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l'indigestion

B1 noun 11 min read

l'indigestion

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips l'indigestion in 30 Seconds

Explanation l'indigestion in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should learn 'l'indigestion' as a basic health-related noun. You use it in very simple sentences to describe how you feel. At this stage, focus on the feminine gender ('une indigestion') and the most basic verb 'avoir' (to have). You might say 'J'ai une indigestion' when you feel sick after eating. It is helpful to know this word for basic interactions at a pharmacy or with a doctor. You should also recognize that it looks like the English word, which makes it easier to remember. Focus on the fact that it is a physical feeling in the stomach after eating too much food. You don't need to know the metaphorical uses yet, just the physical one related to eating too many sweets or a big meal.

At the A2 level, you begin to use 'l'indigestion' in slightly more complex structures, such as describing the cause of the discomfort. You should start using the preposition 'de' to specify what food caused the problem, like 'une indigestion de gâteau'. You should also be able to use the past tense (passé composé) to talk about a recent event: 'Hier, j'ai eu une indigestion'. At this level, you might also encounter the word in simple reading passages about health or food. You should know that 'faire une indigestion' is a very common alternative to 'avoir une indigestion'. You are also expected to understand the difference between 'mal à l'estomac' (general pain) and 'indigestion' (specifically from food).

At the B1 level, you are expected to use 'l'indigestion' fluently in conversations about health, food, and lifestyle. You should be comfortable using the verb 'faire une indigestion' as the idiomatic choice. You can describe the severity of the condition using adjectives like 'légère' or 'mauvaise'. You should also start to understand the cultural context, such as why the word is so common during French holidays. At B1, you might encounter the metaphorical use of the word in news articles or more formal speech, such as 'une indigestion d'informations'. You should be able to give advice to others on how to avoid it, using the imperative or 'il faut' (e.g., 'Il ne faut pas manger trop vite pour éviter l'indigestion').

At the B2 level, you should understand the nuance between 'indigestion' and related terms like 'crise de foie' or 'intoxication alimentaire'. You should be able to use the word in abstract contexts with confidence, discussing social or economic 'indigestion'. Your pronunciation should be accurate, particularly the nasal '-ion' ending. You should be able to participate in a detailed discussion about culinary habits and the physiological consequences of a rich diet. At this level, you can use the word in writing to express a sense of being overwhelmed or saturated by a topic. You should also be familiar with common medical advice related to the term and be able to explain the symptoms in detail using a broader range of vocabulary.

At the C1 level, 'l'indigestion' is a tool for sophisticated expression. You use it metaphorically to critique social trends, such as 'l'indigestion médiatique' (media saturation) or 'l'indigestion de réformes' (reform fatigue). You understand the subtle historical and cultural connotations of the word in French literature. You can distinguish between the common usage and the clinical 'dyspepsie'. In your own speech and writing, you use the word with precise adjective agreements and varied sentence structures. You are also aware of the idiomatic expressions that surround the concept of digestion and can use them to add color to your language. You can analyze how the concept of indigestion is treated in different cultures, comparing the French 'crise de foie' with other digestive cultural concepts.

At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of 'l'indigestion' and its place in the French language. You can use it in academic, literary, or highly technical contexts without hesitation. You might use it in a philosophical essay to describe the human condition's inability to 'digest' certain existential realities. You understand the etymological roots of the word and how it has evolved over centuries. Your use of the word is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. You can play with the word in puns or complex metaphors. You are also capable of discussing the fine lines between various medical conditions related to the word, using specialized medical terminology if necessary, while maintaining a natural, fluid tone.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

l'indigestion in 30 Seconds

L'indigestion is a feminine French noun meaning indigestion or an upset stomach caused by food.
It is most commonly used with the verb 'faire' (faire une indigestion) rather than just 'avoir'.
Beyond physical health, it is a popular metaphor for being overwhelmed by things like news or work.
Always remember the elision 'l'' and that it follows the feminine pattern of nouns ending in '-tion'.

The French word l'indigestion is a feminine noun that describes a state of physical discomfort resulting from the body's inability to process food correctly. While its primary meaning is medical and physiological, it carries a heavy cultural weight in France, a nation famous for its long, multi-course meals and rich culinary traditions. When a French person says they have une indigestion, they are usually referring to that specific, heavy feeling in the stomach after eating too much, too quickly, or consuming something that didn't agree with them. It is more specific than a general 'stomach ache' (mal à l'estomac); it points directly to the digestive process gone wrong.

Medical Context: In a clinical or pharmacy setting, l'indigestion refers to dyspepsia. It involves symptoms like bloating, nausea, and upper abdominal pain. A pharmacist might ask if your indigestion is accompanied by acidity or 'brûlures d'estomac'.
Social Context: During holiday seasons like Noël or the Réveillon, the word is frequently heard as people navigate the 'marathon de nourriture'. It is often used as a polite excuse to decline more food or to explain why one is retiring early from a party.
Metaphorical Context: Beyond the stomach, the word is used to describe a feeling of being overwhelmed by too much of something. One can have an 'indigestion d'informations' (information overload) or an 'indigestion de réunions' (too many meetings), signifying that the mind can no longer 'digest' or process the input.

Après avoir mangé trois parts de gâteau au chocolat, j'ai eu une terrible indigestion.

Understanding the nuances of this word requires recognizing that it isn't just about 'being sick.' It is often associated with the concept of 'crise de foie' (liver crisis), a uniquely French cultural ailment that often overlaps with indigestion in common speech. While a doctor might distinguish between them, a layperson might use them interchangeably to describe the aftermath of a rich meal involving butter, cream, or alcohol.

Le médecin m'a conseillé de rester au lit à cause de mon indigestion.

In terms of frequency, the word is very common in daily life. It is not considered overly formal or overly slangy; it is the standard term for the condition. Children learn it early when they eat too many candies, and adults use it when discussing the quality of a restaurant or a specific dish that 'didn't pass well' (qui n'est pas passé).

Common Collocations: 'Faire une indigestion' is the most natural way to say 'to have indigestion'. You can also say 'avoir une indigestion'. Adjectives often used include 'légère' (slight), 'carabinée' (severe/violent), or 'passagère' (temporary).

Il a fait une indigestion carabinée après le buffet de fruits de mer.

L'excès de sucre provoque souvent une indigestion chez les jeunes enfants.

Finally, the word is indispensable when traveling. If you find yourself in a French pharmacy (une pharmacie), knowing this word will help you get the right medication. You might say, 'Je cherche quelque chose pour une indigestion,' and the pharmacist will likely offer you an antacid or a digestive aid.

Using l'indigestion correctly involves understanding its grammatical role as a noun and the verbs that typically accompany it. Because it is a feminine noun, any adjectives modifying it must also be feminine. For example, if you want to say 'a bad indigestion,' you would say une mauvaise indigestion.

Verb Pairing: Faire vs. Avoir: While 'avoir une indigestion' is grammatically correct and means 'to have indigestion,' French speakers very frequently use the verb 'faire.' 'Il a fait une indigestion' implies the process of the body reacting to the food. It sounds more active and descriptive of the event.

Si tu manges trop vite, tu vas faire une indigestion.

When constructing sentences, pay attention to the preposition 'de'. If you want to specify what caused the indigestion, you use 'indigestion de' followed by the food item. For example, 'une indigestion de crevettes' (indigestion from shrimp) or 'une indigestion de fraises' (indigestion from strawberries).

Elle souffre d'une indigestion de fromage après la dégustation d'hier soir.

In more formal or literary contexts, you might see the word used to describe the state of a society or a system. For instance, an economist might speak of a market's 'indigestion' when it cannot absorb more capital. This usage mirrors the English metaphorical use but is slightly more common in French intellectual discourse.

Le marché boursier semble faire une indigestion de nouvelles négatives.

Negation: When negating, the 'une' changes to 'd''. 'Je n'ai pas d'indigestion' (I don't have indigestion). This is a standard rule for indefinite articles in negative sentences.

Heureusement, je n'ai pas fait d'indigestion après ce repas très épicé.

Finally, consider the timeframe. Indigestion is usually an acute, short-term condition. Therefore, it is often used with the 'passé composé' to describe a specific event that happened (e.g., 'J'ai eu une indigestion') or the 'présent' to describe a current state (e.g., 'J'ai une indigestion'). It is rarely used in the 'imparfait' unless describing a recurring condition in the past or providing background for a story.

The word l'indigestion is a staple of French life, appearing in various environments from the clinical to the casual. In France, where dining is a four-hour affair, the topic of digestion is not taboo; in fact, it is a common subject of conversation at the end of a meal. You will hear it in the following settings:

At the Family Dinner Table: Grandparents are particularly fond of warning children about the dangers of eating too much. You might hear: 'Fais attention, tu vas nous faire une indigestion avec tous ces bonbons !' (Be careful, you're going to give yourself indigestion with all those candies!)
In Pharmacies (La Pharmacie): When seeking relief, you'll hear pharmacists use the term to categorize your symptoms. They might ask: 'Est-ce une indigestion passagère ou est-ce lié à un aliment spécifique ?' (Is it a temporary indigestion or is it linked to a specific food?)

À la pharmacie, j'ai demandé un remède contre l'indigestion.

In French media, especially during the holidays, news reports often feature segments on how to avoid 'l'indigestion des fêtes.' These segments provide tips on eating slowly, drinking water, and choosing lighter dishes between big celebrations. It becomes a national keyword every December.

Furthermore, in French literature and cinema, indigestion is sometimes used as a plot device or a metaphor for excess. A character might suffer an indigestion to show their lack of self-control or to symbolize their inability to handle a situation. It's a word that bridges the gap between the physical body and social behavior.

Le film montre une scène d'indigestion après un banquet royal.

Workplace and Politics: In political commentary, you might hear about 'l'indigestion législative' (legislative indigestion) when too many laws are passed too quickly for the public or the administration to process. It signifies a system that is clogged or overwhelmed.

Les citoyens font une indigestion de promesses politiques non tenues.

Finally, in sports, a commentator might say a team is suffering from an 'indigestion de matchs' if they have played too many games in a short period and are showing signs of fatigue. This illustrates how versatile the word is in modern French, moving far beyond the dinner table.

While l'indigestion is a cognate (it looks like the English word), there are several pitfalls that English speakers should avoid to sound more natural and avoid confusion.

Mistake 1: Gender Confusion: Many learners assume that because 'indigestion' is an abstract medical state, it might be masculine. However, almost all French nouns ending in '-tion' are feminine. Using 'un indigestion' is a classic beginner error. Always use 'une' or 'la'.

Incorrect: J'ai fait un indigestion.
Correct: J'ai fait une indigestion.

Another common error is confusing 'indigestion' with 'intoxication alimentaire' (food poisoning). While an indigestion is usually caused by overeating or eating rich food, an 'intoxication alimentaire' is caused by bacteria or toxins in the food. If you are very sick and suspect the food was spoiled, use the latter term.

Mistake 2: Overusing 'Avoir': English speakers naturally want to say 'J'ai une indigestion' (I have indigestion). While correct, the French preference for 'faire une indigestion' makes the English-influenced 'avoir' sound a bit flat or less idiomatic in certain contexts.

Plus naturel: Il a fait une indigestion après le repas de Noël.

Pronunciation is another area for caution. English speakers often pronounce the ending as '-shun' (/ʃən/). In French, the '-tion' ending is pronounced with a hard 't' sound followed by a nasal 'ion' (/sjɔ̃/). Make sure to emphasize the 's' sound in the middle as well.

Mistake 3: Forgetting the Elision: Because 'indigestion' begins with a vowel, you must use 'l'' instead of 'la'. Saying 'la indigestion' is a common mistake that breaks the flow of the language.

Mauvais: La indigestion est pénible.
Bon: L'indigestion est pénible.

Finally, don't confuse 'indigestion' with 'congestion'. In English, congestion usually refers to the nose or traffic. In French, 'congestion' can sometimes refer to a blood rush or a stroke (congestion cérébrale), so using the wrong word in a medical context can be quite serious!

To truly master the vocabulary surrounding digestive health in French, it is helpful to know several synonyms and related terms that offer different shades of meaning. Depending on the severity and the context, you might choose a different word than l'indigestion.

Mal à l'estomac vs. Indigestion: 'Mal à l'estomac' is a general term for a stomach ache. It could be caused by hunger, stress, or an ulcer. 'Indigestion' specifically points to the failure to digest food. If you are unsure of the cause, use 'mal à l'estomac'.
Crise de foie: This is a very French expression. While medically it doesn't always involve the liver, French people use it to describe the feeling of being sick after eating too much fat or chocolate. It is often synonymous with a bad indigestion.
Lourdeur d'estomac: This literally means 'heaviness of the stomach.' It is a milder term than indigestion. You might use this after a slightly too-large lunch when you just feel a bit sluggish.

J'ai une lourdeur d'estomac après ce cassoulet, mais ce n'est pas encore une indigestion.

In a medical or formal setting, you might encounter the word la dyspepsie. This is the technical term for indigestion. You will see it on medicine bottles or in medical reports. For everyday conversation, however, stick to 'indigestion'.

Depuis ce matin, j'ai l'estomac barbouillé.

For the metaphorical sense of being 'fed up' or 'overwhelmed', you can use synonyms like saturation or trop-plein. For example, 'une saturation d'informations' is a more formal alternative to 'une indigestion d'informations'.

Antonyms: The opposite of indigestion is simply 'une bonne digestion' (a good digestion). You might also speak of 'l'appétit' (appetite) or 'la faim' (hunger) as states that exist when the stomach is not suffering from indigestion.

Une marche après le dîner favorise une bonne digestion et évite l'indigestion.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The word has remained remarkably stable in its meaning for over 600 years, consistently referring to both physical and mental 'clogging'.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ɛ̃.di.ʒɛs.tjɔ̃/

US /ɛ̃.di.ʒɛs.tjɔ̃/

The stress in French is generally on the final syllable: in-di-ges-TION.

Rhymes With

suggestion congestion question digestion gestion congestion ingestion autopunition

Common Errors

Pronouncing '-tion' as '-shun' like in English.
Failing to nasalize the first 'in' sound.
Making the 't' in '-tion' silent.
Pronouncing the final 'n' too strongly.
Mistaking the 'g' for a hard 'g' as in 'goat' (it should be soft like 'measure').

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize because it is a cognate of the English word 'indigestion'.

Writing 3/5

Requires remembering the feminine gender and the '-tion' spelling.

Speaking 4/5

The nasal 'in' and the '-tion' ending can be tricky for English speakers.

Listening 3/5

The elision 'l'indigestion' can make it sound like one word to beginners.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

manger estomac malade nourriture trop

Learn Next

digérer intoxication symptôme médicament ordonnance

Advanced

dyspepsie gastro-entérite somatisation assimilation satiété

Grammar to Know

Nouns ending in -tion are almost always feminine.

La nation, la solution, l'indigestion.

Elision of articles before a vowel.

L'indigestion (instead of la indigestion).

Use of 'faire' for bodily reactions/states.

Faire une indigestion, faire une allergie.

Indefinite article 'une' becomes 'de' in negative sentences.

Je n'ai pas fait d'indigestion.

Adjective agreement with feminine nouns.

Une indigestion passagère.

Examples by Level

J'ai une indigestion.

I have indigestion.

Uses the present tense of 'avoir'.

L'indigestion est mauvaise.

The indigestion is bad.

Note the elision 'L'' before the vowel.

Il mange trop, il a une indigestion.

He eats too much, he has indigestion.

Simple cause and effect structure.

Une indigestion de chocolat.

Indigestion from chocolate.

Use 'de' to indicate the source.

Tu as une indigestion ?

Do you have indigestion?

Simple question format.

Maman, j'ai une indigestion.

Mom, I have indigestion.

Common childhood use.

Pas de dessert pour moi, j'ai une indigestion.

No dessert for me, I have indigestion.

Using the word as an excuse.

C'est une petite indigestion.

It is a small indigestion.

Adjective 'petite' is feminine.

Hier, j'ai fait une indigestion de poisson.

Yesterday, I had indigestion from fish.

Uses 'faire' in the passé composé.

Elle a fait une indigestion parce qu'elle a mangé trop vite.

She had indigestion because she ate too fast.

Uses 'parce que' for explanation.

Si tu manges tout ça, tu vas avoir une indigestion.

If you eat all that, you are going to have indigestion.

Uses the 'futur proche'.

Je ne veux pas faire d'indigestion ce soir.

I don't want to have indigestion tonight.

Note 'd'' instead of 'une' in negative.

Le médecin dit que c'est une indigestion.

The doctor says it's indigestion.

Indirect speech.

J'ai pris un médicament contre l'indigestion.

I took a medicine against indigestion.

Uses 'contre' (against).

Nous avons tous fait une indigestion après le mariage.

We all had indigestion after the wedding.

Plural subject with 'faire'.

Est-ce que l'indigestion est finie ?

Is the indigestion over?

Question about the state of the condition.

Il est fréquent de faire une indigestion pendant les fêtes.

It is common to have indigestion during the holidays.

Uses the impersonal 'Il est fréquent de'.

Cette indigestion m'empêche de dormir correctement.

This indigestion is preventing me from sleeping properly.

Uses 'empêcher de' (to prevent from).

Je pense que c'est une indigestion de fruits de mer.

I think it's indigestion from seafood.

Expressing an opinion or hypothesis.

Évitez les plats trop gras pour ne pas faire d'indigestion.

Avoid dishes that are too fatty to not have indigestion.

Imperative mood for advice.

Après ce repas copieux, l'indigestion était inévitable.

After this hearty meal, indigestion was inevitable.

Uses the imparfait for description.

Elle a une indigestion d'informations avec toutes ces nouvelles.

She has an information overload with all this news.

Metaphorical use of the word.

Mon indigestion a duré toute la nuit.

My indigestion lasted all night.

Verb 'durer' (to last).

Il vaut mieux prévenir l'indigestion que la guérir.

It is better to prevent indigestion than to cure it.

Proverbial structure.

L'indigestion peut être le signe d'une intolérance alimentaire.

Indigestion can be the sign of a food intolerance.

Uses 'peut être' (can be).

On assiste à une véritable indigestion de publicité à la télévision.

We are witnessing a real overload of advertising on television.

Metaphorical use in social critique.

Le patient souffre d'une indigestion chronique selon le rapport.

The patient suffers from chronic indigestion according to the report.

More formal medical terminology.

Bien que légère, son indigestion l'a rendu très faible.

Although slight, his indigestion made him very weak.

Uses the conjunction 'bien que' followed by adjective.

L'indigestion de données ralentit le processus de décision.

The data overload slows down the decision process.

Business/Technical metaphor.

Il a fait une indigestion carabinée qui l'a cloué au lit.

He had a severe indigestion that kept him in bed.

Use of the colloquial adjective 'carabinée'.

S'il n'avait pas tant mangé, il n'aurait pas eu cette indigestion.

If he hadn't eaten so much, he wouldn't have had this indigestion.

Third conditional (si + plus-que-parfait, conditionnel passé).

L'indigestion n'est pas seulement physique, elle peut être mentale.

Indigestion is not only physical, it can be mental.

Abstract philosophical observation.

La société contemporaine semble souffrir d'une indigestion de consommation.

Contemporary society seems to suffer from a consumption overload.

High-level societal critique.

L'indigestion sémantique survient quand les mots perdent leur sens.

Semantic indigestion occurs when words lose their meaning.

Intellectual/Philosophical metaphor.

Après des décennies de réformes, l'administration fait une indigestion législative.

After decades of reforms, the administration is experiencing legislative indigestion.

Political commentary.

Il importe de distinguer l'indigestion banale de la pathologie gastrique.

It is important to distinguish common indigestion from gastric pathology.

Uses 'Il importe de' (It is important to).

Cette indigestion de bons sentiments finit par paraître hypocrite.

This overload of good intentions ends up appearing hypocritical.

Abstract usage regarding emotions.

L'indigestion de capital sur les marchés peut provoquer une bulle.

The capital overload on the markets can cause a bubble.

Economic context.

On frôle l'indigestion visuelle devant tant de couleurs criardes.

We are bordering on visual indigestion in front of so many garish colors.

Artistic/Aesthetic critique.

Sa prose est si dense qu'elle provoque une forme d'indigestion littéraire.

His prose is so dense that it causes a form of literary indigestion.

Literary criticism.

L'indigestion ontologique du protagoniste reflète le vide de son existence.

The protagonist's ontological indigestion reflects the void of his existence.

Advanced literary/philosophical analysis.

L'hyper-connectivité engendre une indigestion cognitive généralisée.

Hyper-connectivity generates a generalized cognitive overload.

Scientific/Sociological discourse.

Le système, parvenu à saturation, manifeste les signes d'une indigestion structurelle.

The system, having reached saturation, shows signs of structural indigestion.

Systems theory metaphor.

Il y a une sorte d'indigestion de l'histoire dans nos sociétés amnésiques.

There is a kind of indigestion of history in our amnesiac societies.

Metaphor about collective memory.

La pléthore d'options conduit paradoxalement à une indigestion du choix.

The plethora of options paradoxically leads to an indigestion of choice.

Psychological paradox.

L'indigestion de l'âme est un thème récurrent dans la littérature romantique.

Indigestion of the soul is a recurring theme in Romantic literature.

Thematic literary analysis.

L'appareil d'État, gavé de normes, frise l'indigestion fonctionnelle.

The state apparatus, stuffed with norms, is on the verge of functional indigestion.

Bureaucratic metaphor.

On ne saurait ignorer l'indigestion morale que suscite ce scandale.

One cannot ignore the moral indigestion that this scandal provokes.

Formal rhetoric using 'on ne saurait'.

Common Collocations

faire une indigestion

une indigestion carabinée

une indigestion passagère

souffrir d'une indigestion

provoquer une indigestion

une indigestion d'informations

médicament contre l'indigestion

éviter l'indigestion

une indigestion de lecture

signes d'indigestion

Common Phrases

J'ai l'estomac barbouillé

— I have an upset stomach, often a precursor to indigestion. It describes a general feeling of queasiness.

Je ne vais pas manger ce soir, j'ai l'estomac barbouillé.

C'est dur à digérer

— Literally 'it's hard to digest', but often used metaphorically for bad news. It relates to the concept of indigestion.

Cette nouvelle est dure à digérer pour toute l'équipe.

Rester sur l'estomac

— To stay on the stomach, meaning something is not being digested well or is bothering someone emotionally.

Ce repas me reste sur l'estomac depuis deux heures.

Avoir les yeux plus gros que le ventre

— To have eyes bigger than the belly, which usually leads to indigestion.

Tu as encore les yeux plus gros que le ventre avec ce buffet !

Une indigestion de promesses

— Too many promises that cannot be fulfilled, a common political phrase.

Les électeurs font une indigestion de promesses électorales.

Passer comme une lettre à la poste

— To be digested very easily (the opposite of causing indigestion).

Ce petit plat est passé comme une lettre à la poste.

Prendre quelque chose pour l'estomac

— To take something (medicine) for the stomach/indigestion.

Je vais prendre quelque chose pour l'estomac avant de dormir.

Manger comme quatre

— To eat like four people, a behavior that often causes indigestion.

Il a mangé comme quatre et maintenant il est malade.

Un remède de grand-mère

— A grandmother's remedy, often used to treat indigestion (like herbal tea).

Elle m'a donné un remède de grand-mère contre l'indigestion.

Être au bord de l'indigestion

— To be on the verge of indigestion, either physically or metaphorically.

Avec tous ces dossiers, je suis au bord de l'indigestion.

Often Confused With

l'indigestion vs intoxication alimentaire

Indigestion is from overeating; intoxication is from bad/poisoned food.

l'indigestion vs congestion

In French, congestion usually refers to blood flow issues, not stomach or nasal issues.

l'indigestion vs digestion

The opposite process; beginners sometimes drop the 'in-' by mistake.

Idioms & Expressions

"Faire une indigestion de quelque chose"

— To be fed up with something because of its excessive quantity.

Je fais une indigestion de ses plaintes constantes.

informal

"Avoir une indigestion de chiffres"

— To be overwhelmed by too many statistics or numerical data.

Le comptable a une indigestion de chiffres après le bilan.

neutral

"L'indigestion du pouvoir"

— The corruption or madness that comes from having too much power.

Le dictateur souffrait d'une véritable indigestion du pouvoir.

literary

"Une indigestion de culture"

— Trying to consume too much art or information in a short time.

Trois musées en un jour, c'est l'indigestion de culture assurée.

neutral

"S'en donner une indigestion"

— To indulge in something to the point of making oneself sick.

Il a découvert les jeux vidéo et s'en est donné une indigestion.

informal

"Indigestion visuelle"

— Being overwhelmed by too many visual stimuli.

Le design de ce site web provoque une indigestion visuelle.

neutral

"Indigestion sémantique"

— When language becomes meaningless due to overuse or jargon.

Le discours politique sombre souvent dans l'indigestion sémantique.

academic

"Frôler l'indigestion"

— To almost have indigestion, to be near the limit of what one can take.

On frôle l'indigestion avec toutes ces publicités.

neutral

"Une indigestion de succès"

— When too much success too quickly leads to problems.

Cette jeune star fait une indigestion de succès.

journalistic

"Indigestion de mots"

— Being tired of talking or hearing too many words.

Après la conférence, j'avais une indigestion de mots.

neutral

Easily Confused

l'indigestion vs l'indigence

Sounds similar.

Indigence means extreme poverty, while indigestion is a stomach upset.

Vivre dans l'indigence est un drame social.

l'indigestion vs l'indiscrétion

Similar suffix and rhythm.

Indiscrétion means a lack of discretion or a secret revealed.

Pardonnez mon indiscrétion, mais quel âge avez-vous ?

l'indigestion vs l'indisposition

Both relate to feeling unwell.

Indisposition is a general term for feeling slightly sick, while indigestion is specific to the stomach.

Elle a eu une légère indisposition ce matin.

l'indigestion vs l'ingestion

Same root, just missing the 'di'.

Ingestion is the act of swallowing/taking in food, whereas indigestion is the failure to process it.

L'ingestion de ce produit est dangereuse.

l'indigestion vs l'infection

Both start with 'in' and end in 'tion'.

An infection is caused by germs, whereas indigestion is usually functional.

Il a une infection à l'œil.

Sentence Patterns

J'ai une [maladie].

J'ai une indigestion.

J'ai fait une indigestion de [aliment].

J'ai fait une indigestion de fraises.

Il ne faut pas [verbe] pour éviter l'indigestion.

Il ne faut pas manger trop vite pour éviter l'indigestion.

C'est une véritable indigestion de [nom pluriel].

C'est une véritable indigestion de publicités.

L'indigestion [adjectif] que suscite [sujet]...

L'indigestion morale que suscite ce comportement est immense.

On ne saurait faire l'économie d'une réflexion sur l'indigestion [conceptuelle].

On ne saurait faire l'économie d'une réflexion sur l'indigestion sémantique du discours.

Si j'avais su, je n'aurais pas mangé autant, j'ai une indigestion.

Est-ce que tu as quelque chose contre l'indigestion ?

Word Family

Nouns

digestion

digestibilité

digesteur

Verbs

digérer

indigérer (rare/archaic)

Adjectives

digestif

digeste

indigeste

indigestible

estomac

intestin

nausée

dyspepsie

gastrique

How to Use It

frequency

Very high, especially during winter holidays and summer vacations.

Common Mistakes

Un indigestion → Une indigestion
Nouns ending in '-tion' are feminine. This is a very common mistake for English speakers.
J'ai la indigestion → J'ai l'indigestion
You must use elision (l') when a feminine noun starts with a vowel.
Pronouncing '-tion' as /ʃən/ → Pronouncing it as /sjɔ̃/
The French '-tion' is always a 's' sound followed by a nasal 'o'.
Using 'indigestion' for food poisoning → Intoxication alimentaire
Indigestion is just 'not digesting well', while intoxication implies the food was bad/toxic.
J'ai une indigestion de mon nez → J'ai le nez bouché / Je suis congestionné
'Indigestion' is strictly for the digestive system, not for nasal congestion.

Tips

Gender Trap

Don't let the 'in-' prefix fool you into thinking it's masculine. Focus on the '-tion' suffix, which is a 99% reliable indicator of feminine gender in French.

Use 'Faire'

To sound more like a native, use the verb 'faire'. Instead of 'J'ai une indigestion', try 'J'ai fait une indigestion'. It sounds more dynamic and natural.

Beyond Food

Impress your French friends by using 'indigestion' metaphorically. Mention an 'indigestion de politique' during election season to show your advanced level.

Nasal Check

Make sure you don't pronounce the 'n' in 'in' or 'ion'. Your tongue shouldn't touch the roof of your mouth. The sound should come from your nose.

Holiday Talk

Expect to hear this word a lot in December. It's a national topic in France during the Christmas and New Year feasts.

Pharmacy Tip

If you go to a pharmacy, specify what you ate. 'Une indigestion de [food]' helps the pharmacist give you the right remedy.

Elision

Never write 'la indigestion'. The 'a' and 'i' clash, so it must always be 'l'indigestion'.

Liaison

In the phrase 'une indigestion', listen for the 'n' of 'une' carrying over to the 'i' of 'indigestion'. It sounds like 'u-ne-indigestion'.

Cognate Advantage

Use the fact that it's a cognate to your advantage, but be careful not to use English grammar rules with it.

Polite Excuse

Indigestion is a socially acceptable reason in France to leave a dinner party early or decline a heavy dish.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'IN-DI-GESTION' as 'INside DIrt GESTION'. When the 'gestion' (management) of what is 'INside' goes wrong, you have indigestion.

Visual Association

Imagine a giant 'STOP' sign sitting inside a stomach that is full of too many different types of food like cake, pizza, and lobster.

Word Web

Estomac Nourriture Malade Trop Fête Médecin Pharmacie Digérer

Challenge

Try to use 'faire une indigestion' in a sentence about something non-food related, like 'indigestion de devoirs' (homework overload).

Word Origin

Derived from the Latin 'indigestio', which is composed of the prefix 'in-' (not) and 'digestio' (the process of dividing or arranging). It entered Middle French in the 14th century.

Original meaning: The state of being undigested or the inability to arrange food in the stomach.

Romance (Latin root).

Cultural Context

While common, avoid discussing indigestion in very formal business meetings unless it is a necessary excuse for absence.

English speakers often use 'heartburn' or 'upset stomach' where French speakers would specifically say 'indigestion'.

Molière's plays often feature characters with digestive issues to mock their excess. The film 'La Grande Bouffe' is the ultimate cinematic exploration of indigestion and excess. French health campaigns often use the term during the Christmas season.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At the pharmacy

J'ai une indigestion.
Avez-vous un remède ?
C'est pour une indigestion.
Ça me brûle l'estomac.

Family dinner

Je ne peux plus, j'ai une indigestion.
Attention à l'indigestion !
C'était trop bon mais j'ai une indigestion.
Un petit café pour la digestion ?

Medical consultation

Je souffre d'indigestions fréquentes.
Est-ce une indigestion ?
J'ai mal après avoir mangé.
C'est une indigestion passagère.

Work/Office (Metaphorical)

On fait une indigestion de réunions.
C'est l'indigestion d'emails.
Je sature, c'est l'indigestion.
Trop d'infos tue l'info, c'est l'indigestion.

Restaurant

Le plat m'a causé une indigestion.
Je crains l'indigestion avec ce gras.
C'est un peu lourd, gare à l'indigestion.
Je n'ai pas fini pour éviter l'indigestion.

Conversation Starters

"Est-ce que tu as déjà fait une indigestion après un repas au restaurant ?"

"Quel est ton remède préféré quand tu as une indigestion ?"

"Penses-tu que les gens font plus d'indigestions aujourd'hui qu'avant ?"

"As-tu déjà fait une indigestion d'informations à cause des réseaux sociaux ?"

"Quel aliment te cause toujours une petite indigestion ?"

Journal Prompts

Décrivez une fois où vous avez fait une mauvaise indigestion. Qu'avez-vous mangé ?

Réfléchissez à la métaphore de 'l'indigestion d'informations'. Comment l'évitez-vous ?

Écrivez un dialogue entre un pharmacien et un client qui souffre d'une indigestion.

Est-ce que la cuisine de votre pays est propice aux indigestions ? Pourquoi ?

Imaginez un monde où l'indigestion n'existe pas. Comment les gens mangeraient-ils ?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is feminine. You say 'une indigestion' or 'l'indigestion'. This is a common rule for French nouns ending in '-tion'.

Yes, it is correct. However, French people often say 'J'ai fait une indigestion' to describe the event of becoming sick.

'Crise de foie' is a cultural term used specifically for feeling sick after eating too much rich food like chocolate or fat. 'Indigestion' is the more general and medical term.

You should use 'une intoxication alimentaire'. This is more serious than a simple indigestion.

Yes, very often! You can have an 'indigestion d'informations' (information overload) or an 'indigestion de travail'.

It is pronounced like 'sy-on' (/sjɔ̃/), with a nasal 'on'. It does not sound like the English 'shun'.

You can say: 'Je voudrais quelque chose pour une indigestion, s'il vous plaît.'

No, it is a neutral word used by everyone. The formal/medical version is 'dyspepsie'.

Usually, but it can also include nausea, bloating, and a general feeling of being unwell after a meal.

Yes, children use it frequently, especially after eating too many sweets.