When you're learning French, you'll often come across words that look a lot like English words. "La fatigue" is a great example of this. It means tiredness or fatigue.
You can use it to describe how you feel after a long day of work, or perhaps after a lot of exercise. For instance, you might say, "Je ressens de la fatigue après ma journée" (I feel tired after my day) or "La fatigue me submerge après ce long voyage" (Fatigue overwhelms me after this long trip).
It's a very useful word to add to your vocabulary, especially when you want to talk about how you're feeling.
Fun Fact
The English word 'fatigue' is a direct borrowing from French.
Grammar Patterns
Sentence Patterns
Avoir + la fatigue
J'ai la fatigue. (I have the tiredness. / I am tired.)
Être + fatigué(e)
Je suis fatigué. (I am tired. - masculine) / Je suis fatiguée. (I am tired. - feminine)
Sentir la fatigue
Je sens la fatigue. (I feel the tiredness.)
Malgré + la fatigue
Malgré la fatigue, il a continué à travailler. (Despite the tiredness, he continued to work.)
La fatigue + verbe
La fatigue l'a vaincu. (Tiredness overcame him.)
Éprouver de la fatigue
J'éprouve de la fatigue après une longue journée. (I feel tiredness after a long day.)
Accuser la fatigue
Elle accusait la fatigue après son voyage. (She was showing signs of tiredness after her trip.)
Les signes de la fatigue
Les signes de la fatigue étaient visibles sur son visage. (The signs of tiredness were visible on her face.)
Word Origin
Old French 'fatigue' (14th century)
Original meaning: weariness, toil
Latin 'fatigare' (to weary, to tire)Cultural Context
In French culture, acknowledging <i>la fatigue</i> is common and perfectly acceptable. It's often used as an explanation for feeling less energetic or performing sub-optimally, and it generally elicits understanding and sympathy. Unlike some cultures where appearing tired might be seen as a weakness, in France, it's a natural human state that's openly discussed, especially after a long day or a busy period. It's not uncommon to hear someone say, '<i>Je suis fatigué(e)</i>' (I am tired) as a simple statement of fact without needing further justification. This acceptance of fatigue reflects a more relaxed attitude towards rest and well-being.
Test Yourself 6 questions
Listen for how 'la fatigue' impacts her work.
Listen for the type of fatigue mentioned and its potential impact.
Listen for the recommendation to fight chronic fatigue.
Read this aloud:
Après une longue journée de randonnée, la fatigue se fait sentir et je rêve d'un bon bain chaud.
Focus: la fa-ti-gue
You said:
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Read this aloud:
La fatigue des matériaux est un concept important en ingénierie, où l'on étudie la résistance des structures à des contraintes répétées.
Focus: ma-té-ri-aux
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Face à la fatigue pandémique, beaucoup de gens ont ressenti le besoin de se reconnecter à la nature.
Focus: pan-dé-mi-que
You said:
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/ 6 correct
Perfect score!
Example
Après une longue journée de travail, je ressens une grande fatigue.
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à condition de
B1On condition that; provided that.
à court terme
B1Short-term, over a short period of time.
à jeun
B1On an empty stomach, before eating.
à l'abri
B1Sheltered; safe from danger or harm.
à l'aide de
A2With the help of, by means of.
à l'encontre de
B1Against; contrary to (e.g., advice, rules).
à l'hôpital
B1Located or being in a hospital.
à long terme
B1Long-term, over a long period of time.
à risque
B1At risk of harm, illness, or danger.
à titre
B1As a (e.g., as a preventive measure); by way of.
