At the A1 level, you should focus on the most basic and literal meaning of 'morsure'. It is a noun that describes what happens when an animal bites someone. You will mostly use it with common pets like dogs (chiens) and cats (chats). It is important to remember that it is a feminine word: 'la morsure' or 'une morsure'. At this stage, you don't need to worry about the metaphorical meanings. Just think of it as the result of a pet's teeth touching skin. For example, if you see a dog and it looks mean, you might say 'J'ai peur de la morsure' (I am afraid of the bite). It's a useful word for simple health conversations or describing a small accident at home. You should also learn the difference between 'mordre' (the action) and 'morsure' (the result). Even at A1, knowing that 'morsure' is the noun helps you build better sentences. Practice saying 'La morsure du chien' to get used to the 'de + le = du' contraction. This is a great way to practice your basic grammar while learning a high-impact noun. Don't worry about spelling it perfectly yet, but focus on the 'ure' sound at the end, which is very common in French nouns. If you are describing a bug bite, remember that 'morsure' is only for things with teeth, but at A1, people will understand you even if you make a small mistake. However, trying to use 'piqûre' for mosquitoes will make you sound much more advanced!
At the A2 level, you can begin to expand your use of 'morsure' to include more animals and simple medical contexts. You should be comfortable using it in the past tense to describe incidents. For instance, 'Hier, le chat m'a fait une petite morsure' (Yesterday, the cat gave me a little bite). You will also start to see 'morsure' in nature contexts, such as 'une morsure de serpent' (a snake bite). At this level, you should be aware that 'morsure' is specifically for the wound. You can also start to learn the common collocation 'la morsure du froid' (the bite of the cold), which is a very frequent expression in French culture during the winter. This shows you are moving beyond just basic literal meanings. You should also be able to describe the bite using adjectives like 'grave' (serious), 'petite' (small), or 'douloureuse' (painful). Understanding the gender is crucial now; always use 'la' or 'une'. You might also encounter it in simple stories or news snippets about animals. Practice using it with 'parce que' (because) to explain why someone is going to the doctor: 'Il va chez le médecin parce qu'il a une morsure'. This helps you connect your vocabulary with basic sentence structures. You should also be careful not to confuse it with 'bouchée' (a bite of food), which is a common mistake for English speakers at this level. Remember: 'morsure' equals teeth/wound, 'bouchée' equals mouth/food.
At the B1 level, you should be able to use 'morsure' in a variety of contexts, including metaphorical ones. You can talk about 'la morsure de la jalousie' (the bite of jealousy) or 'la morsure du regret' (the bite of regret) to describe sharp emotional pains. This adds a level of sophistication to your speaking and writing. You should also be familiar with how 'morsure' is used in more formal or technical settings, such as health warnings or animal safety brochures. You should understand the difference between 'morsure' and 'piqûre' perfectly and use them correctly in all situations. Your grammar should be more precise, using 'morsure' as part of complex sentences with relative pronouns like 'dont' or 'que'. For example, 'La morsure que j'ai reçue hier est encore rouge' (The bite I got yesterday is still red). You can also use it to describe the 'bite' of chemical substances or tools in a hobby context, like 'la morsure de l'acide' in etching. At this stage, 'morsure' becomes a tool for more descriptive and expressive French. You can use it to create imagery in your storytelling. Instead of just saying 'il faisait froid', you can say 'on sentait la morsure du vent glacé', which is much more evocative. You should also be aware of the word family, including the verb 'mordre' and the adjective 'mordant' (biting/incisive), though 'morsure' remains the primary noun for the physical mark. This level requires you to understand the nuance between a 'coup de dent' (informal snap) and a 'morsure' (the actual wound).
At the B2 level, your understanding of 'morsure' should include its use in professional, literary, and scientific contexts. You should be able to discuss medical treatments for 'morsures' using appropriate vocabulary like 'désinfecter' (to disinfect), 'cicatriser' (to heal/scar), or 'venimeux' (venomous). In literature, you will see 'morsure' used to describe the harshness of time or the 'bite' of a social critique. You should be able to analyze these metaphors in a text. Your usage should be fluid, and you should be able to use the noun in various syntactic positions without hesitation. You might also explore the use of 'morsure' in art, specifically in the process of 'eau-forte' (etching), where the acid's action on the metal plate is called 'la morsure'. This technical usage demonstrates a high level of vocabulary reach. Furthermore, you should be able to distinguish between different types of 'morsures' in a more clinical sense, such as 'morsure superficielle' vs 'morsure profonde'. You can also use the word to describe the 'bite' or 'grip' of a mechanical tool. In discussions about psychology, you might use 'morsure' to describe the 'sting' of a sharp remark or an 'incisive' personality. At B2, you are expected to understand the register—that 'morsure' is a standard, slightly formal word, while 'coup de dent' is more colloquial. You should also be able to use it in the plural to describe multiple injuries or recurring emotional pains, like 'les morsures de la vie'.
At the C1 level, you should have a nuanced and deep understanding of 'morsure', including its historical and stylistic connotations. You can use it to discuss the 'morsure du temps' (the bite of time) as a philosophical concept, referring to the erosive and destructive nature of passing years. In your own writing, you should be able to use 'morsure' to create vivid, sensory-rich descriptions. For example, describing the 'morsure de l'acier' (the bite of steel) in a construction or industrial context. You should also be familiar with the word's role in specialized fields like forensic science (la médecine légale), where 'morsures' are analyzed for identification purposes. Your ability to use 'morsure' in complex metaphorical frameworks is a hallmark of this level. You might use it to describe the 'bite' of an acidic winter sun or the 'bite' of a sharp, satirical wit in a play. You should also be aware of how the word has been used by famous French authors (like Baudelaire or Hugo) to convey themes of suffering, passion, or physical decay. Your understanding of synonyms and antonyms should be complete, allowing you to choose 'morsure' over 'plaie', 'blessure', or 'entaille' based on the specific presence of teeth or a biting action. You should also be able to discuss the etymology of the word, tracing it back to the Latin 'morsura', and how it relates to other Romance languages. This level of mastery allows you to use 'morsure' not just as a label for a wound, but as a versatile linguistic element that can convey intensity, precision, and poetic depth.
At the C2 level, you possess a native-like mastery of 'morsure', using it with absolute precision in any context, from the highly technical to the abstractly philosophical. You can engage in deep literary analysis of the word's use in poetry, noting how 'la morsure' can symbolize both destruction and a form of intimate contact. You are comfortable using it in academic papers, perhaps discussing the 'morsure' of a certain economic policy on a population's well-being. Your command of the word includes its rarest and most archaic uses, and you can play with its meaning in creative writing to achieve specific stylistic effects. You understand the subtle differences in connotation between 'morsure', 'lacération', and 'attrition' in a medical or legal report. You can also use the word in the context of metalworking or jewelry making with total confidence. In high-level debates, you might use 'morsure' to describe the 'bite' of a particularly sharp argument. You are also aware of regional variations or idiomatic expressions involving 'morsure' that might exist in different parts of the Francophone world. At this level, the word is a fully integrated part of your expressive repertoire, allowing you to convey the exact 'sharpness' or 'depth' of an experience. You can use it to describe the 'morsure' of an artistic style on a generation of painters or the 'morsure' of a new technology on traditional industries. Your use of 'morsure' is effortless, accurate, and contextually perfect, reflecting a profound connection with the French language and its expressive possibilities.

morsure em 30 segundos

  • Morsure refers to a bite wound or mark from teeth.
  • It is a feminine noun (la morsure) and comes from the verb mordre.
  • Commonly used for animals (dogs, snakes) and metaphorical cold or emotions.
  • Distinguish it from piqûre (sting) and bouchée (a bite of food).

The French noun morsure is a fundamental term used to describe the physical result of biting. While its English equivalent is simply 'bite,' the French language applies morsure specifically to the wound, the mark, or the act itself when performed by an animal or, more rarely, a human. It is essential to distinguish it from the verb mordre (to bite), as morsure focuses on the consequence of that action. In a literal sense, you will hear this word in medical contexts, veterinary clinics, or when discussing nature and wildlife. However, French speakers also utilize morsure in highly evocative metaphorical ways to describe intense, sharp, or painful sensations that 'bite' into one's consciousness or physical being.

Literal Application
The term is most frequently used for injuries caused by animals. Whether it is a dog, a snake, or even a spider (though 'piqûre' is sometimes used for insects, 'morsure' is technically correct for spiders as they possess chelicerae), the word denotes the penetration of skin by teeth or fangs.

Le randonneur a été soigné pour une morsure de serpent lors de son excursion dans les Alpes.

Metaphorical Use
Beyond the physical, 'la morsure' describes sharp environmental factors. 'La morsure du froid' (the bite of the cold) is a common expression used during harsh winters to describe the stinging sensation of freezing air on the face. It can also describe emotional pain, such as 'la morsure du regret' (the bite of regret) or 'la morsure de la jalousie' (the bite of jealousy).

Malgré son manteau épais, il sentait la morsure glaciale du vent d'hiver.

Register and Nuance
In formal literature, 'morsure' can represent the 'sting' of time or the harshness of a critique. It carries a weight of permanence and sharpness that other words for 'pain' lack. It is a feminine noun, so it is always 'la morsure' or 'une morsure'.

Cette cicatrice est le vestige d'une vieille morsure de chien subie pendant son enfance.

La morsure de l'acide sur le métal crée des motifs complexes et indélébiles.

Il n'a pas pu supporter la morsure de la culpabilité après avoir menti à ses parents.

Using morsure correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical role as a noun and its typical prepositional companions. Since it is a feminine noun, it must be preceded by feminine articles (la, une, cette, ma). When specifying what caused the bite, the preposition de (of) is almost always used, which contracts to du or des depending on the gender and number of the source. For example, 'la morsure du chien' (the dog's bite) or 'les morsures de serpents' (snake bites). It is a countable noun, meaning you can have one or many morsures.

Direct Object Usage
You can use 'morsure' as the direct object of verbs like 'soigner' (to treat), 'examiner' (to examine), or 'craindre' (to fear). Example: 'Le médecin soigne la morsure'.

Elle a appliqué un bandage sur la morsure pour éviter toute infection.

Subject of a Sentence
'Morsure' can be the subject, often used to describe the effect an injury has. Example: 'La morsure était profonde et douloureuse'.

La morsure de ce petit chien n'a pas percé la peau, heureusement.

Prepositional Phrases
It often appears in phrases starting with 'à cause de' (because of) or 'suite à' (following). Example: 'Il est allé à l'hôpital suite à une morsure'.

L'enfant pleurait à cause d'une petite morsure de hamster.

Les morsures de tiques peuvent transmettre des maladies graves comme la maladie de Lyme.

Une morsure infectée nécessite souvent un traitement antibiotique rapide.

The context in which you encounter morsure varies from the mundane to the dramatic. In everyday life, the most common setting is related to pets or domestic incidents. If a child is nipped by a puppy, the parent will check for a morsure. In more specialized settings, like a doctor's office or an emergency room (les urgences), the word becomes a technical term for a specific type of trauma. Doctors will categorize wounds as 'morsures humaines' or 'morsures animales'.

In the Media and News
News reports often use the word when discussing attacks by stray dogs or exotic animals. During the summer, you might hear warnings about 'morsures de vipères' (viper bites) in the countryside or 'morsures de requins' (shark bites) in coastal regions like Réunion or Australia.

Le journal télévisé a rapporté une morsure de requin survenue près de la plage ce matin.

Weather Forecasts
Meteorologists in France often use the phrase 'la morsure du froid' when a polar front is arriving. It emphasizes the physical pain caused by the wind chill, making the weather sound more aggressive and dangerous.

Attention à la morsure du gel si vous sortez sans gants ce soir.

Literature and Art
Writers use 'morsure' to describe the 'bite' of a pen on paper or the 'bite' of acid in engraving (eau-forte). It suggests a deep, irreversible mark. In vampire fiction—very popular in French translations—'la morsure' is the central act of the narrative.

Dans ce roman fantastique, la morsure du vampire transforme instantanément sa victime.

L'artiste apprécie la morsure nette du burin sur la plaque de cuivre.

Elle redoutait la morsure du soleil sur sa peau très claire pendant l'été.

One of the most frequent errors for English speakers learning French is the confusion between morsure and piqûre. In English, 'bite' is often used for both dogs and mosquitoes. However, in French, if an insect uses a proboscis or a stinger (like a bee, mosquito, or wasp), it is a piqûre. If it uses teeth or mandibles (like a dog, snake, or spider), it is a morsure. Calling a mosquito bite a 'morsure de moustique' will sound very strange to a native speaker.

Confusion with Bouchée
Another mistake is using 'morsure' to describe taking a bite of food. In French, 'a bite of cake' is 'une bouchée de gâteau'. 'Morsure' implies a wound or a mark, not an act of eating. You would only use 'morsure' here if you were talking about the physical teeth marks left on the food.

Incorrect: J'ai pris une morsure de ma pomme. Correct: J'ai pris une bouchée de ma pomme.

Noun vs. Verb
Students often confuse the noun 'morsure' with the verb 'mordre'. Remember: 'Le chien mordre' is grammatically incorrect. It should be 'Le chien mord' (verb) or 'La morsure du chien' (noun).

La morsure est profonde, mais le chien ne veut plus mordre personne.

Gender Errors
Using 'le morsure' instead of 'la morsure'. Because it ends in '-ure' (a common feminine suffix in French, like 'voiture' or 'nature'), it is almost always feminine. Remembering this suffix rule can help you avoid gender mistakes for hundreds of French nouns.

C'est une morsure, pas un morsure.

La morsure du serpent est venimeuse, faites attention !

While morsure is the standard term for a bite wound, several other words occupy similar semantic space. Understanding these nuances will help you sound more like a native speaker and allow you to describe different types of physical contact more accurately. Depending on the intensity, the source, and the context, you might choose a different word altogether.

Morsure vs. Piqûre
As mentioned, 'piqûre' is for stings (bees, wasps) or injections (medical). 'Morsure' is for teeth. If a spider bites you, use 'morsure'. If a mosquito 'bites' you, use 'piqûre'.

J'ai une piqûre de moustique qui me démange, mais sa morsure de chien me fait vraiment mal.

Morsure vs. Coup de dent
'Un coup de dent' is more informal and often refers to a quick, single snap or nip. It's less clinical than 'morsure'. If a dog just snaps at you without leaving a deep wound, you might say 'il m'a mis un coup de dent'.

Le chiot m'a donné un petit coup de dent en jouant, ce n'est pas une vraie morsure.

Morsure vs. Griffure
A 'griffure' is a scratch, typically from claws (griffes). Cats are more likely to give you a 'griffure' than a 'morsure', though they are certainly capable of both!

Le chat a laissé une longue griffure sur mon bras après que je l'ai surpris.

En gravure, on parle de la morsure de l'acide pour désigner le creusement du métal.

La morsure de la faim est une expression littéraire pour désigner une faim douloureuse.

How Formal Is It?

Curiosidade

The word 'morsure' shares the same root as 'remorse' (remords in French), which literally means 'a biting back' of one's conscience. This is why we often speak of the 'morsure du remords'!

Guia de pronúncia

UK /mɔʁ.syʁ/
US /mɔɹ.syɹ/
In French, the stress is usually on the final syllable: mor-SURE.
Rima com
blessure chaussure nature culture voiture peinture lecture écriture
Erros comuns
  • Pronouncing the final 'e' like 'ay' or 'uh'. It should be silent.
  • Using the English 'u' (as in 'pure') instead of the French 'u'.
  • Failing to pronounce the uvular 'r' correctly.
  • Confusing the 'o' sound with a closed 'o' like in 'eau'.
  • Stress on the first syllable instead of the last.

Nível de dificuldade

Leitura 1/5

The word is easy to recognize in texts due to its common suffix.

Escrita 2/5

Requires remembering the feminine gender and the 'u' spelling.

Expressão oral 3/5

The French 'u' and uvular 'r' make it slightly challenging for beginners.

Audição 2/5

Distinct sound, but can be confused with 'mesure' if not careful.

O que aprender depois

Pré-requisitos

mordre dent chien froid mal

Aprenda a seguir

piqûre griffure cicatrice venimeux pansement

Avançado

corrosion eau-forte incisif mandibule rémanence

Gramática essencial

Feminine nouns ending in -ure

La morsure, la voiture, la nature, la culture.

Contraction of 'de' + 'le'

La morsure du (de + le) chien.

Adjective agreement with feminine nouns

Une morsure profonde (not profond).

Using 'de' to indicate the origin/cause

Une morsure de serpent.

Plural formation with 's'

Les morsures sont dangereuses.

Exemplos por nível

1

Le chien a une petite morsure.

The dog has a small bite (mark).

Simple noun usage with an adjective.

2

C'est une morsure de chat.

It is a cat bite.

Use of 'de' to indicate the source.

3

La morsure fait mal.

The bite hurts.

Subject of the sentence.

4

Regarde ma morsure !

Look at my bite!

Possessive adjective 'ma' (feminine).

5

Est-ce une morsure de chien ?

Is it a dog bite?

Question form with 'est-ce'.

6

Il y a une morsure sur le bras.

There is a bite on the arm.

Use of 'il y a'.

7

La morsure est rouge.

The bite is red.

Adjective agreement (feminine).

8

Une morsure peut être grave.

A bite can be serious.

Modal verb 'peut' with 'être'.

1

Le serpent a laissé une morsure profonde.

The snake left a deep bite.

Past tense 'a laissé'.

2

Je sens la morsure du froid sur mon visage.

I feel the bite of the cold on my face.

Metaphorical usage.

3

Il faut désinfecter cette morsure tout de suite.

This bite must be disinfected immediately.

Impersonal 'il faut' + infinitive.

4

Ma grand-mère a peur des morsures de chien.

My grandmother is afraid of dog bites.

Plural noun 'morsures'.

5

La morsure de l'araignée n'est pas dangereuse.

The spider's bite is not dangerous.

Negative construction 'ne...pas'.

6

Elle a une cicatrice à cause d'une morsure.

She has a scar because of a bite.

Prepositional phrase 'à cause de'.

7

Le médecin examine la morsure de l'enfant.

The doctor is examining the child's bite.

Present tense verb.

8

Est-ce que cette morsure saigne beaucoup ?

Is this bite bleeding a lot?

Interrogative with 'est-ce que'.

1

La morsure de la jalousie est parfois insupportable.

The bite of jealousy is sometimes unbearable.

Abstract noun usage.

2

On peut voir la morsure des dents sur la pomme.

One can see the bite of the teeth on the apple.

Literal mark description.

3

Il a ressenti la morsure du regret après son départ.

He felt the bite of regret after her departure.

Emotional metaphor.

4

Les morsures de tiques sont fréquentes en forêt.

Tick bites are frequent in the forest.

Plural subject with adjective 'fréquentes'.

5

La morsure était si forte qu'elle a déchiré le tissu.

The bite was so strong that it tore the fabric.

Consecutive clause with 'si...que'.

6

Il faut surveiller la morsure pour éviter l'infection.

The bite must be monitored to avoid infection.

Infinitive of purpose 'pour éviter'.

7

La morsure du vent d'hiver nous glaçait le sang.

The bite of the winter wind chilled our blood.

Imperfect tense 'glaçait'.

8

Elle ne supporte pas la morsure du soleil sur sa peau.

She cannot stand the bite of the sun on her skin.

Sun as an active agent.

1

L'analyse de la morsure a permis d'identifier l'animal.

The analysis of the bite allowed the animal to be identified.

Complex subject with 'permettre de'.

2

La morsure de l'acide est essentielle pour cette technique de gravure.

The bite of the acid is essential for this engraving technique.

Technical terminology.

3

Elle a subi une morsure humaine lors de la bagarre.

She suffered a human bite during the fight.

Specific adjective 'humaine'.

4

Malgré la morsure de la faim, il a continué son travail.

Despite the bite of hunger, he continued his work.

Concessive 'malgré'.

5

Les morsures de serpents venimeux nécessitent un sérum.

Venomous snake bites require a serum.

General truth in present tense.

6

La morsure du froid était particulièrement vive ce matin-là.

The bite of the cold was particularly sharp that morning.

Adverbial intensity 'particulièrement'.

7

L'avocat a souligné la morsure de la critique dans son discours.

The lawyer highlighted the bite of the criticism in his speech.

Metaphorical noun phrase.

8

Une morsure infectée peut entraîner des complications graves.

An infected bite can lead to serious complications.

Potentiality with 'peut entraîner'.

1

La morsure du temps sur les statues de marbre est visible.

The bite of time on the marble statues is visible.

Philosophical metaphor.

2

L'écrivain utilise la morsure de l'ironie pour dénoncer l'injustice.

The writer uses the bite of irony to denounce injustice.

Stylistic analysis.

3

La morsure de l'hiver s'estompe enfin avec l'arrivée du printemps.

The bite of winter finally fades with the arrival of spring.

Pronominal verb 's'estomper'.

4

Il a ressenti la morsure de la solitude dans cette grande ville.

He felt the bite of solitude in this large city.

Abstract emotional state.

5

La morsure de l'outil sur le bois brut demande une grande précision.

The bite of the tool on the raw wood requires great precision.

Technical craftsmanship context.

6

Rien ne pouvait apaiser la morsure de sa mauvaise conscience.

Nothing could soothe the bite of his bad conscience.

Negative subject 'rien'.

7

L'artiste explore la morsure comme symbole de la vulnérabilité humaine.

The artist explores the bite as a symbol of human vulnerability.

Thematic noun usage.

8

La morsure de la pauvreté est un thème récurrent dans son œuvre.

The bite of poverty is a recurring theme in his work.

Sociological metaphor.

1

L'œuvre est marquée par la morsure indélébile d'un génie tourmenté.

The work is marked by the indelible bite of a tormented genius.

High-level literary style.

2

La morsure de l'acide nitrique doit être contrôlée avec une rigueur absolue.

The bite of nitric acid must be controlled with absolute rigor.

Scientific/Industrial precision.

3

Dans ce poème, la morsure devient l'allégorie d'un amour dévorant.

In this poem, the bite becomes the allegory of a devouring love.

Literary allegory.

4

La morsure du néant hante les réflexions de ce philosophe existentialiste.

The bite of nothingness haunts the reflections of this existentialist philosopher.

Abstract philosophical concept.

5

Il n'est d'autre remède à la morsure de l'ennui que l'action créatrice.

There is no other remedy for the bite of boredom than creative action.

Archaic/Formal 'il n'est d'autre... que'.

6

La morsure de la réalité a brisé ses rêves d'enfant en un instant.

The bite of reality shattered his childhood dreams in an instant.

Metaphorical contrast.

7

Elle a décrit la morsure de l'exil avec une force émotionnelle rare.

She described the bite of exile with a rare emotional force.

Thematic depth.

8

La morsure de la trahison laisse des cicatrices que le temps ne peut effacer.

The bite of betrayal leaves scars that time cannot erase.

Proverbial style.

Colocações comuns

morsure de chien
morsure de serpent
la morsure du froid
une morsure profonde
morsure d'araignée
la morsure du regret
morsure de tique
soigner une morsure
morsure de l'acide
morsure humaine

Frases Comuns

Garder la trace d'une morsure

— To still have the mark of a bite wound.

Vingt ans après, il garde la trace d'une morsure de loup.

Craindre la morsure

— To be afraid of being bitten.

L'enfant craint la morsure du petit chien de la voisine.

La morsure est vive

— The pain from the bite (or cold) is sharp and intense.

Ce matin, la morsure du vent est particulièrement vive.

Une morsure sans gravité

— A bite that is not serious or dangerous.

Heureusement, c'était une morsure sans gravité.

Victime d'une morsure

— Someone who has been bitten.

Il a été victime d'une morsure de serpent en pleine forêt.

La morsure du soleil

— The stinging sensation of intense sunlight on the skin.

La morsure du soleil de midi brûlait leurs épaules.

Nettoyer la morsure

— To clean the bite wound to prevent infection.

Il est crucial de bien nettoyer la morsure à l'eau et au savon.

La morsure du gel

— The damaging effect of freezing temperatures on plants or skin.

Les fleurs n'ont pas survécu à la morsure du gel nocturne.

Identifier une morsure

— To determine what animal caused a specific bite mark.

L'expert a pu identifier une morsure de rat sur le câble.

La morsure de l'acier

— The sharp impact or cut of a metal tool.

On sentait la morsure de l'acier dans le bois dur.

Frequentemente confundido com

morsure vs piqûre

A sting or a prick (insects, needles). 'Morsure' is for teeth.

morsure vs bouchée

A mouthful of food. Do not use 'morsure' for eating.

morsure vs mesure

A measurement. Sounds similar but has a very different meaning.

Expressões idiomáticas

"La morsure du froid"

— The stinging sensation of extreme cold weather.

La morsure du froid nous oblige à rester à l'intérieur.

common
"La morsure du regret"

— A sharp, persistent feeling of remorse.

Il ressent la morsure du regret pour ses erreurs passées.

literary
"La morsure du temps"

— The destructive or aging effect of time passing.

La morsure du temps a fini par effacer les inscriptions.

literary/poetic
"La morsure de la faim"

— Intense, painful hunger pangs.

La morsure de la faim les empêchait de dormir.

literary
"La morsure de la jalousie"

— The sharp pain caused by being jealous.

Elle luttait contre la morsure de la jalousie en voyant son succès.

neutral
"La morsure de l'acide"

— In art, the process where acid eats into a metal plate.

La morsure de l'acide crée des contrastes magnifiques.

technical
"Une morsure d'amour"

— A 'hickey' or a playful nip from a partner.

Il avait une petite morsure d'amour dans le cou.

informal
"Sentir la morsure"

— To feel the sharp impact or negative consequence of something.

L'économie commence à sentir la morsure de l'inflation.

journalistic
"La morsure du remords"

— The sharp pain of a guilty conscience.

La morsure du remords ne le quittait jamais.

literary
"La morsure de l'hiver"

— The harshness of the winter season.

La morsure de l'hiver est rude cette année dans les montagnes.

neutral

Fácil de confundir

morsure vs mordre

It is the verb form of the same root.

'Mordre' is the action (to bite), 'morsure' is the noun (the bite/wound).

Le chien va mordre (verb), sa morsure (noun) sera douloureuse.

morsure vs mors

Same root and sounds similar.

'Mors' is specifically the metal bit placed in a horse's mouth.

Le cavalier met le mors dans la bouche du cheval.

morsure vs mort

Sounds somewhat similar to the first syllable.

'Mort' means death or dead. Completely different meaning.

La morsure n'a pas causé la mort.

morsure vs morceau

Starts with 'mor' and relates to parts of things.

'Morceau' means a piece or a bit of something.

Un morceau de pain, pas une morsure de pain.

morsure vs griffure

Both are animal-inflicted injuries.

'Griffure' is a scratch from claws; 'morsure' is from teeth.

Le chat m'a fait une griffure et une morsure.

Padrões de frases

A1

C'est une morsure de [animal].

C'est une morsure de chat.

A2

J'ai une morsure sur le/la [partie du corps].

J'ai une morsure sur la main.

B1

Je sens la morsure du [froid/vent].

Je sens la morsure du vent glacé.

B2

La morsure a été causée par [animal].

La morsure a été causée par un serpent.

C1

La morsure de [émotion] est [adjectif].

La morsure de la jalousie est dévastatrice.

C2

Sous la morsure de [substance/temps], le/la [objet] [verbe].

Sous la morsure de l'acide, le cuivre se transforme.

B1

Il faut soigner cette morsure pour éviter [nom].

Il faut soigner cette morsure pour éviter l'infection.

A2

Attention à la morsure du [animal/élément] !

Attention à la morsure du froid !

Família de palavras

Substantivos

morsure (the bite)
mors (the bit of a bridle)

Verbos

mordre (to bite)
remordre (to bite again)
démordre (to let go/change one's mind)

Adjetivos

mordant (biting/incisive)
mordu (bitten/fanatical)

Relacionado

dentition
machoires
crocs
venin
piqûre

Como usar

frequency

Common in daily life, very common in winter weather reports.

Erros comuns
  • Un morsure Une morsure

    'Morsure' is a feminine noun. You must use 'une' or 'la'.

  • Morsure de moustique Piqûre de moustique

    Mosquitoes sting/prick, they don't have teeth for a 'morsure'.

  • Prendre une morsure de gâteau Prendre une bouchée de gâteau

    Use 'bouchée' for taking a bite of food to eat.

  • Le chien a morsure l'homme Le chien a mordu l'homme

    You used the noun instead of the past participle of the verb 'mordre'.

  • La morsure du froid est très chaud La morsure du froid est très vive

    A bite of cold is 'sharp' (vive) or 'painful', not 'hot'.

Dicas

Gender Rule

Nouns ending in '-ure' are almost always feminine. This will help you remember 'la morsure' easily.

Teeth vs. Stingers

Always use 'morsure' for teeth and 'piqûre' for stingers. This is a very common mistake for English speakers.

Cold Weather

Use 'la morsure du froid' to sound more native when complaining about the winter weather in France.

The Silent E

The 'e' at the end of 'morsure' is silent. Don't pronounce it as 'morsur-uh' unless you are speaking very formally or poetically.

Eating Food

Never say 'morsure de pomme' if you mean you ate some. Use 'bouchée' for food items.

First Aid

In an emergency, knowing the word 'morsure' can help you explain an injury to a French doctor quickly.

Descriptive Power

Use 'morsure' to describe the 'sting' of a sharp tool or a sharp emotion to make your writing more vivid.

Suffix Recognition

Recognizing the '-ure' suffix helps you identify nouns that describe the result of an action.

Winter Talk

In France, discussing the 'morsure du gel' is a great way to start a conversation with neighbors in January.

Remorse Connection

Remember that 'remords' (remorse) is a 're-morsure'—your conscience biting you back!

Memorize

Mnemônico

Think of 'morsure' as 'more-sure'. You are 'more sure' that you will get a 'morsure' if you put your hand in a lion's mouth!

Associação visual

Imagine a dog's teeth making a shape like the letter 'M' for 'morsure' on a piece of paper.

Word Web

mordre dent chien froid venin cicatrice douleur peau

Desafio

Try to use 'morsure' in three different ways today: once for an animal, once for the weather, and once for a feeling.

Origem da palavra

The word 'morsure' comes from the Old French 'morsure', which was derived from the Latin 'morsura'. This Latin term is based on the verb 'mordere', meaning 'to bite'. It has been part of the French language since the 12th century.

Significado original: The act of biting or the wound resulting from a bite.

Romance (Latin-based).

Contexto cultural

Be careful when discussing 'morsures humaines' as it can imply violence or specific medical conditions.

In English, we use 'bite' for almost everything (food, bugs, dogs). In French, you must be more specific. 'Morsure' is strictly for the wound/mark from teeth.

The movie 'La Morsure' (1986) - a French drama. References to vampire bites in French translations of 'Dracula'. Baudelaire's poetry often uses 'morsure' to describe the pain of 'Spleen'.

Pratique na vida real

Contextos reais

Medical/First Aid

  • Désinfecter la morsure
  • Appliquer un pansement
  • Vérifier le vaccin antitétanique
  • La morsure est-elle profonde ?

Weather

  • La morsure du froid est terrible
  • Se protéger de la morsure du vent
  • Sentir la morsure du gel
  • Un hiver avec une morsure vive

Nature/Hiking

  • Attention aux morsures de serpents
  • Vérifier les morsures de tiques
  • Une morsure d'araignée venimeuse
  • Porter des bottes contre les morsures

Pets

  • Une petite morsure de chiot
  • Mon chat fait des morsures en jouant
  • Éviter la morsure du chien
  • Une morsure sans gravité

Literature/Emotions

  • La morsure du remords
  • La morsure de la jalousie
  • La morsure du temps qui passe
  • Une critique avec une certaine morsure

Iniciadores de conversa

"As-tu déjà eu une morsure de chien quand tu étais petit ?"

"Comment soignes-tu une morsure de chat à la maison ?"

"As-tu peur de la morsure des serpents quand tu vas en forêt ?"

"Est-ce que tu sens la morsure du froid ce matin ?"

"Quelle est la pire morsure que tu aies jamais reçue ?"

Temas para diário

Décris une fois où tu as été surpris par la morsure du froid pendant un voyage.

Écris sur une cicatrice que tu as, peut-être vient-elle d'une morsure ?

La 'morsure du regret' : qu'est-ce que cela signifie pour toi ?

Imagine une histoire où une morsure de serpent donne des super-pouvoirs.

Pourquoi est-il important de faire attention aux morsures de tiques ?

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

It is feminine: 'la morsure'. Most French nouns ending in '-ure' are feminine.

No, you should use 'piqûre' for mosquitoes. 'Morsure' is only for animals with teeth like dogs, snakes, or spiders.

'Morsure' is a wound or a mark. 'Bouchée' is a mouthful of food. You take a 'bouchée' of an apple.

It is 'une morsure de serpent'. Remember to use 'de' to connect the noun and the animal.

Yes, if a human bites someone, the resulting wound is called 'une morsure humaine'.

It is a common metaphorical expression meaning 'the bite of the cold', used to describe very cold weather.

Yes, it is a basic (A1 level) word that every French learner should know for safety and daily descriptions.

The verb is 'mordre'. For example: 'Le chien moud' (The dog bites).

Yes, in engraving, 'la morsure' refers to the action of acid eating into the metal plate.

It is the classic French 'u'. Round your lips tightly and say 'ee'. It should sound different from 'ou'.

Teste-se 180 perguntas

writing

Describe a 'morsure de chien' using three French adjectives.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Write a sentence using 'la morsure du froid'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Explain the difference between 'morsure' and 'piqûre' in French.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Write a short dialogue between a doctor and a patient about a bite.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Use 'morsure' in a metaphorical sense about an emotion.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Translate: 'The snake's bite is venomous'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Describe the physical appearance of a bite wound.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Write a warning sign for a forest about snake bites.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

How would you tell someone to clean a bite?

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Use 'morsure' in a sentence about art or acid.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Translate: 'I am afraid of bites'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Write a sentence about a 'morsure de tique'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Describe the 'morsure du temps' on an old building.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Translate: 'The cat's bite is small'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Write about a 'morsure de l'hiver' in the mountains.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Translate: 'Treat the bite immediately'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Use 'morsure' in a sentence about a vampire.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Write a sentence about 'la morsure de la faim'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Translate: 'There are two bites on his leg'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Write a creative sentence about 'la morsure de la jalousie'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Pronounce 'morsure' correctly focusing on the 'u'.

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Say: 'J'ai une morsure de chien'.

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Describe the cold using 'morsure'.

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Tell a friend to be careful of snakes.

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Explain that a bite is not serious.

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Say: 'The cat's bite is painful'.

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Ask a doctor to look at your bite.

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Say: 'I fear the bite of regret'.

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Pronounce the plural 'les morsures'.

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Describe the effect of acid in French.

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Say: 'Don't let the dog bite you'.

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Explain a tick bite risk.

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Say: 'The bite of the sun is strong'.

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Say: 'The bite is infected'.

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Say: 'The dog's bite was quick'.

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Say: 'Look at this bite mark'.

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Say: 'The bite of the winter wind'.

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Say: 'A human bite is dangerous'.

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Say: 'The bite of the tool on the wood'.

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Say: 'Time's bite is cruel'.

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

Listen and identify the noun: 'La morsure est profonde.'

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

Listen and identify the source: 'Une morsure de serpent.'

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

Listen and identify the adjective: 'Une morsure grave.'

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

Listen and identify the element: 'La morsure du gel.'

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

Listen and identify the emotion: 'La morsure du regret.'

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

Listen and identify the animal: 'Une morsure d'araignée.'

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

Listen: 'Il faut soigner la morsure.' What should be done?

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

Listen and identify the body part: 'Une morsure au bras.'

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

Listen: 'La morsure du soleil brûle.' What is burning?

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

Listen and identify the count: 'Trois morsures de rat.'

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

Listen: 'La morsure est infectée.' Is the bite clean?

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

Listen and identify the tool: 'La morsure du burin.'

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

Listen and identify the time: 'La morsure du matin.'

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

Listen: 'Une morsure sans venin.' Is there poison?

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

Listen and identify the noun: 'Les morsures sont rouges.'

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:

/ 180 correct

Perfect score!

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