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constipation

A2 noun 9 min read

constipation

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips constipation in 30 Seconds

Explanation constipation in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to know that 'constipation' is a feminine noun that means the same thing as in English. You should be able to say 'J'ai un problème' or 'Je suis malade' and use the word 'constipation' to explain the specific issue to a doctor. Focus on the fact that it ends in -tion, which almost always means it is a feminine word in French. You might see it on simple signs in a pharmacy or on a bottle of water that claims to help with digestion.

At the A2 level, you should be able to use 'constipation' in simple sentences with verbs like 'avoir' or 'souffrir de'. You should recognize common adjectives that go with it, like 'chronique' or 'passagère'. You should also be able to understand simple advice given by a pharmacist, such as 'buvez plus d'eau' (drink more water) to treat the 'constipation'. You are beginning to understand that French people talk about 'le transit' as a more polite way to refer to this condition.

By B1, you can discuss the causes and effects of constipation in more detail. You can explain that a lack of 'fibres' or 'exercice' leads to this condition. You can use more complex structures like 'Si je mange trop de fromage, j'ai de la constipation'. You understand the cultural context of French pharmacies and can navigate a short conversation with a health professional about symptoms, duration, and previous treatments. You also start to recognize euphemisms like 'paresse intestinale'.

At the B2 level, you can understand medical articles or news reports about digestive health. You can use the word in more abstract or metaphorical ways, such as 'une constipation des idées' (a blockage of ideas), although this is rare. You are comfortable with technical terms like 'péristaltisme' or 'fibres insolubles' that appear in discussions about constipation. You can debate the merits of different diets (like vegetarianism) in preventing 'la constipation' at a societal level.

At C1, you have a nuanced understanding of the word. You recognize it in literature or complex social commentary. You can distinguish between 'constipation' and more severe conditions like 'occlusion' or 'fécalome' without hesitation. You understand the historical and etymological roots of the word and how it has evolved in the French language. You can use the word in formal medical or scientific writing with perfect grammatical precision and appropriate register.

At the C2 level, you have complete mastery. You can discuss the physiological mechanisms of constipation at a professional medical level. You understand rare idiomatic expressions and can use the word in high-level wordplay or irony. You are aware of the subtle differences in how 'constipation' is perceived and discussed across different French-speaking regions (France, Quebec, Belgium, Africa) and can adapt your vocabulary accordingly.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

constipation in 30 Seconds

Constipation is a feminine noun in French, meaning the difficulty of bowel movements.
It is a direct cognate of the English word, making it easy to remember for speakers.
Commonly used with verbs like 'avoir' and 'souffrir de' in medical and daily contexts.
Cultural emphasis on 'le transit' makes it a frequent topic in French health discussions.

The French word constipation refers to a physiological condition where the digestive system moves slowly, leading to infrequent or difficult bowel movements. While the word is a direct cognate of the English 'constipation', its usage in French-speaking cultures is often handled with a mix of medical clinicality and a surprising amount of daily openness in certain family contexts. In France, digestive health is a common topic of conversation, often linked to the national obsession with food, gastronomy, and the subsequent 'transit intestinal'.

Medical Context: In a clinical setting, a doctor or 'médecin généraliste' will use this term to diagnose a patient who reports fewer than three bowel movements per week or significant straining.

Le médecin a confirmé que ma fatigue était liée à une constipation chronique.

Beyond the strictly physical, the term can occasionally be found in metaphorical contexts, though this is more common in literary or high-register speech. For instance, one might describe a 'constipation administrative' to refer to a system that is blocked by bureaucracy, preventing the smooth flow of documents or decisions. However, for a learner at the A2 level, the primary focus remains on the health-related meaning.

Daily Life: You will hear this word in pharmacies ('la pharmacie') when asking for advice. French pharmacists are highly trained and often provide the first line of treatment for such issues.

Avez-vous un remède efficace contre la constipation passagère ?

Understanding the nuances of this word also involves knowing its gender. It is a feminine noun (une constipation). This is a common pattern for French words ending in '-tion', which are almost exclusively feminine. This grammatical consistency helps learners predict the gender of hundreds of similar words like 'information', 'nation', or 'solution'.

Social Taboos: While not a topic for a first date, discussing digestion is relatively normal among French family members or close friends, especially when discussing the effects of a heavy meal or a change in diet during travel.

Le changement de régime alimentaire pendant les vacances cause souvent de la constipation.

Il faut boire beaucoup d'eau pour prévenir la constipation.

La constipation peut être très douloureuse si elle n'est pas traitée.

Using 'constipation' correctly in French requires an understanding of its grammatical role and the verbs that typically accompany it. As a feminine noun, it is always preceded by feminine articles: la, une, de la, cette. The most common verb construction used with this word is 'souffrir de' (to suffer from) or 'avoir' (to have).

Common Verbs: Verbs like 'prévenir' (to prevent), 'soigner' (to treat), 'causer' (to cause), and 'soulager' (to relieve) are essential when discussing this topic in a medical or self-care context.

Quels aliments peuvent causer la constipation chez les enfants ?

When talking about the duration or type of the condition, adjectives follow the noun. You will frequently see 'constipation chronique' (chronic) or 'constipation passagère' (occasional/temporary). In French, adjectives usually come after the noun, which is a key rule for A2 learners to internalize. For example, you wouldn't say 'chronique constipation', but 'constipation chronique'.

Quantifiers: When expressing the severity, you might use 'une forte constipation' or 'une légère constipation'. Notice how 'forte' and 'légère' are in the feminine form to match the noun.

Elle souffre d'une constipation sévère depuis trois jours.

In more formal writing, such as a medical report or a health article, the word might be used in the subject position of a sentence. 'La constipation peut résulter d'un manque de fibres.' Here, the noun acts as the agent of the action. It is also common to see it in prepositional phrases like 'en cas de constipation' (in case of constipation), which you will find on the back of medicine boxes or natural supplement packaging.

Sentence Structure: Standard SVO (Subject-Verb-Object) patterns apply. 'Le manque d'exercice favorise la constipation.' (Lack of exercise promotes constipation.)

Boire du café peut parfois aider à lutter contre la constipation.

Il est important de ne pas ignorer une constipation persistante.

La constipation est souvent accompagnée de douleurs abdominales.

You will encounter the word 'constipation' in several specific environments in French-speaking countries. The most obvious place is the pharmacie. In France, pharmacies are ubiquitous and the green neon cross is a staple of every street corner. Pharmacists are the primary point of contact for minor ailments, and 'constipation' is a term they hear daily. You might hear a pharmacist ask: 'Est-ce une constipation occasionnelle ou chronique ?'

Advertising and Media: French television commercials are famous for advertising yogurts and probiotics that aid 'le transit'. While they might not always use the blunt word 'constipation' to avoid being unappetizing, the word appears frequently on the packaging of these products in supermarkets ('le supermarché').

Publicité : 'Dites adieu à la constipation avec notre nouveau yaourt riche en fibres.'

In a domestic setting, particularly among older generations, the topic of digestion is discussed with a level of frankness that might surprise English speakers. Grandparents might discuss their 'problèmes de constipation' at the dinner table, linking it to the quality of the bread or the lack of vegetables in a meal. This reflects a cultural emphasis on the 'bien-être' (well-being) of the body and its digestive functions.

Medical Consultations: During a visit to the 'docteur', specifically a 'gastro-entérologue', 'constipation' is a standard technical term. The doctor will ask about 'la fréquence des selles' and 'la consistance' to determine the severity.

Le gastro-entérologue explique les causes de la constipation fonctionnelle.

In fitness and wellness circles, 'constipation' is discussed in relation to 'détox' or 'régimes'. Yoga instructors or nutritionists might mention how certain poses or seeds (like chia or flax) help 'lutter contre la constipation'. It is viewed as a sign of an unbalanced lifestyle rather than just a medical symptom.

Dans ce magazine de santé, il y a un dossier complet sur la constipation.

La constipation est un sujet fréquent dans les forums de discussion sur la maternité.

À la radio, un nutritionniste parle de la constipation et de l'hydratation.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make with 'constipation' is related to its gender. Because the word looks and sounds so much like English, learners often forget that it is feminine. Using 'le constipation' or 'un constipation' is a clear marker of a non-native speaker. Always pair it with 'la' or 'une'.

Confusion with the Adjective: Another common error is confusing the noun 'constipation' with the adjective 'constipé'. In English, we often say 'I am constipated'. In French, while you can say 'Je suis constipé', it is very common to use the noun: 'J'ai de la constipation'. Using the noun form incorrectly as an adjective is a common slip-up.

Faux : J'ai un constipation grave. (Correct : J'ai une constipation grave.)

Pronunciation is another area where mistakes occur. In English, the 'tion' ending is pronounced 'shun'. In French, it is a sharp 's' sound followed by a nasal 'on' (like 'see-on'). Learners often carry the English 'sh' sound into French, which can make the word hard to understand for native speakers.

Misusing 'Pousser': When describing the difficulty of the condition, English speakers might translate 'to push' literally. While 'pousser' is used in childbirth, in the context of constipation, French speakers more often use 'faire des efforts' or 'avoir du mal à'.

Faux : La constipation est un verbe. (Correct : La constipation est un nom.)

Finally, avoid using the word in contexts that are too formal or too informal without checking the room. While the word is clinical, using it at a formal dinner party might still be considered a 'faux pas' depending on the company. It's better to use euphemisms like 'problèmes de digestion' if you are unsure of the social setting.

Ne confondez pas la constipation avec une simple indigestion.

Il est incorrect de dire 'je suis constipation'. Dites 'j'ai de la constipation'.

Attention à l'orthographe : il y a un seul 'p' dans constipation.

While 'constipation' is the most direct term, French offers several alternatives and related words that can help you sound more nuanced or polite. Understanding these synonyms and related concepts is crucial for moving from A2 to B1 level.

Paresse Intestinale: Literally 'intestinal laziness'. This is a very common euphemism used in health magazines and by pharmacists. It sounds less medical and slightly more polite than 'constipation'.

Ce thé naturel aide à combattre la paresse intestinale, évitant ainsi la constipation.

Another related term is 'le transit'. In French, when someone says 'j'ai un transit lent' (I have a slow transit), they are implying they suffer from constipation. This is the preferred way to discuss the issue in semi-formal or polite company. You will see 'favorise le transit' on many food products.

Occlusion Intestinale: This is a much more serious medical condition (intestinal blockage). It is important not to use this term interchangeably with simple constipation, as an 'occlusion' usually requires emergency surgery.

Une constipation sévère peut parfois mener à une occlusion intestinale.

On the opposite side, we have 'la diarrhée'. Knowing the antonym is helpful for medical contexts. Between the two extremes, French speakers aim for 'une digestion régulière'. Other related words include 'laxatif' (laxative), 'fibres' (fibers), and 'suppositoire' (suppository), which are all part of the same lexical field.

Comparison: Constipation vs. Digestion: Digestion is the whole process; constipation is a specific failure of the final stage of that process.

Pour améliorer votre digestion et éviter la constipation, mangez des pruneaux.

Le mot 'stase' est un terme médical plus précis que constipation.

La constipation est le contraire d'un transit rapide.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"La constipation chronique nécessite un suivi gastro-entérologique."

Neutral

"J'ai un peu de constipation à cause du voyage."

Informal

"Je suis tout bouché, c'est la constipation !"

Child friendly

"Tu as un petit bouchon dans le ventre."

Slang

"Je suis coincé du derrière."

Fun Fact

The word was originally used in a more general sense of 'crowding' before becoming specific to medical bowel issues in the 16th century.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /kɔ̃s.ti.pa.sjɔ̃/

US /kɔ̃s.ti.pa.sjɔ̃/

The stress in French is always on the last syllable: con-sti-pa-TION.

Rhymes With

nation station solution action passion mission vision creation

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'tion' as 'shun' like in English.
Missing the nasal 'on' sound at the end.
Pronouncing the final 'n' too clearly (it should be nasal).
Stress on the first syllable.
Making the 's' sound like a 'z'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

Easy to read as it is an English cognate.

Writing 2/5

Must remember it is feminine and ends in -tion.

Speaking 3/5

The nasal 'on' and the 'see-on' ending can be tricky for beginners.

Listening 2/5

Easy to recognize in context.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

ventre malade manger eau docteur

Learn Next

laxatif fibre digestion intestin ordonnance

Advanced

péristaltisme fécalome occlusion microbiote

Grammar to Know

Nouns ending in -tion are feminine.

La constipation, la nation, la solution.

Adjectives follow the noun in French.

Une constipation sévère.

Use 'de la' (partitive) for uncountable conditions.

J'ai de la constipation.

The preposition 'de' is used after 'souffrir'.

Souffrir de constipation.

Articles are necessary before nouns in French.

La constipation est pénible.

Examples by Level

J'ai de la constipation.

I have constipation.

Uses the partitive article 'de la' because constipation is feminine.

C'est une constipation.

It is constipation.

Uses 'une' as it is a feminine noun.

La constipation est mauvaise.

Constipation is bad.

Definite article 'la' for a general concept.

Le bébé a une constipation.

The baby has constipation.

Simple subject-verb-object structure.

Pas de constipation aujourd'hui.

No constipation today.

Negation 'pas de' before the noun.

L'eau aide la constipation.

Water helps constipation.

Simple present tense verb 'aider'.

Est-ce la constipation ?

Is it constipation?

Inversion for a question.

Ma constipation est finie.

My constipation is over.

Possessive adjective 'ma' matches feminine noun.

Je souffre de constipation chronique.

I suffer from chronic constipation.

Adjective 'chronique' follows the noun.

Le pharmacien donne un remède pour la constipation.

The pharmacist gives a remedy for constipation.

Preposition 'pour' links the remedy to the problem.

Mangez des fruits contre la constipation.

Eat fruit against constipation.

Imperative mood 'mangez'.

La constipation cause des douleurs au ventre.

Constipation causes stomach pains.

Plural 'douleurs' matches 'des'.

Il a une légère constipation.

He has a slight constipation.

Feminine adjective 'légère'.

Pourquoi as-tu de la constipation ?

Why do you have constipation?

Interrogative 'pourquoi'.

Cette soupe évite la constipation.

This soup avoids constipation.

Demonstrative adjective 'cette'.

Elle n'aime pas parler de sa constipation.

She doesn't like talking about her constipation.

Negation 'ne...pas' around the verb 'aimer'.

Le manque de fibres est la cause principale de la constipation.

Lack of fiber is the main cause of constipation.

Compound noun 'manque de fibres'.

Si vous voyagez, vous pouvez avoir de la constipation.

If you travel, you can have constipation.

Conditional 'si' clause.

Il est conseillé de boire deux litres d'eau pour éviter la constipation.

It is advised to drink two liters of water to avoid constipation.

Passive structure 'il est conseillé'.

La constipation peut devenir un problème sérieux.

Constipation can become a serious problem.

Modal verb 'peut' followed by infinitive.

Certains médicaments provoquent une forte constipation.

Certain medications cause strong constipation.

Verb 'provoquer' is more formal than 'causer'.

Elle a essayé plusieurs traitements contre la constipation.

She tried several treatments against constipation.

Passé composé with 'avoir'.

La constipation passagère est souvent due au stress.

Occasional constipation is often due to stress.

Adjective 'due' agrees with feminine 'constipation'.

Les pruneaux sont excellents pour lutter contre la constipation.

Prunes are excellent for fighting against constipation.

Verb 'lutter contre' (to fight against).

L'usage excessif de laxatifs peut aggraver la constipation.

Excessive use of laxatives can worsen constipation.

Verb 'aggraver' (to worsen).

La sédentarité favorise grandement l'apparition de la constipation.

A sedentary lifestyle greatly promotes the appearance of constipation.

Adverb 'grandement' modifying the verb.

Il faut distinguer la constipation fonctionnelle de la constipation organique.

One must distinguish functional constipation from organic constipation.

Infinitive 'distinguer' after 'il faut'.

La constipation est un motif fréquent de consultation médicale.

Constipation is a frequent reason for medical consultation.

Noun 'motif' (reason/motive).

Une alimentation équilibrée réduit les risques de constipation.

A balanced diet reduces the risks of constipation.

Present tense 'réduit' from 'réduire'.

Les personnes âgées sont plus sujettes à la constipation.

Elderly people are more prone to constipation.

Adjective 'sujettes' (prone/subject to).

La constipation peut être un effet secondaire de ce traitement.

Constipation can be a side effect of this treatment.

Compound noun 'effet secondaire'.

Le stress psychologique impacte le transit et cause la constipation.

Psychological stress impacts transit and causes constipation.

Verb 'impacter'.

La constipation opiniâtre nécessite parfois des examens radiologiques.

Stubborn constipation sometimes requires radiological examinations.

Advanced adjective 'opiniâtre' (stubborn/persistent).

Le médecin évoque une possible constipation distale.

The doctor mentions a possible distal constipation.

Technical medical adjective 'distale'.

L'étiologie de la constipation peut être multifactorielle.

The etiology of constipation can be multi-factorial.

Academic term 'étiologie'.

Il existe une corrélation entre la constipation et la flore intestinale.

There is a correlation between constipation and intestinal flora.

Noun 'corrélation'.

La constipation chronique altère la qualité de vie des patients.

Chronic constipation alters the quality of life of patients.

Verb 'altérer' (to alter/damage).

Le traitement de la constipation repose sur des mesures hygiéno-diététiques.

Treatment of constipation relies on hygienic-dietary measures.

Formal phrase 'mesures hygiéno-diététiques'.

L'inertie colique est une forme sévère de constipation.

Colonic inertia is a severe form of constipation.

Specific medical term 'inertie colique'.

La constipation peut masquer une pathologie plus grave.

Constipation can mask a more serious pathology.

Verb 'masquer' (to hide/mask).

L'approche thérapeutique de la constipation a évolué avec les neurosciences.

The therapeutic approach to constipation has evolved with neuroscience.

Noun phrase 'approche thérapeutique'.

La constipation s'inscrit dans le cadre des troubles fonctionnels intestinaux.

Constipation falls within the framework of functional intestinal disorders.

Pronominal verb 's'inscrire dans'.

L'idiopathie de certaines formes de constipation demeure un défi clinique.

The idiopathy of certain forms of constipation remains a clinical challenge.

Highly technical term 'idiopathie'.

On observe une prévalence accrue de la constipation chez les populations sédentaires.

An increased prevalence of constipation is observed in sedentary populations.

Formal 'on' and 'prévalence accrue'.

La constipation peut résulter d'un dysfonctionnement du plancher pelvien.

Constipation can result from a dysfunction of the pelvic floor.

Anatomical term 'plancher pelvien'.

L'impact psychosocial de la constipation est souvent sous-estimé par le corps médical.

The psychosocial impact of constipation is often underestimated by the medical profession.

Collective noun 'corps médical'.

Le recours systématique aux lavements pour traiter la constipation est déconseillé.

Systematic recourse to enemas to treat constipation is discouraged.

Noun 'recours' (recourse/use).

La constipation peut être le corollaire d'une déshydratation intracellulaire.

Constipation can be the corollary of intracellular dehydration.

Academic term 'corollaire'.

Common Collocations

constipation chronique

constipation passagère

lutter contre la constipation

remède contre la constipation

souffrir de constipation

prévenir la constipation

cause de la constipation

soulager la constipation

constipation sévère

traiter la constipation

Common Phrases

Avoir de la constipation

— To have constipation.

J'ai de la constipation depuis hier.

En cas de constipation

— In case of constipation.

En cas de constipation, buvez ce jus.

Lutter contre la constipation

— To fight against constipation.

Il faut lutter contre la constipation dès le début.

Sujet à la constipation

— Prone to constipation.

Mon fils est sujet à la constipation.

Contre la constipation

— Against constipation.

C'est un bon sirop contre la constipation.

Problème de constipation

— Constipation problem.

Elle a un petit problème de constipation.

Éviter la constipation

— To avoid constipation.

Pour éviter la constipation, bougez plus.

Soigner la constipation

— To treat constipation.

Comment soigner la constipation naturellement ?

Signe de constipation

— Sign of constipation.

Le ventre dur est un signe de constipation.

Risque de constipation

— Risk of constipation.

Le riz augmente le risque de constipation.

Often Confused With

constipation vs congestion

Refers to blood or traffic, not bowels.

constipation vs constipé

This is the adjective (person), not the noun (condition).

constipation vs indigestion

General stomach upset, not necessarily blockage.

Idioms & Expressions

"Être constipé des idées"

— To have a mental block or lack of creativity.

Cet auteur est vraiment constipé des idées ces temps-ci.

informal/metaphorical

"Avoir le transit bloqué"

— To have a blocked transit (polite for constipation).

Depuis son opération, il a le transit bloqué.

neutral

"Être bouché"

— To be clogged up (can refer to ears, nose, or bowels).

Je me sens tout bouché après ce repas.

informal

"Ne pas pouvoir se libérer"

— To not be able to 'free' oneself (euphemism for defecating).

Il n'a pas pu se libérer ce matin.

euphemism

"Avoir une paresse intestinale"

— To have a slow digestive system.

La paresse intestinale est courante chez les sédentaires.

neutral

"Être serré"

— To be 'tight' (informal for constipated).

Je me sens un peu serré aujourd'hui.

informal

"Avoir du mal à y aller"

— To have trouble 'going' (to the toilet).

Elle a du mal à y aller depuis deux jours.

informal

"Transit de plomb"

— A transit of lead (very slow transit).

Avec ce régime, j'ai un transit de plomb.

informal

"Bouchon intestinal"

— Intestinal plug.

Le chien a un bouchon intestinal.

neutral

"Constipation de budget"

— Budgetary freeze/blockage.

La constipation de budget empêche les nouveaux projets.

journalistic/metaphorical

Easily Confused

constipation vs constipé

Adjective vs Noun

Constipé describes the person; constipation describes the problem.

Il est constipé (adj) / Il a une constipation (noun).

constipation vs occlusion

Both involve blockage.

Occlusion is a total medical emergency; constipation is a difficulty.

Une occlusion demande une chirurgie.

constipation vs ballonnement

Often happen together.

Ballonnement is gas/bloating; constipation is stool blockage.

J'ai des ballonnements et de la constipation.

constipation vs laxatif

Related to the cure.

A laxative is the medicine; constipation is the problem.

Je prends un laxatif pour ma constipation.

constipation vs transit

Euphemism.

Transit is the movement; constipation is the lack of it.

Mon transit est bloqué.

Sentence Patterns

J'ai [noun].

J'ai de la constipation.

Je souffre de [noun].

Je souffre de constipation.

C'est causé par [noun].

C'est causé par la constipation.

Il faut prévenir [noun].

Il faut prévenir la constipation.

L'étiologie de [noun] est...

L'étiologie de la constipation est complexe.

Un remède contre [noun].

Un remède contre la constipation.

En cas de [noun].

En cas de constipation, buvez de l'eau.

[Noun] peut entraîner [noun].

La constipation peut entraîner des douleurs.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Common in medical and domestic health contexts.

Common Mistakes

Le constipation → La constipation
The word is feminine.
Je suis constipation → J'ai de la constipation
You have the condition, you aren't the condition itself.
Constipation severe → Constipation sévère
French requires accents on 'é'.
Chronique constipation → Constipation chronique
Adjectives usually follow the noun.
Un remède pour le constipation → Un remède pour la constipation
Gender error with the article.

Tips

Gender Rule

Always remember that words ending in -tion are feminine. This will help you with thousands of French words.

Polite Alternative

Use 'problèmes de transit' if you want to be more discreet in a social setting.

Fiber Focus

In France, 'les pruneaux' (prunes) are the most famous natural remedy mentioned for this.

Nasal sound

Don't pronounce the 'n' at the end like in 'sun'. It should be a nasal vowel.

Pharmacy First

Go to a pharmacy before a doctor for mild constipation; they are experts in this.

Adjective placement

Put adjectives like 'sévère' or 'chronique' AFTER the word 'constipation'.

Travel Tip

Travel often causes constipation due to routine changes; ask for 'un laxatif léger' if needed.

Latin Root

The Latin root means 'crowding', which helps you visualize the blockage.

Avoid 'Le'

Never say 'le constipation'. It's a very common beginner error.

Word Family

Learn 'constiper' (verb) and 'constipé' (adjective) at the same time to build your vocabulary.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a 'CON'vict 'STI'cking a 'PA'per in a 'TION' (tin). It's stuck and won't come out!

Visual Association

A green pharmacy cross with a red 'X' over a toilet icon.

Word Web

intestin fibres eau pharmacien docteur ventre douleur transit

Challenge

Write three sentences describing how to avoid constipation using the words 'eau', 'fibres', and 'sport'.

Word Origin

From the Latin 'constipatio', meaning 'a crowding together'.

Original meaning: The act of pressing or packing together.

Romance (Latin root).

Cultural Context

While clinical, it is still a bodily function. Use euphemisms like 'problèmes de transit' in polite social company.

In English, 'constipation' is often a 'TMI' (Too Much Information) topic, whereas in France it's a standard 'santé' topic.

Molière's 'Le Malade Imaginaire' deals with hypochondria and digestive issues. Advertisements for Activia yogurt in France. Medical journals like 'Le Quotidien du Médecin'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At the pharmacy

J'ai de la constipation.
Quelque chose pour la constipation ?
C'est pour un enfant.
Depuis deux jours.

At the doctor

Je souffre de constipation.
J'ai mal au ventre.
Mon transit est lent.
Est-ce grave ?

In a health magazine

Fibres et constipation.
Remèdes naturels.
L'importance de l'eau.
Exercices physiques.

Buying food

Riche en fibres.
Bon pour le transit.
Évite la constipation.
Yaourt actif.

Traveling

Constipation du voyageur.
Changement de régime.
Eau minérale.
Pharmacie de garde.

Conversation Starters

"Avez-vous déjà eu de la constipation en voyage ?"

"Quel est votre remède naturel préféré contre la constipation ?"

"Pensez-vous que les Français parlent trop de leur transit ?"

"Est-ce que manger des pruneaux aide vraiment la constipation ?"

"Comment expliquez-vous la constipation à un enfant ?"

Journal Prompts

Décrivez une fois où vous étiez malade pendant vos vacances en France.

Pourquoi est-il important de manger des fibres pour éviter la constipation ?

Imaginez un dialogue entre un pharmacien et un client constipé.

Quels sont les aliments qui vous causent de la constipation ?

Comment le stress affecte-t-il votre digestion et votre transit ?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Il est féminin. On dit 'la constipation'. Presque tous les mots en -tion sont féminins.

On dit 'Je suis constipé' (pour un homme) ou 'Je suis constipée' (pour une femme).

Les symptômes incluent des selles rares, dures et des douleurs abdominales.

Le contraire est la diarrhée.

Oui, c'est un mot médical normal, mais 'problèmes de transit' est plus poli.

C'est une constipation qui dure longtemps, plusieurs mois ou années.

Oui, c'est un cognat parfait de l'anglais, la signification est identique.

Il faut manger des fibres : pruneaux, légumes verts, céréales complètes.

L'eau hydrate les selles et facilite leur passage dans l'intestin.

Si la constipation dure plus d'une semaine ou s'il y a du sang.