A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "I have chest pain" in French
Expresses chest pain in French for medical emergencies or when seeking urgent help.
J'ai une douleur à la poitrine.
zheh oon doo-LUHR ah lah pwa-TREENneutral
French TTS · 0:01
Say this immediately if you experience sudden, severe chest pain. It's crucial for getting prompt medical attention from paramedics or in a hospital.
Alternatives
- J'ai mal à la poitrine.Slightly more common in everyday speech, but 'douleur' sounds more medical.
- Ma poitrine me fait mal.A bit more descriptive, less direct than the target phrase.
Ways to get it wrong
Pronouncing 'douleur'
The 'ou' is like 'oo' in 'moon', and the 'eu' is a sound not in English; try saying 'uh' with rounded lips.
Missing the liaison
Say 'J'ai' (zhay) and then immediately 'une' (oon), linking the sounds smoothly.
A small cultural note
French emergency services are generally very efficient. Don't hesitate to call 15 (SAMU) or 112 (European emergency number) if you feel it's serious.
The same phrase in other languages
Frequently asked
What's the difference between 'mal' and 'douleur' for pain?
'Mal' is a general term for pain or ache. 'Douleur' is more specific and often used for more intense or medical pain.
How do I say 'I have pain in my heart'?
You can say 'J'ai mal au cœur', but this often refers to emotional distress or nausea, not necessarily cardiac pain.
What number do I call for an ambulance?
Call 15 for the SAMU (medical emergency service) or 112 for the general European emergency number.
