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A2 noun 11 min de leitura

la constipation

Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas la constipation em 30 segundos

Explicação la constipation in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to know that 'la constipation' is a health problem. It is a feminine noun. You can use it in very simple sentences like 'J'ai un problème' or 'Je suis malade'. You should recognize it when you see it in a pharmacy. The most important thing at this level is to know that it is a word for when you cannot go to the toilet. You don't need to know complex medical causes, just the basic word and its gender (la). You might see it on a sign in a pharmacy window. It's an easy word because it looks like English. Just remember to pronounce the 'tion' as 'syon'.

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At the A2 level, you should be able to use 'la constipation' in simple medical contexts. You can tell a pharmacist 'Je souffre de constipation' or 'J'ai de la constipation'. You should also know the adjective 'constipé' (I am constipated). At this level, you can understand simple advice like 'buvez de l'eau' (drink water) or 'mangez des fruits' (eat fruits) to help with the problem. You are beginning to understand that French people use the definite article 'la' more often than English speakers use 'the'. You can also ask for 'un médicament contre la constipation' in a store.

At the B1 level, you can discuss the causes and solutions for 'la constipation' in more detail. You can talk about your diet, mentioning 'les fibres' (fibers) and 'l'hydratation' (hydration). You understand the difference between 'la constipation occasionnelle' (occasional) and 'chronique'. You can follow a conversation with a doctor where they explain that stress or a lack of exercise can be factors. You are also familiar with euphemisms like 'le transit intestinal' and can use them to be more polite in social situations. You can read short health articles in magazines that give tips on how to avoid this condition during travel.

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At the B2 level, you have a firm grasp of the medical and cultural context of 'la constipation'. You can explain the physiological process in general terms, using words like 'le gros intestin' or 'les selles'. You can participate in a debate about the effectiveness of natural remedies versus pharmaceutical laxatives. You understand the nuances of French advertising for digestive health products. You can write a short text giving advice to someone suffering from chronic constipation, using a variety of connectors and precise vocabulary. You are comfortable using the word in both formal and informal (but still polite) settings.

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At the C1 level, you can understand complex medical texts or lectures that discuss 'la constipation' as a symptom of larger systemic issues. You can appreciate the metaphorical use of the word in literature or high-level journalism (e.g., 'la constipation administrative' to describe a blocked bureaucracy). You are aware of the historical medical treatments in France and how the concept of 'le transit' has evolved in French thought. You can use synonyms like 'paresse intestinale' or 'dyschésie' with precision. Your pronunciation is perfect, including the subtle nasal vowel at the end of the word.

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At the C2 level, your understanding of 'la constipation' is near-native. You can navigate the most technical medical discussions with ease. You understand all cultural references, such as the specific fame of certain mineral waters or historical figures known for their digestive health issues. You can use the word in any register, from highly clinical to humorously metaphorical, without error. You can analyze how the topic is treated in French media compared to other cultures. You are capable of explaining the etymology and the evolution of the word from Latin to modern French, and you can use it in complex grammatical structures without hesitation.

Cadastre-se grátis para ler a explicação completa

Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas

la constipation em 30 segundos

La constipation is a feminine noun meaning constipation, used to describe difficult or infrequent bowel movements in medical and everyday French contexts.
It is commonly paired with the verb 'souffrir de' and is a frequent topic in French pharmacies and health-related advertisements.
The word is a 'true friend' to English speakers but requires attention to its feminine gender and specific French pronunciation of the '-tion' ending.
Cultural solutions in France often include specific mineral waters, high-fiber diets, and yogurts designed to improve 'le transit intestinal'.

The French noun la constipation refers to a physiological condition characterized by infrequent or difficult evacuation of the bowels. For English speakers, this is a 'true friend' because the word is nearly identical in spelling and meaning to its English counterpart. However, the cultural nuances in France regarding digestive health are quite distinct. In France, digestive health is a frequent topic of conversation, often discussed with more openness than in many English-speaking cultures. You will encounter this word in medical settings, pharmacies, and even in casual family discussions about well-being and diet.

Medical Context: In a clinical sense, la constipation is defined by a decrease in the frequency of stools, often fewer than three times per week. French doctors categorize it into 'occasionnelle' (temporary) or 'chronique' (long-term). It is often linked to lifestyle factors such as a lack of fiber or hydration.
Everyday Usage: In daily life, the word is used to describe the discomfort associated with a sluggish digestive system. It is common to hear people discuss their 'transit intestinal' (intestinal transit) as a general way to refer to their digestive regularity without being overly graphic.
Grammatical Note: As a feminine noun, it always takes the feminine article 'la' or 'une'. When describing someone who is experiencing this, the adjective 'constipé' (masculine) or 'constipée' (feminine) is used.

Le médecin m'a expliqué que la constipation peut être causée par un manque de fibres dans mon alimentation quotidienne.

Historically, the term derives from the Latin 'constipatio', meaning to crowd or press together. This perfectly describes the physical sensation of the condition. In France, the 'pharmacie' is the primary place where people seek advice for this. Pharmacists are highly trained and will often ask detailed questions about your symptoms. It is not considered taboo to discuss la constipation when seeking a 'laxatif' (laxative) or 'un suppositoire'.

Pour éviter la constipation, il est essentiel de boire au moins un litre et demi d'eau chaque jour.

Culturally, the French diet—while famous for bread and cheese—also emphasizes fresh vegetables ('crudités') and fruits, which are natural defenses against this condition. The concept of 'le transit' is so ingrained in French culture that you will see numerous television advertisements for yogurts and supplements specifically designed to 'améliorer le transit' and prevent discomfort.

Certains médicaments peuvent provoquer la constipation comme effet secondaire indésirable.

L'activité physique régulière est un excellent moyen de lutter contre la constipation passagère.

Il est important de ne pas ignorer la constipation si elle dure plus de quelques semaines.

Using la constipation correctly requires an understanding of common French verb pairings and prepositional structures. Because it is a health condition, it is most frequently used with verbs like 'souffrir de' (to suffer from), 'avoir' (to have), 'causer' (to cause), or 'traiter' (to treat). It is a formal enough term for medical contexts but also common enough for everyday speech. Understanding the syntax will help you express physical discomfort accurately and politely.

With 'Souffrir de': This is the standard way to say you are suffering from the condition. Example: 'Je souffre de constipation depuis trois jours.' (I have been suffering from constipation for three days.) Note the use of 'de' before the noun.
With 'Lutter contre': This means 'to fight against'. Example: 'Manger des pruneaux aide à lutter contre la constipation.' (Eating prunes helps fight against constipation.)
Describing Causes: You can use 'causer' or 'provoquer'. Example: 'Le stress peut provoquer la constipation chez certaines personnes.' (Stress can cause constipation in some people.)

Ma grand-mère utilise des remèdes naturels pour soigner la constipation.

When talking to a doctor, you might use more technical terms alongside la constipation. For instance, you might discuss 'la consistance des selles' (the consistency of stools) or 'la fréquence des selles' (the frequency of stools). It is important to remember that la constipation is the noun, while 'constipé' is the adjective. A common mistake for learners is to say 'J'ai constipé', which is grammatically incorrect; you should say 'Je suis constipé' (I am constipated) or 'J'ai de la constipation' (I have constipation).

Il est rare que la constipation soit le signe d'une maladie grave, mais il faut rester vigilant.

In more formal writing, such as a medical report or a health article, you might see the word used in the plural to refer to different episodes or types of the condition, though this is rare. Usually, it stays in the singular. You might also encounter phrases like 'constipation opiniâtre', which refers to particularly stubborn or persistent constipation. In a veterinary context, you would use the same word to describe the condition in animals.

Les enfants souffrent souvent de la constipation lorsqu'ils changent de régime alimentaire.

L'usage prolongé de laxatifs peut paradoxalement aggraver la constipation.

Une hydratation insuffisante est la cause principale de la constipation chez les personnes âgées.

You will hear la constipation in several key environments in France. The most common is the 'pharmacie'. Unlike in many other countries, French pharmacists act as first-line medical advisors. If you walk into a pharmacy with a stomach ache, the pharmacist will likely ask if you are experiencing la constipation. Another common place is on television. France has a high volume of advertisements for 'produits de santé' (health products) that focus on digestive comfort. Brands like Activia or various herbal tea companies frequently use the term 'transit' as a euphemism, but the word constipation is used when discussing symptoms directly.

At the Doctor's Office: A 'médecin généraliste' will use this word during a consultation. They might ask: 'Avez-vous des problèmes de constipation ?' or 'Depuis quand dure cette constipation ?' It is a standard part of a medical intake.
In Commercials: Advertisements for fiber supplements, mineral waters (like Hépar, which is famous in France for its high magnesium content and laxative effect), and yogurts often mention 'paresse intestinale' or 'constipation'.
In Nursing and Care: In 'EHPAD' (retirement homes) or hospitals, managing la constipation is a daily task for medical staff, and the word is used constantly in patient charts and handovers.

À la télévision, il y a souvent des publicités pour des yaourts qui aident à combattre la constipation.

In French schools, children are taught about the 'pyramide alimentaire' (food pyramid), and teachers might explain how fiber prevents la constipation. It is also a word you might find on the back of food packaging, particularly on boxes of cereal or whole-wheat bread, which highlight their 'bienfaits pour le transit'. In a more metaphorical sense, you might occasionally hear 'constipation intellectuelle' in intellectual or literary circles to describe a lack of creative flow or ideas, though this is quite rare and very formal.

Le pharmacien m'a conseillé de boire de l'eau Hépar pour soulager la constipation.

Dans les magazines de santé, on trouve beaucoup d'articles sur comment éviter la constipation pendant les vacances.

Il est fréquent de ressentir la constipation lors d'un voyage à l'étranger à cause du changement de nourriture.

For English speakers, the primary mistakes when using la constipation are related to grammar and the distinction between the noun and adjective forms. While the meaning is identical to English, the way it fits into a sentence follows French rules. Another common pitfall is the use of articles and prepositions. Let's examine the most frequent errors so you can avoid them and speak more naturally.

Noun vs. Adjective: Mistake: 'Je suis constipation.' (I am constipation.) Correct: 'Je suis constipé(e).' (I am constipated.) or 'J'ai de la constipation.' (I have constipation.) Always use the adjective to describe a person's state.
Gender Confusion: Mistake: 'Le constipation'. Correct: 'La constipation'. Words ending in '-tion' in French are almost universally feminine. Remembering this rule will help you with thousands of other French words.
Preposition Errors: Mistake: 'Souffrir avec la constipation'. Correct: 'Souffrir de constipation'. The verb 'souffrir' always takes the preposition 'de' when indicating the cause of suffering.

Attention : on ne dit pas 'un constipation', mais bien la constipation.

Another mistake involves the 'partitive article'. In English, we might say 'I have constipation'. In French, if you are referring to an unspecified amount of the condition you are currently experiencing, you should say 'J'ai de la constipation'. If you are talking about the condition in general (e.g., 'Constipation is difficult'), you use the definite article: 'La constipation est difficile'. Many learners also struggle with the pronunciation. In French, the 'tion' ending is pronounced like 'syon' [sjɔ̃], never like the English 'shun'. The 't' is a sharp 's' sound.

Ne confondez pas l'adjectif 'constipé' et le nom la constipation dans vos phrases.

Il est incorrect de dire 'j'ai un constipation' ; dites plutôt 'je souffre de la constipation'.

N'oubliez pas que la constipation est un mot féminin, donc on utilise 'elle' pour le remplacer.

While la constipation is the most direct term, there are several other words and phrases in French that you can use depending on the level of formality or the specific symptom you want to describe. Using a variety of terms can make your French sound more sophisticated and precise. In France, people often use euphemisms to avoid being too clinical in social situations.

Le transit (intestinal): Comparison: This is the most common euphemism. Instead of saying 'I am constipated', a French person might say 'J'ai un transit lent' (I have a slow transit). It is very polite and widely used in advertising.
La paresse intestinale: Comparison: Literally 'intestinal laziness'. This is a slightly more descriptive way to talk about chronic, mild constipation. It sounds less like a 'disease' and more like a temporary sluggishness.
L'occlusion intestinale: Comparison: This is a much more serious medical term meaning 'bowel obstruction'. You should only use this if there is a complete blockage, which is a medical emergency. It is far more severe than simple constipation.
Les ballonnements: Comparison: This means 'bloating'. While often occurring with constipation, it refers specifically to gas and the feeling of a swollen stomach.

Le terme 'paresse intestinale' est souvent utilisé dans les publicités pour être plus délicat que la constipation.

If you are talking to a child, you might use the term 'être bouché' (to be plugged up) in an informal way, though this is quite colloquial. In a professional medical setting, you might also hear 'fécalome', which refers to a hard mass of stool, a specific complication of severe constipation. Understanding these alternatives helps you navigate different social and professional levels of French society. For example, at a dinner party, you would never mention la constipation, but you might mention that certain foods 'ralentissent le transit'.

Il est parfois plus poli de parler de problèmes de transit que de la constipation en public.

Les fibres sont essentielles pour maintenir un bon transit et éviter la constipation.

Le médecin a utilisé le mot 'dyschésie' pour décrire une forme spécifique de la constipation.

How Formal Is It?

Curiosidade

In the Middle Ages, the term was used not just for the bowels but for anything that was densely packed, including crowds of people.

Guia de pronúncia

UK /lɑ̃ kɔ̃stipasiɔ̃/

US /lɑ̃ kɔ̃stipasiɔ̃/

In French, the stress is generally on the very last syllable: 'tion'.

Rima com

nation action passion solution attention formation création réaction

Erros comuns

Pronouncing 'tion' like the English 'shun'. It must be 'syon'.
Pronouncing the 'n' in 'con' and 'tion' fully. These are nasal vowels; the 'n' is not pronounced with the tongue.
Putting the stress on the 'pa' syllable like in the English 'constiPAtion'.
Treating the 't' in 'sti' as a soft English 't'; it should be a sharp, dental French 't'.
Forgetting to pronounce the 's' in 'constipation'.

Nível de dificuldade

Leitura 1/5

Very easy to recognize because it is almost the same as English.

Escrita 2/5

Must remember the feminine gender and correct spelling of '-tion'.

Expressão oral 3/5

Pronunciation of nasal vowels and the 's' sound in 'tion' can be tricky.

Audição 2/5

Clear word, but easily confused with other '-tion' words if not careful.

O que aprender depois

Pré-requisitos

le ventre malade manger l'eau le médecin

Aprenda a seguir

le laxatif les fibres le transit la digestion les selles

Avançado

le fécalome la motilité le péristaltisme la coloscopie le microbiote

Gramática essencial

Feminine gender for '-tion' words

La constipation, la nation, la solution.

Preposition 'de' after 'souffrir'

Je souffre de constipation.

Partitive articles with abstract conditions

J'ai de la constipation.

Adjective agreement with gender

Il est constipé / Elle est constipée.

Definite article for generalities

La constipation est un trouble digestif.

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Exemplos por nível

J'ai la constipation.

I have constipation.

Uses the definite article 'la'.

C'est la constipation ?

Is it constipation?

Simple question structure.

La constipation est un problème.

Constipation is a problem.

Subject-verb-complement.

Je n'aime pas la constipation.

I don't like constipation.

Negation with 'ne...pas'.

Où est le remède pour la constipation ?

Where is the remedy for constipation?

Interrogative 'où'.

La constipation, c'est dur.

Constipation is hard.

Use of 'c'est' for emphasis.

Elle a la constipation.

She has constipation.

Third person singular.

Voici un médicament pour la constipation.

Here is a medicine for constipation.

Use of 'voici'.

Je souffre de la constipation depuis hier.

I have been suffering from constipation since yesterday.

Verb 'souffrir de'.

Mangez des fruits contre la constipation.

Eat fruits against constipation.

Imperative mood.

Est-ce que ce café cause la constipation ?

Does this coffee cause constipation?

Question with 'est-ce que'.

La constipation est très désagréable.

Constipation is very unpleasant.

Adjective 'désagréable'.

Je cherche un sirop pour la constipation.

I am looking for a syrup for constipation.

Verb 'chercher'.

Boire de l'eau aide avec la constipation.

Drinking water helps with constipation.

Infinitive as a subject.

Mon fils a une petite constipation.

My son has a little constipation.

Indefinite article 'une' with an adjective.

Le pharmacien parle de la constipation.

The pharmacist is talking about constipation.

Verb 'parler de'.

L'absence de fibres provoque souvent la constipation.

The absence of fiber often causes constipation.

Causal relationship.

Il faut marcher pour éviter la constipation.

It is necessary to walk to avoid constipation.

Impersonal 'il faut'.

La constipation peut être liée au stress.

Constipation can be linked to stress.

Passive construction 'être liée à'.

Quels sont les symptômes de la constipation ?

What are the symptoms of constipation?

Interrogative 'quels'.

J'essaie de traiter ma constipation naturellement.

I am trying to treat my constipation naturally.

Adverb 'naturellement'.

La constipation chronique nécessite un avis médical.

Chronic constipation requires medical advice.

Adjective 'chronique'.

Elle prend des pruneaux pour sa constipation.

She takes prunes for her constipation.

Possessive adjective 'sa'.

Le changement de régime a causé sa constipation.

The change in diet caused his constipation.

Past tense 'a causé'.

La constipation est un trouble du transit très fréquent.

Constipation is a very frequent transit disorder.

Noun phrase 'trouble du transit'.

Certains médicaments ont pour effet secondaire la constipation.

Some medications have constipation as a side effect.

Structure 'avoir pour effet'.

L'hydratation joue un rôle clé dans la prévention de la constipation.

Hydration plays a key role in the prevention of constipation.

Abstract noun 'prévention'.

Si la constipation persiste, consultez un gastro-entérologue.

If constipation persists, consult a gastroenterologist.

Conditional 'si'.

La sédentarité est un facteur aggravant de la constipation.

A sedentary lifestyle is an aggravating factor for constipation.

Adjective 'aggravant'.

On peut soulager la constipation par des massages abdominaux.

Constipation can be relieved by abdominal massages.

Preposition 'par'.

La constipation peut entraîner des douleurs abdominales aiguës.

Constipation can lead to acute abdominal pain.

Verb 'entraîner'.

Il est conseillé d'augmenter l'apport en eau contre la constipation.

It is advised to increase water intake against constipation.

Structure 'il est conseillé de'.

La constipation opiniâtre peut masquer une pathologie sous-jacente.

Stubborn constipation can mask an underlying pathology.

Precise adjective 'opiniâtre'.

L'abus de laxatifs stimulants finit par aggraver la constipation.

Abuse of stimulant laxatives ends up worsening constipation.

Verb 'finir par'.

L'étiologie de la constipation est souvent multifactorielle.

The etiology of constipation is often multifactorial.

Scientific term 'étiologie'.

Il existe une corrélation entre le microbiote et la constipation.

A correlation exists between the microbiota and constipation.

Formal noun 'corrélation'.

La constipation peut être le reflet d'un déséquilibre émotionnel.

Constipation can be the reflection of an emotional imbalance.

Metaphorical 'le reflet de'.

Les politiques de santé publique visent à réduire la constipation chez les seniors.

Public health policies aim to reduce constipation among seniors.

Complex subject.

Une approche holistique est nécessaire pour traiter la constipation chronique.

A holistic approach is necessary to treat chronic constipation.

Adjective 'holistique'.

La littérature médicale abonde en études sur la constipation idiopathique.

Medical literature abounds in studies on idiopathic constipation.

Verb 'abonder en'.

Le récit souffre d'une certaine constipation stylistique, manquant de fluidité.

The narrative suffers from a certain stylistic constipation, lacking fluidity.

Metaphorical usage.

L'inertie colique est une forme sévère de constipation de progression.

Colonic inertia is a severe form of slow-transit constipation.

Technical medical term.

On ne saurait occulter l'impact psychologique de la constipation chronique.

One cannot ignore the psychological impact of chronic constipation.

Formal 'on ne saurait'.

La constipation peut être perçue comme un stigmate de la vie moderne.

Constipation can be perceived as a stigma of modern life.

Philosophical observation.

L'administration est en proie à une constipation bureaucratique sans précédent.

The administration is plagued by unprecedented bureaucratic constipation.

Metaphorical usage for systems.

Il convient d'analyser les mécanismes physiopathologiques de la constipation.

It is appropriate to analyze the pathophysiological mechanisms of constipation.

Formal 'il convient de'.

La constipation fonctionnelle se distingue de la constipation organique.

Functional constipation is distinguished from organic constipation.

Reflexive verb 'se distinguer'.

L'herméneutique de la constipation dans les textes anciens révèle des remèdes curieux.

The hermeneutics of constipation in ancient texts reveals curious remedies.

Highly academic term 'herméneutique'.

Sinônimos

le ralentissement du transit la paresse intestinale l'occlusion la dyschésie l'engouement le blocage la stase stercorale le bouchon

Antônimos

la diarrhée la fluidité la régularité le relâchement

Colocações comuns

souffrir de constipation

constipation occasionnelle

lutter contre la constipation

remède contre la constipation

causer la constipation

soulager la constipation

constipation opiniâtre

prévenir la constipation

problèmes de constipation

constipation fonctionnelle

Frases Comuns

avoir de la constipation

— To have constipation. Used in daily speech.

J'ai de la constipation depuis ce matin.

être sujet à la constipation

— To be prone to constipation. Describes a recurring tendency.

Il est sujet à la constipation quand il stresse.

un épisode de constipation

— A bout of constipation. Refers to a single occurrence.

Elle a eu un épisode de constipation pendant les fêtes.

combattre la constipation

— To fight constipation. Often used in health articles.

Comment combattre la constipation naturellement ?

signe de constipation

— Sign of constipation. Used when observing symptoms.

Le ventre dur est un signe de constipation.

remède de grand-mère contre la constipation

— Old wives' tale remedy for constipation. Very common cultural phrase.

L'huile d'olive est un remède de grand-mère contre la constipation.

constipation et ballonnements

— Constipation and bloating. Often grouped together.

Je cherche quelque chose pour la constipation et les ballonnements.

risques de constipation

— Risks of constipation. Used in medical warnings.

Ce régime comporte des risques de constipation.

traiter la constipation

— To treat constipation. Medical or pharmaceutical context.

Il est temps de traiter cette constipation sérieusement.

constipation de voyage

— Travel constipation. A very specific and common complaint.

La constipation de voyage est due au décalage horaire.

Frequentemente confundido com

la constipation vs constipé

This is the adjective. You say 'Je suis constipé', not 'Je suis constipation'.

la constipation vs congestion

This refers to a blockage of blood or a nose, not the bowels.

la constipation vs concentration

A totally different concept, though it shares the '-tion' ending.

Expressões idiomáticas

"constipation intellectuelle"

— A lack of ideas or creative block. Very formal and metaphorical.

L'auteur semble traverser une période de constipation intellectuelle.

formal

"avoir le transit bloqué"

— To be completely constipated. A slightly more graphic but common idiom.

Depuis trois jours, j'ai le transit complètement bloqué.

neutral

"être coincé"

— To be 'stuck'. Often used by people to imply constipation without naming it.

Je me sens un peu coincé aujourd'hui, je vais boire de l'eau.

informal

"avoir les boyaux noués"

— To have 'knotted guts'. Can refer to constipation or extreme stress.

Avec ce stress, j'ai les boyaux noués et je suis constipé.

informal

"faire le bouchon"

— To act as a plug. Used when something is preventing flow.

Cette nourriture fait le bouchon dans mon estomac.

informal

"être dur de la feuille"

— Actually means to be hard of hearing, but sometimes jokingly confused with 'dur de la selle' (hard of stool).

Non, ce n'est pas un idiome pour la constipation, attention !

informal

"digestion de plomb"

— A 'lead digestion'. Implies a very slow and difficult digestive process.

Après ce repas, j'ai une digestion de plomb, bonjour la constipation !

neutral

"avoir une brique dans le ventre"

— To feel like there is a brick in the stomach. Describes the heavy feeling.

J'ai l'impression d'avoir une brique dans le ventre, c'est la constipation.

informal

"ne pas pouvoir se libérer"

— To not be able to 'free oneself'. A very polite way to say one can't go to the bathroom.

Il n'a pas pu se libérer depuis hier soir.

formal/polite

"avoir une paresse"

— To have a 'laziness'. Short for 'paresse intestinale'.

J'ai une petite paresse en ce moment, je prends des fibres.

neutral

Fácil de confundir

la constipation vs la congestion

Similar sound and both involve a 'blockage'.

Congestion is for the nose or traffic; constipation is for the bowels.

J'ai une congestion nasale, mais pas de constipation.

la constipation vs le constipé

Noun vs adjective form.

Le constipé refers to a person; la constipation refers to the condition.

Le pauvre constipé cherche un remède contre sa constipation.

la constipation vs la contraction

Similar medical-sounding word.

Contraction is a muscle tightening (like in labor); constipation is a digestive state.

Les contractions de l'intestin peuvent aider la constipation.

la constipation vs la constitution

Similar spelling.

Constitution refers to the laws of a country or a person's physical buildup.

Ma constitution physique me rend sujet à la constipation.

la constipation vs la consommation

Similar sound.

Consommation is the act of consuming/eating; constipation is the result of what happens after.

La consommation de fibres réduit la constipation.

Padrões de frases

J'ai [nom].

J'ai la constipation.

Je souffre de [nom].

Je souffre de la constipation.

[Sujet] provoque la constipation.

Le stress provoque la constipation.

Il est important de [verbe] contre la constipation.

Il est important de lutter contre la constipation.

La constipation est le signe de [nom].

La constipation est le signe d'une mauvaise alimentation.

On ne saurait ignorer l'impact de [nom].

On ne saurait ignorer l'impact de la constipation sur le bien-être.

Prenez [nom] pour la constipation.

Prenez ce sirop pour la constipation.

Si vous avez [nom], buvez de l'eau.

Si vous avez la constipation, buvez de l'eau.

Família de palavras

Substantivos

le constipé

la constipée

Verbos

constiper

Adjetivos

constipé

constipante

Relacionado

le transit

le laxatif

les selles

l'intestin

le colon

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Como usar

frequency

High in medical and health contexts, medium in general conversation.

Erros comuns

Je suis constipation. → Je suis constipé(e).
You cannot 'be' the noun; you must use the adjective to describe your state.
Le constipation est fini. → La constipation est finie.
Constipation is a feminine noun, so the article and the past participle must be feminine.
J'ai un constipation. → J'ai de la constipation.
In French, we use the partitive article 'de la' for conditions rather than the indefinite article 'un'.
Je souffre par la constipation. → Je souffre de la constipation.
The verb 'souffrir' always requires the preposition 'de' when followed by the cause of the suffering.
Pronouncing -tion like 'shun'. → Pronouncing it like 'syon'.
The English 'sh' sound does not exist in the French pronunciation of '-tion'.

Dicas

Gender Rule

Always remember that words ending in -tion are feminine. This will help you with 'la constipation' and thousands of other words.

Eat your Fibers

Learn the word 'les fibres' along with constipation, as they are almost always mentioned together in health contexts.

The French T

In the ending -tion, the 't' is never like 'sh'. It is always a sharp 's' sound. Practice saying 'syon' repeatedly.

The Pharmacy Cross

Look for the flashing green cross in France. It is the best place to go if you need help with 'la constipation' without a doctor's appointment.

Water Power

Learn the brand 'Hépar'. In France, it's the famous 'water for constipation' and everyone knows it.

Use Euphemisms

In social situations, use 'problèmes de transit' instead of 'constipation' to be more discreet.

Partitive Article

When you have the condition, say 'J'ai de la constipation'. The 'de la' is essential for correct French grammar.

Context Clues

If you hear 'ventre' (stomach) and 'mal' (pain), 'constipation' is a likely topic in a medical dialogue.

Word Family

Learn 'constipé' (adj) and 'constiper' (verb) at the same time to build a stronger mental map of the word.

Chronic vs Occasional

Learn the difference between 'chronique' and 'occasionnelle' so you can accurately describe symptoms to a professional.

Memorize

Mnemônico

Think of a 'CONstruction' project that is 'STIPed' (stopped). The 'tion' (shun) of flow is 'la constipation'.

Associação visual

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

Word Web

eau fibres légumes transit laxatif douleur ventre pharmacie

Desafio

Try to explain to a virtual pharmacist that you have constipation because you ate too much bread and cheese.

Origem da palavra

From the Latin 'constipatio', which is the noun form of the verb 'constipare'. The Latin root 'stipare' means to press, pack, or cram together. The prefix 'con-' means 'together'.

Significado original: To crowd or press together closely.

Indo-European (Italic/Romance)

Contexto cultural

While discussed in medical/family contexts, it is still not a topic for a first date or a formal business meeting.

English speakers tend to be more private about this topic than the French, who may discuss it openly at the pharmacy counter.

The brand 'Hépar' and its iconic 'transit' ads. Molière's plays often featured doctors obsessed with 'lavements' (enemas) for constipation. French health magazines like 'Top Santé' frequently cover this topic.

Pratique na vida real

Contextos reais

Pharmacy

Je voudrais quelque chose pour la constipation.
C'est pour un adulte ou un enfant ?
Est-ce que c'est une constipation chronique ?
Quel laxatif me conseillez-vous ?

Doctor's Office

Avez-vous des douleurs avec la constipation ?
Depuis combien de jours êtes-vous constipé ?
Prenez-vous des médicaments ?
Votre régime est-il riche en fibres ?

Family/Home

Tu devrais manger des pruneaux.
Boire de l'eau aide beaucoup.
Il faut bouger un peu.
Le petit a encore des problèmes de transit.

Advertising

Améliore le transit intestinal.
Efficace contre la paresse intestinale.
Retrouvez votre confort digestif.
Riche en fibres alimentaires.

Travel

Le voyage me donne souvent la constipation.
Où puis-je trouver des fibres ici ?
J'ai besoin d'eau minérale.
Le changement de nourriture me bloque.

Iniciadores de conversa

"Saviez-vous que manger des kiwis le matin aide à prévenir la constipation ?"

"Est-ce que vous pensez que le stress est la cause principale de la constipation ?"

"Quel est le remède naturel le plus efficace contre la constipation selon vous ?"

"Pourquoi la constipation est-elle un sujet si présent dans les publicités françaises ?"

"Pensez-vous que la vie moderne sédentaire favorise la constipation ?"

Temas para diário

Décrivez une situation où vous avez dû aller à la pharmacie en France pour un problème de santé.

Expliquez pourquoi il est important d'avoir une alimentation équilibrée pour éviter la constipation.

Comparez la façon dont on parle de la digestion dans votre pays et en France.

Écrivez un dialogue entre un médecin et un patient qui souffre de constipation chronique.

Quels sont les trois conseils les plus importants que vous donneriez à quelqu'un qui est constipé ?

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

C'est un mot féminin. On dit 'la constipation'. Presque tous les mots finissant par '-tion' en français sont féminins, ce qui est une règle très utile pour les apprenants.

On dit 'Je suis constipé' pour un homme et 'Je suis constipée' pour une femme. On peut aussi dire 'Je souffre de constipation' pour être plus formel.

Le contraire direct est 'la diarrhée'. On peut aussi parler de 'transit normal' ou de 'régularité' pour désigner l'absence de ce problème.

En France, on dit souvent que le riz blanc, le chocolat, et l'excès de fromage (surtout les pâtes dures) peuvent causer la constipation s'ils sont consommés sans fibres.

Les Français utilisent beaucoup les pruneaux, le jus d'orange le matin, l'huile d'olive, et des eaux minérales spécifiques comme Hépar pour traiter la constipation naturellement.

Dans un contexte médical ou familial, non. Cependant, ce n'est pas un sujet approprié pour une conversation polie avec des inconnus ou lors d'un repas de fête.

Il se prononce 'syon' [sjɔ̃]. Le 't' devient un son 's' et le 'on' est une voyelle nasale où l'air sort par le nez et la bouche.

Le mot 'transit' est considéré comme un euphémisme plus élégant et moins médical que 'constipation'. C'est une façon de parler de digestion sans être trop direct.

C'est très rare. On l'utilise presque toujours au singulier pour désigner l'état général ou un épisode spécifique.

Heureusement, non. Le mot signifie exactement la même chose en anglais et en français, ce qui facilite grandement l'apprentissage.

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