimuler une cicatrice

— To hide a scar (with clothes or makeup).

Elle dissimule sa cicatrice sous une écharpe.

Cicatrice de brûlure

— A scar caused by a burn.

Il a une cicatrice de brûlure sur la main.

Cicatrice de césarienne

— A C-section scar.

Elle a une cicatrice de césarienne très fine.

Se confunde a menudo con

cicatrice vs Cicatrisation

Cicatrisation is the process; cicatrice is the result.

cicatrice vs Blessure

Blessure is the fresh wound; cicatrice is the healed mark.

cicatrice vs Trace

Trace is a general mark; cicatrice is specific to skin/tissue healing.

Modismos y expresiones

"Rouvrir une cicatrice"

— To bring back a painful memory or reopen an old conflict.

Inutile de rouvrir cette cicatrice, c'est du passé.

figurative

"Le temps efface les cicatrices"

— Time heals all wounds (or at least makes them less painful).

Ne t'inquiète pas, le temps efface les cicatrices.

proverbial

"Porter ses cicatrices comme des médailles"

— To be proud of the hardships one has overcome.

Il porte ses cicatrices comme des médailles de guerre.

figurative

"Une cicatrice béante"

— A wide, open-looking scar, often used for social or national divides.

La guerre a laissé une cicatrice béante dans le pays.

literary

"Cacher ses cicatrices"

— To hide one's past pain or trauma from others.

Il sourit toujours pour cacher ses cicatrices.

figurative

"La cicatrice se referme"

— The pain is starting to fade or the conflict is being resolved.

Enfin, la cicatrice se referme entre les deux familles.

figurative

"Une cicatrice à vif"

— A scar that still feels painful or a trauma that is still fresh.

Son deuil est encore une cicatrice à vif.

figurative

"Marqué par la cicatrice"

— To be permanently changed by a traumatic event.

Toute une génération est marquée par cette cicatrice.

figurative

"Sillonner de cicatrices"

— To be covered in many scars (often used for landscapes or old soldiers).

Son visage était sillonné de cicatrices.

literary

"L'ombre d'une cicatrice"

— A very faint trace of a past event.

Il ne reste que l'ombre d'une cicatrice.

poetic

Fácil de confundir

cicatrice vs Cicatrise

Looks like the noun but it's the verb.

Cicatrise is the 1st/3rd person singular present of 'cicatriser'. Cicatrice is the noun.

La plaie cicatrise. (Verb) / J'ai une cicatrice. (Noun)

cicatrice vs Cicatriciel

Related adjective.

Used for technical descriptions like 'tissu cicatriciel'.

Le tissu cicatriciel est dur.

cicatrice vs Stigmate

Synonym in some contexts.

Stigmate usually has a negative social connotation or religious meaning.

Les stigmate de la pauvreté.

cicatrice vs Balafre

Visual synonym.

A balafre is specifically a long, deep, scary scar.

Une balafre de pirate.

cicatrice vs Marque

General synonym.

Marque can be temporary (like a shoe mark), cicatrice is permanent.

Une marque de bronzage.

Patrones de oraciones

J'ai une cicatrice sur le/la [body part].

J'ai une cicatrice sur le bras.

Cette cicatrice vient de [event].

Cette cicatrice vient d'une chute.

[Something] laisse une cicatrice sur [something].

La guerre laisse une cicatrice sur la ville.

Il ne faut pas rouvrir les cicatrices de [past event].

Il ne faut pas rouvrir les cicatrices de notre dispute.

La cicatrice témoigne de [abstract concept].

La cicatrice témoigne de sa résilience.

L'herméneutique de la cicatrice révèle [complex idea].

L'herméneutique de la cicatrice révèle l'identité profonde.

Elle essaie d'effacer ses cicatrices avec [product].

Elle essaie d'effacer ses cicatrices avec du laser.

Ma cicatrice est [adjective].

Ma cicatrice est ancienne.

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

cicatrisation (healing process)

cicatrisant (healing agent/product)

Verbos

cicatriser (to heal/scar over)

Adjetivos

cicatriciel (relating to a scar/scar-like)

cicatrisable (capable of healing)

cicatrisant (healing/medicinal)

Relacionado

blessure

plaie

suture

lésion

chéloïde

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Cómo usarlo

frequency

Very common in daily life and media.

Errores comunes

Using 'le' instead of 'la'. → La cicatrice.
Cicatrice is always feminine.
Saying 'ma cicatrice est guérie'. → Ma blessure est cicatrisée.
A scar is already the result of healing; you heal the wound to get the scar.
Pronouncing it like 'kikatrise'. → si-ka-triss.
The 'c' before 'i' and 'e' is always soft in French.
Confusing 'cicatrice' with 'cicatrisation'. → La cicatrisation prend du temps.
Use 'cicatrisation' for the process of the wound closing.
Using 'scar' as a verb in French. → Ça va laisser une cicatrice.
French uses the noun + verb construction or the verb 'cicatriser'.

Consejos

Check your adjectives

Since 'cicatrice' is feminine, ensure adjectives like 'profonde' or 'visible' match. Don't forget the 'e'!

Result vs Process

Remember: Cicatrice = the mark. Cicatrisation = the healing process. Don't swap them!

The Soft C

The first and last 'c' in cicatrice are soft like 's'. Practice saying 'six cicatrices' to master the sound.

Metaphors

Use 'cicatrice' when talking about history or feelings to sound more advanced and expressive.

Vivid Descriptions

Instead of just saying 'il a une cicatrice', describe its shape: 'en forme d'éclair', 'en croix', 'longue et fine'.

Using 'Porter'

Use the verb 'porter' (to wear) for scars that are very visible or meaningful. It sounds more natural than 'avoir'.

Harry Potter Dubs

Watch Harry Potter in French! You will hear 'la cicatrice' mentioned in almost every movie.

At the Pharmacy

If you have a cut, ask for 'une crème cicatrisante'. It's a must-know phrase for travelers.

Balafre for Drama

If you are writing a thriller or action story, use 'balafre' to describe a tough character's scar.

Secret Trace

Associate 'cicatrice' with 'secret trace'. It helps you remember the meaning and the feminine gender (une trace).

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Think of 'Cicatrice' as a 'Sick-a-trace'—a trace of when you were sick or hurt.

Asociación visual

Imagine a lightning bolt (like Harry Potter) and say 'La cicatrice'.

Word Web

Peau Blessure Guérison Mémoire Chirurgie Passé Trace Douleur

Desafío

Try to describe three scars (real or imaginary) using the feminine agreement: 'C'est une cicatrice [adjective].'

Origen de la palabra

From the Latin 'cicatrix', which also means 'scar'. It has been used in French since the 12th century.

Significado original: The mark of a healed wound.

Romance (Latin root).

Contexto cultural

Be sensitive when asking about scars, as they may be related to self-harm, violence, or traumatic accidents.

English speakers use 'scar' similarly, but 'cicatrice' sounds slightly more formal or medical to an English ear because 'cicatrix' is the English medical term.

La cicatrice de Harry Potter (lightning bolt). Scarface (le balafré) in the movie of the same name. The scars of the Phantom of the Opera (Le Fantôme de l'Opéra).

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

At the Doctor's

Est-ce que ça va laisser une cicatrice ?
La cicatrice est-elle infectée ?
Comment soigner cette cicatrice ?
La cicatrice me gratte.

Talking about childhood

J'ai cette cicatrice depuis que je suis petit.
Je suis tombé de vélo.
C'est ma cicatrice de guerre d'enfant !
On voit encore la trace.

Beauty and Skincare

Une crème pour atténuer les cicatrices.
J'ai des cicatrices d'acné.
Le laser peut-il effacer les cicatrices ?
Ma peau marque facilement.

Emotions and Past

Il porte les cicatrices de son passé.
Le temps n'efface pas tout.
C'est une cicatrice émotionnelle profonde.
Ne rouvre pas cette cicatrice.

History and Society

Les cicatrices de la ville après la guerre.
Une nation marquée par les cicatrices de l'histoire.
Refermer les cicatrices sociales.
Les stigmates du passé.

Inicios de conversación

"As-tu des cicatrices qui racontent une histoire intéressante ?"

"Penses-tu que les cicatrices font partie de la beauté d'une personne ?"

"Quelle est la cicatrice la plus célèbre que tu connaisses au cinéma ?"

"Est-ce que tu essaies de cacher tes cicatrices ou tu les assumes ?"

"Comment dit-on 'scar' dans ta langue maternelle ?"

Temas para diario

Décris une cicatrice physique que tu as et raconte comment tu l'as obtenue.

Réflexion : Quelles sont les cicatrices émotionnelles qui ont fait de toi la personne que tu es aujourd'hui ?

Imagine l'histoire d'un personnage qui a une cicatrice mystérieuse sur le visage.

Est-ce que les villes peuvent avoir des cicatrices ? Donne des exemples.

Si tu pouvais effacer une cicatrice de ton passé (physique ou morale), le ferais-tu ?

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

C'est toujours féminin : une cicatrice, la cicatrice. Même si un homme a la cicatrice, le mot reste féminin.

On dit 'une cicatrice émotionnelle' ou 'une cicatrice psychologique'. Les deux sont très courants.

Une cicatrice est un terme général. Une balafre est une cicatrice longue et profonde, souvent sur le visage, qui a l'air un peu effrayante.

Le 'c' devant le 'i' se prononce comme un 's'. Donc, [si-ka-triss].

Oui, c'est une métaphore courante pour décrire les dommages causés par le temps ou la guerre sur une structure.

On utilise 'cicatriser'. Exemple : 'Ma plaie cicatrise bien'.

Non, les deux mots (français et anglais) viennent du latin 'cicatrix'.

On peut dire 'avoir une cicatrice' ou 'porter une cicatrice'.

Par définition, oui, bien qu'elle puisse s'atténuer (s'estomper) avec le temps.

Non, il faut dire 'une belle cicatrice' car le mot est féminin.

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