A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "I need stitches" in French
Expresses the need for stitches after an injury in French, ensuring you get the right medical attention.
Il faut que je sois recousu(e).
eel FOH kuh zhuh SWAH ruh-KOO-zooformal
French TTS · 0:01
Say this to a doctor, nurse, or pharmacist when you have a cut that is deep enough to require stitches. This is the standard way to convey the urgency of the situation.
Alternatives
- J'ai besoin de points de suture.More direct and common, especially in less formal medical settings.
- Ma blessure nécessite des points.Slightly more clinical and less personal.
Ways to get it wrong
Pronouncing 'recousu' like 're-coo-zoo'
The 's' sound in 'recousu' is pronounced, making it 'ruh-KOO-zoo'.
Using 'Je dois être recousu'
While understandable, 'Il faut que je sois recousu(e)' is the more idiomatic and natural phrasing for this medical need.
A small cultural note
French healthcare is generally efficient, but knowing this phrase can help you communicate your needs clearly and quickly in an emergency.
The same phrase in other languages
Frequently asked
How to say I need stitches in French?
You can say 'Il faut que je sois recousu(e)' or 'J'ai besoin de points de suture' to a medical professional.
What's the difference between 'recousu' and 'points de suture'?
'Recousu' means 'restitched' and refers to the action, while 'points de suture' are the 'stitches' themselves.
Do I need to say 'recousu' or 'recousue'?
Use 'recousu' if you are male and 'recousue' if you are female; the pronunciation is the same.
