A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "My back hurts" in French
Express that your back is hurting in French with this essential phrase for discomfort.
J'ai mal au dos.
zhay MAHL oh DOHneutral
French TTS · 0:01
Say this if you're feeling physical pain in your back, perhaps after a long day or a strenuous activity. It's a common way to explain why you might be moving slowly or need to sit down.
Alternatives
- Mon dos me fait mal.Slightly more literal, but less common than 'J'ai mal au dos.'
- J'ai un mal de dos.Implies a more specific ailment or condition rather than just current pain.
Ways to get it wrong
Pronouncing 'dos'
The 's' at the end of 'dos' is silent; it sounds like 'doh'.
Using 'être' instead of 'avoir'
In French, you 'have' pain ('avoir mal'), not 'are' pain ('être mal').
A small cultural note
While French people might complain about aches and pains, they generally value stoicism. However, this phrase is perfectly acceptable for explaining genuine discomfort.
The same phrase in other languages
Frequently asked
How to say my back hurts in French?
The most common way to say 'my back hurts' is 'J'ai mal au dos.' This literally translates to 'I have pain in the back.'
Is 'J'ai mal au dos' formal or informal?
'J'ai mal au dos' is a neutral phrase that works in most situations. You can use it with friends, family, or even when speaking with medical professionals.
What's the difference between 'J'ai mal au dos' and 'Mon dos me fait mal'?
'J'ai mal au dos' is the most standard and frequently used expression. 'Mon dos me fait mal' is also correct but sounds a bit more descriptive and less idiomatic.
