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séquelle

B1 noun 12 min read

séquelle

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips séquelle in 30 Seconds

Explanation séquelle in your Level:

At the A1 level, the word 'séquelle' might be a bit advanced, but you can understand it as a 'lasting problem' after being sick or hurt. Imagine you fell off your bike a month ago, and your knee still hurts today. That pain is a 'séquelle'. You don't need to use it often yet, but if you hear it in a doctor's office, know it means 'what stays after'. It's a feminine word, so we say 'la séquelle'. Most people use it with 'avoir' (to have) or 'garder' (to keep). For example: 'Il garde une séquelle à la jambe' (He has a lasting problem with his leg). Don't confuse it with 'sequel' in movies! If you want to talk about 'Frozen 2', use the word 'suite'. 'Séquelle' is only for health or bad things that leave a mark. It's like a memory that your body or your heart keeps after a bad time. Just remember: it's a 'bad' thing that stays.

At the A2 level, you should start recognizing 'séquelle' in stories about accidents or health. It is a noun that describes the after-effects of an illness or an injury. For example, if someone had a bad flu and now they are always tired, that fatigue is a 'séquelle'. It is almost always feminine and often used in the plural: 'les séquelles'. You will see it used with verbs like 'laisser' (to leave). 'L'accident a laissé des séquelles' (The accident left after-effects). It's a useful word when you want to explain why someone is still struggling even though they aren't 'sick' anymore. It's more specific than 'problème'. It tells the listener that the problem comes from the past. When you talk about history or big events like a storm, you can also use it: 'Les séquelles de la tempête' (The lasting damage of the storm). Remember, it's a serious word, so we don't use it for small things like a tiny scratch.

At the B1 level, you are expected to use 'séquelle' to describe more complex situations, including psychological and social impacts. You should distinguish it from 'conséquence'. A 'conséquence' is a logical result, but a 'séquelle' is a lingering 'scar' or 'impairment'. For instance, 'Les séquelles psychologiques d'un traumatisme' (The psychological after-effects of a trauma). You should also be comfortable using it in the 'sans séquelles' structure, which means 'without any after-effects' or 'full recovery'. This is very common when talking about medical treatments. 'Il a guéri sans séquelles' is a standard way to say someone is 100% better. You should also be aware of the 'false friend' trap: never use 'séquelle' for a book or movie sequel. At this level, you can start using adjectives with it, like 'graves' (serious), 'légères' (slight), or 'permanentes' (permanent). It's a key word for discussing news, health, and personal history with more precision.

At the B2 level, 'séquelle' becomes a tool for abstract and formal analysis. You will use it to discuss the long-term impacts of economic crises, wars, or environmental disasters. You should understand the nuance that a 'séquelle' often implies a loss of function or a degradation. In a debate about the environment, you might mention the 'séquelles irréversibles' on an ecosystem. In a literature essay, you might analyze the 'séquelles de l'enfance' on a character's behavior. You should also be familiar with medical collocations like 'séquelles neurologiques' or 'séquelles motrices'. Your usage should reflect an understanding that this word carries emotional or clinical weight. You can use it to argue about the 'cost' of an event over time. For example, 'On ne peut pas ignorer les séquelles sociales de cette politique'. Here, the word highlights that the damage isn't just a temporary result, but a lasting change in the social fabric. It's a powerful word for critical thinking and formal expression.

At the C1 level, you should master the subtle distinctions between 'séquelle', 'stigmate', 'trace', and 'reliquat'. 'Séquelle' will be your primary word for discussing the pathological or dysfunctional residue of an event. You should be able to use it in sophisticated metaphorical contexts, such as 'les séquelles de l'histoire' or 'les séquelles d'une idéologie'. You will encounter it in high-level journalism (Le Monde, Le Figaro) and academic texts. At this level, you should also recognize its use in legal contexts, particularly regarding 'le préjudice' and 'l'indemnisation des séquelles' (compensation for after-effects). You should be able to use the word with a wide range of precise adjectives: 'séquelles invalidantes', 'séquelles résiduelles', 'séquelles latentes'. Your pronunciation should be flawless, avoiding any 'w' sound in the 'qu' syllable. You use 'séquelle' to add a layer of gravity and clinical precision to your analysis, showing that you can navigate the complex relationship between a past cause and its enduring, often painful, presence in the present.

At the C2 level, 'séquelle' is a word you use with absolute precision in both technical and literary registers. You understand its etymological roots (from the Latin 'sequela', meaning 'that which follows') and how it differs from its English cognate in usage. You can use it to discuss the 'séquelles' of complex systems—such as the lingering effects of a colonial past on modern legal structures or the 'séquelles' of a biological evolution in a species' current anatomy. You are comfortable using it in the singular for highly specific clinical descriptions or in the plural for broad sociological phenomena. You can weave it into a discourse on resilience, where 'surmonter les séquelles' becomes a central theme. You also recognize its presence in specialized medical literature where it might describe 'séquelles post-opératoires' with extreme detail. For a C2 speaker, 'séquelle' is not just a vocabulary word; it's a conceptual lens through which to view the persistence of the past and the challenges of total restoration.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

séquelle in 30 Seconds

A 'séquelle' is a lasting after-effect of an injury or illness.
It is a feminine noun, almost always used for negative lingering consequences.
It is a false friend; it never means a movie or book sequel.
Commonly used in medical, psychological, and historical contexts to describe 'scars'.

The French word séquelle is a noun that primarily refers to the lasting after-effects or lingering consequences of a previous injury, disease, or traumatic event. While in English we might use the word 'sequela' in a strictly medical context, the French séquelle is much more common in everyday speech, though it almost always carries a negative or heavy connotation. It describes the 'scars'—both physical and metaphorical—that remain long after the initial cause has passed. Understanding this word is crucial for B1 learners because it allows for more nuanced descriptions of health, history, and personal experiences beyond simple adjectives like 'malade' or 'blessé'.

Medical Context: In clinical terms, a séquelle is a functional or anatomical disorder that persists after the cure of a disease or the healing of a wound. For instance, a limp after a broken leg is a séquelle.
Psychological Context: It is frequently used to describe emotional trauma. If someone suffers from anxiety years after a difficult event, the French would describe these as 'séquelles psychologiques'.
Societal/Historical Context: Metaphorically, it can describe the long-term impact of war, economic crisis, or social upheaval on a population or a landscape.

L'accident a laissé des séquelles visibles sur son visage, mais son esprit est resté fort.

It is important to note that séquelle is a feminine noun. You will almost always see it used in the plural form, les séquelles, because trauma or injury rarely leaves just one single isolated effect. When used in the singular, it refers to a specific, identified after-effect. Unlike the English word 'sequel' (which refers to the next installment of a movie or book), séquelle never refers to a film. This is a classic 'faux ami' (false friend) that English speakers must avoid. If you want to talk about 'Star Wars Episode II', you use the word suite, not séquelle.

Il ne reste aucune séquelle de son opération de l'année dernière.

In contemporary French, the word has expanded into the realm of environmental and economic discussions. One might speak of the 'séquelles environnementales' of an oil spill or the 'séquelles économiques' of a pandemic. In all these cases, the word emphasizes the permanence and the difficulty of the aftermath. It is not just a 'result' (résultat) or a 'consequence' (conséquence); it is a 'trace' that remains etched into the subject. The word evokes a sense of haunting or a debt paid to the past. When a journalist uses this word, they are highlighting the gravity and the long-term nature of the damage.

Les séquelles de la guerre sont encore visibles dans l'architecture de la ville.

Elle a dû faire beaucoup de rééducation pour minimiser les séquelles motrices.

Certaines maladies infantiles peuvent laisser des séquelles à l'âge adulte.

Using séquelle correctly involves understanding its grammatical behavior and the verbs it typically pairs with. As a feminine noun, it requires feminine agreement for any accompanying adjectives (e.g., une séquelle grave, des séquelles irréversibles). The most common verb used with this noun is garder (to keep/retain) or laisser (to leave). For example, 'Il garde des séquelles' means 'He still has after-effects'. 'L'accident a laissé des séquelles' means 'The accident left after-effects'.

With the verb 'Garder': Used to describe the current state of the victim. 'Elle garde des séquelles de sa chute.'
With the verb 'Laisser': Used to focus on the cause. 'La méningite peut laisser des séquelles neurologiques importantes.'
With the verb 'Souffrir de': Used to emphasize the pain or difficulty. 'Il souffre de séquelles psychologiques depuis le cambriolage.'

Malgré la gravité du choc, le patient ne présente aucune séquelle neurologique.

In formal writing, especially in medical or legal reports, you might encounter the phrase 'séquelles fonctionnelles' (functional after-effects, like difficulty moving a limb) or 'séquelles esthétiques' (cosmetic after-effects, like scars). When discussing history or sociology, you might hear about 'les séquelles du colonialisme' or 'les séquelles de la dictature'. In these abstract contexts, the word functions exactly like 'aftermath' or 'legacy', but with a more negative, 'damaged' nuance. It suggests that the society is still 'limping' from its past.

Les séquelles émotionnelles sont souvent plus difficiles à guérir que les blessures physiques.

Another nuance to master is the use of adjectives. 'Séquelles permanentes' (permanent) or 'séquelles irréversibles' (irreversible) are common pairings. If you want to say someone recovered fully, you would say 'il s'est rétabli sans séquelles'. This 'sans séquelles' is a very common idiomatic structure. It implies a perfect recovery where no trace of the ailment remains. In a conversation about a car accident, you might ask: 'Est-ce qu'il a des séquelles ?' (Does he have any lasting injuries?). This is a polite and standard way to inquire about someone's long-term health after a crisis.

Le médecin a confirmé qu'il n'y aurait aucune séquelle à long terme.

Les séquelles de la crise financière se font encore sentir dix ans plus tard.

Le séisme a laissé des séquelles indélébiles dans la mémoire des habitants.

In French-speaking countries, séquelle is a staple of news broadcasting and medical discourse. If you watch a French news channel like BFMTV or France 24, you will inevitably hear it during reports on natural disasters, major accidents, or public health crises. Journalists use it to move the story from the immediate event to the long-term impact on the victims. For example, in a report about a forest fire, they might discuss the 'séquelles écologiques'—the damage to the soil and local fauna that will last for decades.

Television News: Used to discuss the aftermath of tragedies. 'Les victimes de l'attentat luttent contre les séquelles psychologiques.'
Doctor's Consultations: A doctor might ask: 'Ressentez-vous des séquelles depuis votre opération ?' (Do you feel any after-effects since your surgery?).
Legal and Insurance Settings: Insurance adjusters use it to calculate compensation for 'préjudice' (harm) based on permanent sequels.

Le reportage souligne les séquelles durables de la pollution industrielle dans la région.

You will also encounter séquelle in literature and cinema, specifically in dramas or psychological thrillers. Characters often grapple with the 'séquelles' of their past—a difficult childhood, a lost love, or a previous failure. In these contexts, the word is deeply evocative, suggesting a weight that the character cannot easily shed. It adds a layer of 'gravitas' to the dialogue. If a character says 'Je porte encore les séquelles de notre séparation', it sounds much more profound and painful than simply saying 'I am still sad'. It implies a structural change in their being.

Dans son dernier roman, l'auteur explore les séquelles de l'exil sur l'identité.

In everyday conversation, while less common than 'conséquences', it is used when the topic is serious. A friend might tell you about their COVID-19 recovery: 'J'ai encore quelques séquelles, comme une fatigue persistante.' Here, it bridges the gap between medical terminology and casual chat. It serves as a shorthand for 'lingering symptoms'. In sports commentary, you'll hear it when an athlete returns from injury: 'On se demande s'il a encore des séquelles de sa déchirure ligamentaire.' It's a versatile word that signals a focus on the 'long-term' rather than the 'immediate'.

Le champion craint que ses séquelles ne l'empêchent de retrouver son meilleur niveau.

Les séquelles de l'ouragan sont encore visibles sur les côtes dévastées.

L'expert a analysé les séquelles de l'érosion sur les falaises de Normandie.

The most frequent mistake for English speakers is treating séquelle as a direct translation of 'sequel'. In English, a sequel is a continuation of a story (like 'The Godfather Part II'). In French, this is a suite. If you say 'J'ai hâte de voir la séquelle de ce film', a French person might think you are asking to see the 'lasting damage' or 'injury' caused by the movie! This can lead to some very confusing, and sometimes unintentionally funny, conversations. Always remember: Film = Suite; Injury = Séquelle.

The 'Sequel' Trap: Mistake: 'La séquelle de Avatar est sortie.' Correct: 'La suite de Avatar est sortie.'
Gender Confusion: Mistake: 'Un gros séquelle.' Correct: 'Une grosse séquelle.' It is always feminine.
Positive Usage: Mistake: 'Les séquelles de mes vacances sont mon bronzage.' Correct: 'Les résultats de mes vacances...' Séquelle is for damage.

Attention : séquelle n'est jamais utilisé pour parler d'un deuxième tome ou d'un deuxième film.

Another error involves the pronunciation. Some learners try to pronounce it like the English 'sequel' (SEE-kwel). In French, the 'é' is a sharp /e/ sound, and the 'qu' is a hard /k/ sound followed immediately by the 'e'. It sounds like /se-kɛl/. If you add a 'w' sound (like /se-kwɛl/), it sounds non-native. Additionally, because it ends in 'le', learners sometimes forget the feminine gender. Associating it with une blessure (a wound) or une maladie (a disease)—both feminine—can help you remember that séquelle is also feminine.

Il a commis l'erreur de dire 'le' séquelle au lieu de 'la' séquelle.

Finally, don't confuse séquelle with conséquence. While they are related, they are not interchangeable. A conséquence is any result of an action (e.g., 'If I don't study, the consequence is I fail'). A séquelle specifically implies a pathological or traumatic residue. You 'suffer' from a séquelle; you 'deal with' a conséquence. Using séquelle for mundane things like 'the consequence of arriving late' is too dramatic and technically incorrect. Save séquelle for when there is a lasting 'mark' or 'impairment'.

La séquelle est une trace subie, alors que la conséquence est un résultat logique.

Ne dites pas 'les séquelles de mon retard', dites 'les conséquences de mon retard'.

L'étudiant a confondu séquelle et suite lors de son examen oral.

To truly master the semantic field of 'aftermath' in French, it is helpful to compare séquelle with its synonyms and near-synonyms. Each word has a specific flavor and register. While séquelle is the go-to for lasting damage, other words might be more appropriate depending on whether you are talking about a physical scar, a social ripple effect, or a simple result. Understanding these distinctions will elevate your French from 'functional' to 'fluent'.

Séquelle vs. Cicatrice: A 'cicatrice' is a literal physical scar on the skin. A 'séquelle' is the functional problem (like a limp) that might accompany it. Metaphorically, they are similar, but 'cicatrice' is more visual.
Séquelle vs. Contrecoup: 'Contrecoup' refers to a delayed reaction or a 'backlash'. It is more sudden than a séquelle. You feel the 'contrecoup' of a shock a few days later; you live with the 'séquelles' for years.
Séquelle vs. Trace: 'Trace' is the most neutral word. It just means 'mark'. Use 'trace' if you want to be less dramatic or medical. 'Il reste des traces de peinture' vs 'Il reste des séquelles du poison'.

La séquelle est profonde, alors que la trace peut être superficielle.

Other alternatives include stigmate, which has a more sociological or religious connotation (the 'stigma' or 'marks' of suffering), and reliquat, which is more formal and refers to what remains of a sum or a substance (the 'remainder'). In medical contexts, you might also hear complication, but a complication is an active new problem during a disease, whereas a séquelle is what's left after the disease is gone. Choosing the right word shows you understand the 'life cycle' of an event: the event happens, complications might occur, and finally, séquelles remain.

Les séquelles psychologiques sont parfois appelées traumatismes persistants.

In summary, while 'conséquence' is the broad umbrella term, séquelle is the specific tool for discussing lasting, negative, and often medical or psychological impacts. By comparing it to 'cicatrice' (visual), 'contrecoup' (reactionary), and 'stigmate' (societal), you can see that séquelle sits right in the middle of health and history. It is a word about the endurance of pain and the reality of recovery. When you use it, you acknowledge that while the initial event is over, its presence is still very much felt.

Il n'y a pas de synonyme parfait pour séquelle qui capture à la fois l'aspect médical et temporel.

L'usage du mot séquelle apporte une précision clinique à votre discours.

Elle a surmonté les séquelles de son passé pour construire un avenir radieux.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

While the English 'sequel' evolved to mean the next part of a story, the French 'séquelle' stayed closer to the medical idea of a 'leftover' problem.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /se.kɛl/

US /se.kɛl/

In French, stress is usually on the final syllable: se-KÈL.

Rhymes With

poubelle échelle étincelle vaisselle belle nouvelle elle aisselle

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'qu' as 'kw' (like the English 'sequel').
Making the 'é' sound like 'ee'.
Forgetting to pronounce the final 'l' clearly.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Common in newspapers and books, easy to recognize but watch for false friends.

Writing 4/5

Requires correct gender agreement and understanding of the negative nuance.

Speaking 3/5

Pronunciation of the 'qu' sound is the main challenge.

Listening 3/5

Clear sound, but can be confused with 'séquence' if heard quickly.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

maladie accident blessure conséquence guérir

Learn Next

stigmate traumatisme rééducation préjudice irréversible

Advanced

iatrogène nosocomial étiologie pathologie résilience

Grammar to Know

Feminine Noun Agreement

Une séquelle grave (not grave*s* if singular, but always feminine).

Plurality of Séquelles

On utilise souvent le pluriel 'des séquelles' car les conséquences sont multiples.

Preposition 'de'

Les séquelles *de* la maladie (not *à* la maladie).

Negative 'Aucune'

Il n'a *aucune* séquelle (singular after 'aucune').

Past Participle Agreement with 'Laisser'

Les séquelles qu'il a laissé*es* (agreement with the preceding direct object).

Examples by Level

Il a une petite séquelle au bras.

He has a small after-effect in his arm.

Note the feminine 'une'.

Elle n'a aucune séquelle de sa chute.

She has no after-effects from her fall.

Using 'aucune' with 'séquelle'.

Est-ce que c'est une séquelle de ta grippe ?

Is that an after-effect of your flu?

Question form with 'c'est'.

Le chien garde une séquelle à la patte.

The dog has a lasting injury on its paw.

Using the verb 'garder'.

Il n'y a pas de séquelle visible.

There is no visible after-effect.

Adjective 'visible' follows the noun.

C'est une séquelle de l'accident.

It's an after-effect of the accident.

Common structure 'C'est une séquelle de...'

Elle a des séquelles légères.

She has slight after-effects.

Plural form 'des séquelles'.

Il ne veut pas de séquelles.

He doesn't want any after-effects.

Negative 'pas de'.

Le patient a gardé des séquelles de son opération.

The patient kept after-effects from his surgery.

Past tense 'a gardé'.

L'incendie a laissé des séquelles dans la forêt.

The fire left after-effects in the forest.

Using 'laisser' for consequences.

Il souffre de séquelles physiques depuis un an.

He has been suffering from physical after-effects for a year.

Verb 'souffrir de'.

La maladie peut laisser de graves séquelles.

The disease can leave serious after-effects.

Adjective 'graves' in plural.

Elle a guéri, mais avec quelques séquelles.

She recovered, but with some after-effects.

Using 'quelques' for 'some'.

Quelles sont les séquelles de cette blessure ?

What are the after-effects of this injury?

Interrogative 'quelles' matching plural feminine.

Il n'y a aucune séquelle psychologique.

There are no psychological after-effects.

Adjective 'psychologique'.

La tempête a laissé des séquelles sur la plage.

The storm left after-effects on the beach.

Environmental context.

Il a réussi à se rétablir sans aucune séquelle.

He managed to recover without any after-effects.

Idiomatic phrase 'sans aucune séquelle'.

Les séquelles de la guerre sont encore visibles aujourd'hui.

The after-effects of the war are still visible today.

Historical/Abstract usage.

Elle craint les séquelles à long terme de ce médicament.

She fears the long-term after-effects of this medication.

Phrase 'à long terme'.

L'enfant garde des séquelles émotionnelles de son divorce.

The child has emotional after-effects from his divorce.

Metaphorical/Psychological usage.

Le médecin évalue les séquelles motrices du patient.

The doctor is evaluating the patient's motor after-effects.

Technical adjective 'motrices'.

Il est difficile de vivre avec de telles séquelles.

It is difficult to live with such after-effects.

Using 'de telles' (such).

La pollution a des séquelles sur la santé des habitants.

Pollution has after-effects on the residents' health.

Causal relationship.

Certaines blessures laissent des séquelles invisibles.

Some wounds leave invisible after-effects.

Nuanced adjective 'invisibles'.

La crise économique a laissé des séquelles durables sur l'emploi.

The economic crisis left lasting after-effects on employment.

Societal context.

Les séquelles irréversibles de la déforestation nous inquiètent.

The irreversible after-effects of deforestation worry us.

Adjective 'irréversibles'.

Il souffre de séquelles neurologiques suite à son AVC.

He suffers from neurological after-effects following his stroke.

Medical precision.

L'indemnisation dépend de l'importance des séquelles.

Compensation depends on the importance of the after-effects.

Legal/Insurance context.

Le traumatisme a laissé des séquelles indélébiles dans son esprit.

The trauma left indelible after-effects in his mind.

Strong adjective 'indélébiles'.

Le pays peine à effacer les séquelles de la dictature.

The country is struggling to erase the after-effects of the dictatorship.

Political usage.

Une rééducation intensive peut limiter les séquelles.

Intensive rehabilitation can limit after-effects.

Verb 'limiter'.

Les séquelles de la pollution sonore sont souvent sous-estimées.

The after-effects of noise pollution are often underestimated.

Passive voice 'sous-estimées'.

L'ouvrage analyse les séquelles de la colonisation sur la langue.

The work analyzes the after-effects of colonization on the language.

Academic register.

Le patient présente des séquelles résiduelles malgré le traitement.

The patient presents residual after-effects despite the treatment.

Precise adjective 'résiduelles'.

Il est impératif de prévenir les séquelles invalidantes.

It is imperative to prevent disabling after-effects.

Adjective 'invalidantes'.

Les séquelles de cette politique se feront sentir pendant des décennies.

The after-effects of this policy will be felt for decades.

Future tense 'se feront sentir'.

Elle porte en elle les séquelles d'une enfance déracinée.

She carries within her the after-effects of a uprooted childhood.

Literary expression 'porter en soi'.

L'expert a noté des séquelles esthétiques significatives.

The expert noted significant aesthetic after-effects.

Adjective 'esthétiques'.

Le débat portait sur les séquelles éthiques de la manipulation génétique.

The debate was about the ethical after-effects of genetic manipulation.

Abstract/Philosophical context.

On observe des séquelles fonctionnelles au niveau de l'articulation.

Functional after-effects are observed at the joint level.

Anatomical precision.

L'atrophie musculaire est une séquelle classique de l'immobilisation prolongée.

Muscle atrophy is a classic after-effect of prolonged immobilization.

Scientific definition style.

Le traité visait à pallier les séquelles diplomatiques du conflit.

The treaty aimed to mitigate the diplomatic after-effects of the conflict.

Verb 'pallier' (to mitigate).

L'architecture urbaine conserve les séquelles de la planification brutale des années 70.

Urban architecture retains the after-effects of the brutal planning of the 70s.

Metaphorical architectural usage.

L'étude souligne l'absence de séquelles cognitives chez les sujets testés.

The study highlights the absence of cognitive after-effects in the test subjects.

Formal research register.

Les séquelles de l'inflation galopante ont érodé le pouvoir d'achat.

The after-effects of galloping inflation have eroded purchasing power.

Economic analysis.

Il s'agit d'une séquelle tardive qui ne s'est manifestée que des années plus tard.

It is a late after-effect that only manifested years later.

Adjective 'tardive'.

La résilience est la capacité à intégrer les séquelles sans en être détruit.

Resilience is the ability to integrate after-effects without being destroyed by them.

Philosophical definition.

Les séquelles de la catastrophe nucléaire sont surveillées de près.

The after-effects of the nuclear catastrophe are closely monitored.

Environmental monitoring context.

Common Collocations

garder des séquelles

laisser des séquelles

séquelles irréversibles

séquelles psychologiques

sans séquelles

séquelles motrices

séquelles neurologiques

séquelles esthétiques

séquelles durables

évaluer les séquelles

Common Phrases

En garder des séquelles

— To still be affected by something from the past.

Il en garde des séquelles encore aujourd'hui.

Guérir sans séquelles

— To have a perfect recovery with no lasting damage.

Heureusement, il a guéri sans séquelles.

Séquelles de guerre

— The lasting physical or mental trauma of combat.

Les séquelles de guerre sont invisibles.

Séquelles d'un traumatisme

— The lingering effects of a traumatic event.

Les séquelles d'un traumatisme peuvent durer toute une vie.

Séquelles fonctionnelles

— Loss of bodily function due to injury.

Il a des séquelles fonctionnelles au bras droit.

Séquelles post-opératoires

— Complications or issues remaining after surgery.

Les séquelles post-opératoires sont minimes.

Séquelles de la colonisation

— The historical legacy of colonial rule.

Nous étudions les séquelles de la colonisation.

Séquelles d'une maladie

— The after-effects of an illness.

La polio laisse souvent des séquelles.

Séquelles indélébiles

— Unforgettable or unerasable after-effects.

Ce drame a laissé des séquelles indélébiles.

Séquelles à vie

— After-effects that last for a lifetime.

Il aura des séquelles à vie.

Often Confused With

séquelle vs suite

A 'suite' is a sequel to a movie or book. A 'séquelle' is a medical after-effect.

séquelle vs conséquence

A 'conséquence' is a general result. A 'séquelle' is a lasting, usually negative, residue.

séquelle vs séquence

A 'séquence' is a series or a scene in a film. It has no medical meaning.

Idioms & Expressions

"Porter les séquelles de..."

— To carry the weight or marks of a past event.

Elle porte les séquelles de son échec.

neutral

"Traîner des séquelles"

— To be burdened by lingering problems for a long time.

Il traîne des séquelles de son accident depuis dix ans.

informal

"Être marqué par les séquelles"

— To be visibly or deeply changed by after-effects.

Le paysage est marqué par les séquelles de l'exploitation minière.

formal

"Effacer les séquelles"

— To successfully heal or remove the traces of the past.

Le temps finira par effacer les séquelles.

neutral

"Séquelles de l'âme"

— Poetic way to describe deep emotional trauma.

Il soigne les séquelles de l'âme.

literary

"Séquelles du temps"

— The wear and tear of aging or history.

Le château montre les séquelles du temps.

literary

"Séquelles de fortune"

— The lingering effects of a sudden change in wealth.

Il vit avec les séquelles de sa ruine.

formal

"Séquelles de l'ombre"

— Hidden or secret after-effects.

Les séquelles de l'ombre sont les plus dangereuses.

literary

"Séquelles de sang"

— The long-term impact of violence or family feuds.

La région garde les séquelles de sang du siècle dernier.

literary

"Séquelles de l'oubli"

— The damage caused by being ignored or forgotten.

Le quartier souffre des séquelles de l'oubli politique.

formal

Easily Confused

séquelle vs Suite

Looks like the English word 'sequel'.

'Suite' is for stories and chronological order. 'Séquelle' is for damage and pathology.

La suite du film est géniale, mais l'acteur a des séquelles de ses cascades.

séquelle vs Conséquence

Both mean something that follows.

'Conséquence' is logical and neutral. 'Séquelle' is traumatic and lasting.

La conséquence de la pluie est l'herbe verte. La séquelle de l'inondation est la boue dans la maison.

séquelle vs Cicatrice

Both refer to marks of the past.

'Cicatrice' is the physical scar. 'Séquelle' is the functional problem (like pain or stiffness).

Sa cicatrice est belle, mais il garde une séquelle : il ne peut plus plier le doigt.

séquelle vs Stigmate

Both refer to lasting marks of suffering.

'Stigmate' is often social or metaphorical. 'Séquelle' is more clinical.

Les séquelles de l'accident sont physiques, les stigmates du chômage sont sociaux.

séquelle vs Contrecoup

Both are effects felt later.

'Contrecoup' is a reaction or shock felt shortly after. 'Séquelle' is a permanent state.

Il a ressenti le contrecoup du divorce le mois suivant, mais il en garde des séquelles dix ans après.

Sentence Patterns

Il a des séquelles de [Nom].

Il a des séquelles de son accident.

Il a guéri sans [Adjectif] séquelles.

Il a guéri sans aucunes séquelles.

[Sujet] laisse des séquelles sur [Objet].

Le stress laisse des séquelles sur le cœur.

Souffrir de séquelles [Adjectif].

Elle souffre de séquelles neurologiques.

Les séquelles de [Événement] se font sentir.

Les séquelles de la crise se font encore sentir.

Porter les séquelles indélébiles de [Nom].

Il porte les séquelles indélébiles de son exil.

Évaluer l'ampleur des séquelles.

L'expert doit évaluer l'ampleur des séquelles physiques.

Pallier les séquelles de [Nom Abstrait].

Le gouvernement tente de pallier les séquelles sociales de la réforme.

Word Family

Nouns

séquence (related root, but different meaning)

Adjectives

séquellaire (rare medical term)

suite

conséquence

succession

consécutif

How to Use It

frequency

Common in medical, news, and historical contexts.

Common Mistakes

Un séquelle → Une séquelle
The word is feminine. You must use 'une' or 'la'.
La séquelle de ce film → La suite de ce film
'Séquelle' is for medical after-effects, 'suite' is for sequels in storytelling.
Il a des séquelles positives → Il a des résultats positifs
'Séquelle' almost always implies a negative or traumatic lingering effect.
Pronouncing it /se-kwɛl/ → Pronouncing it /se-kɛl/
The 'qu' in French is a simple 'k' sound, not 'kw' as in English.
Les séquelles de mon retard → Les conséquences de mon retard
'Séquelle' is too dramatic for mundane consequences like being late.

Tips

Always Feminine

Remember that 'séquelle' is feminine. Think of 'une blessure' (a wound) to help you remember the gender.

The Movie Rule

Never use 'séquelle' for movies. If you want to see the next 'Avengers', ask for 'la suite'.

Medical Context

Use 'séquelle' when talking about health to sound more precise than just saying 'problème'.

Plural is Better

Unless you are talking about one specific scar, use 'les séquelles' (plural) to sound more natural.

S is for Scar

Associate 'Séquelle' with 'Scar'. Both start with S and both are things left behind.

Serious Situations

Save 'séquelle' for serious topics. Don't use it for the 'after-effects' of a party (use 'gueule de bois' or 'fatigue').

Sans Séquelles

Learn the phrase 'sans séquelles'. It's the best way to say someone is 100% recovered.

Adjectives After

Adjectives like 'psychologique' or 'physique' always come after 'séquelle'.

Listen for the 'K'

When listening, focus on the hard 'k' sound. If you hear a 'w', it's probably not French!

Historical Context

In essays, use 'séquelles' to describe the long-term impact of historical events on society.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think: Séquelle = 'Sick-Well'. You were 'Sick', now you are 'Well', but you still have a problem left over.

Visual Association

Imagine a footprint in dry concrete. The person who walked there is gone, but the mark (the séquelle) remains forever.

Word Web

Maladie Accident Traumatisme Cicatrice Médecin Rééducation Passé Dommage

Challenge

Try to use 'séquelle' in a sentence about a historical event you know well (e.g., 'Les séquelles de la Révolution').

Word Origin

From the Latin 'sequela', which means 'that which follows' or 'a consequence'.

Original meaning: In Latin, it referred generally to a result or a following, but in Middle French, it took on a more medical and negative tone.

Romance (Latin root)

Cultural Context

Use with care; it implies permanent damage and can be sensitive when talking to someone about their health.

English speakers often use 'aftermath' or 'legacy', while French speakers prefer 'séquelles' when the impact is felt on a human or physical level.

Medical reports on famous athletes (like Neymar or Mbappé). Historical documentaries about 'Les séquelles de la Grande Guerre'. Psychological essays on 'Les séquelles de l'enfance'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Medical

Séquelles neurologiques
Séquelles motrices
Récupération sans séquelles
Évaluer les séquelles

Psychological

Séquelles émotionnelles
Séquelles d'un choc
Garder des séquelles mentales
Surmonter ses séquelles

Historical

Séquelles de la guerre
Séquelles coloniales
Les séquelles du passé
Effacer les séquelles de l'histoire

Environmental

Séquelles écologiques
Séquelles de la pollution
Séquelles durables sur le climat
Analyser les séquelles du séisme

Legal/Insurance

Indemnisation des séquelles
Séquelles consolidées
Certificat de séquelles
Préjudice lié aux séquelles

Conversation Starters

"Est-ce que tu penses qu'on peut vraiment guérir d'un traumatisme sans séquelles ?"

"Quelles sont les séquelles les plus visibles de l'histoire dans ta ville ?"

"As-tu déjà gardé des séquelles d'une vieille blessure de sport ?"

"Comment les entreprises peuvent-elles éviter les séquelles d'une mauvaise réputation ?"

"Penses-tu que la technologie laissera des séquelles sur notre façon de penser ?"

Journal Prompts

Décrivez un événement difficile de votre passé et les séquelles (positives ou négatives) qu'il a laissées sur votre caractère.

Analysez les séquelles de la pandémie de COVID-19 sur votre vie quotidienne et vos habitudes sociales.

Si vous pouviez effacer une séquelle physique ou émotionnelle, laquelle choisiriez-vous et pourquoi ?

Réfléchissez aux séquelles que l'humanité laisse sur la planète Terre aujourd'hui.

Écrivez une lettre à votre 'moi' futur sur la façon dont vous comptez surmonter les séquelles d'un échec récent.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, this is a common mistake. For a movie, book, or video game sequel, you must use the word 'suite'. 'Séquelle' is only for lasting injuries or negative after-effects.

It is feminine: 'une séquelle', 'la séquelle'. In the plural, it is 'les séquelles'.

Yes, in 99% of cases, it refers to a negative lingering effect, such as a disability, pain, or trauma. You wouldn't use it for a positive outcome.

It is pronounced /se-kɛl/. The 'qu' is a hard 'k' sound, and the 'é' is like the 'ay' in 'play' but shorter.

'Conséquence' is a general result of an action. 'Séquelle' is a lasting impairment or scar left behind by a trauma or illness.

Yes, 'séquelles psychologiques' or 'séquelles émotionnelles' are very common terms to describe the lasting impact of trauma.

It is used in both formal (medical, legal) and neutral (everyday) contexts. It is not considered slang, but it is a serious word.

The most common verbs are 'garder' (to keep/have), 'laisser' (to leave), and 'souffrir de' (to suffer from).

Yes, 'guérir sans séquelles' is a very common and idiomatic way to say that someone recovered perfectly with no lasting issues.

Yes, they share the same Latin root 'sequi' (to follow), but their meanings in modern French are quite different.