French Conversation · Level 188
15 words
French word
rhume
Pronunciation
IPA/ʁym/
Meaning
- masculine nouncold
Example
J'ai un rhume.
I have a cold.
More examples
Je crois que je commence à attraper un rhume.
I think I'm starting to catch a cold.
Core concept
A short-lived upper-airway illness with a dripping nose and repeated sneezes.
Common phrases
avoir un rhume
have a cold
attraper un rhume
catch a cold
prendre un rhume
catch a cold
Similar words
grippe: A viral illness causing high fever and severe aches throughout the body.
toux: A cough caused by irritation of the throat or airways.
angine: A throat or tonsil infection causing severe pain and difficulty swallowing.
allergie: An oversensitive reaction to pollen, dust, or similar triggers causing sneezing and a runny nose.
Definition in French
Infection virale bénigne des voies respiratoires supérieures qui provoque un écoulement nasal, des éternuements, parfois un mal de gorge et une toux légère.
Word origin
French rhume developed from Old French reume, borrowed from Latin rheuma, Greek for 'flow', which first referred to bodily discharge before becoming linked to nasal symptoms.
Usage tips
- Rhume is masculine, so standard forms are un rhume, avoir un rhume, and attraper un rhume.