French word

hygiène

Pronunciation

IPA/iʒjɛn/

Meaning

  • feminine nounhygiene

Example

L'hygiène des mains est importante avant de manger.

Hand hygiene is important before eating.

Illustration for hygiène (hygiene)

More examples

Il faut avoir une bonne hygiène.

It is necessary to have good hygiene.

Core concept

A health-protection system built from repeated clean practices and preventive rules.

Common phrases

  • bonne hygiène

    proper hygiene

  • hygiène des mains

    hand hygiene

  • hygiène alimentaire

    food hygiene

Similar words

propreté: The state of being free from dirt.
lavage: Washing hands or objects with water and soap.
désinfection: An action or treatment that kills or reduces harmful germs.
nettoyage: Work done to remove dirt and waste.

Definition in French

Ensemble de règles et d'habitudes visant à éviter la contamination et à protéger la santé, par exemple le lavage des mains et la désinfection.

Word origin

French hygiène is inherited through Latin from Greek ὑγιεινή, the feminine form related to ὑγιής, meaning 'healthy', and its sense centers on maintaining health.

Usage tips

  • A specific area can follow hygiène de, as in hygiène des mains, while related expressions can instead use an adjective, such as hygiène alimentaire.

Other meanings

  • cleanlinessnoun
  • sanitationnoun

Opposites

  • insalubritéunhealthinessnoun
  • saletéfilthnoun

Related words

Word lists with this word