Meaning
To experience pain in the abdomen.
Cultural Background
French people often use 'tisane' (herbal tea) as the first remedy for a stomach ache. In Quebec, you might hear 'avoir mal à l'estomac' more frequently for general pain. In some regions, 'ventre' is used to refer to the entire digestive system, including the intestines. Similar to France, but 'avoir des coliques' is sometimes used more casually.
Don't overthink it
It's just like saying 'I have a headache' (J'ai mal à la tête). The pattern is the same!
Meaning
To experience pain in the abdomen.
Don't overthink it
It's just like saying 'I have a headache' (J'ai mal à la tête). The pattern is the same!
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence.
Je ne peux pas manger, j'ai _____ au ventre.
The structure is 'avoir mal à'.
Which is correct?
Choose the most natural way to say you have a stomach ache.
This is the standard, most common way to express this in French.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
2 exercisesJe ne peux pas manger, j'ai _____ au ventre.
The structure is 'avoir mal à'.
Choose the most natural way to say you have a stomach ache.
This is the standard, most common way to express this in French.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
2 questionsNo! Use 'J'ai mal au cœur' or call emergency services.
It is neutral and perfectly fine for any situation.
Related Phrases
Avoir l'estomac noué
similarTo have a knotted stomach
Avoir mal au cœur
contrastTo feel nauseous
Avoir la colique
specialized formTo have diarrhea
