French word

toubib

Pronunciation

IPA/tubib/

Meaning

  • masculine noundoc

Example

Si tu as mal, va voir le toubib.

If you're in pain, go see the doc.

Illustration for toubib (doc)

More examples

Je préfère consulter le toubib du quartier.

I prefer to consult the neighborhood doctor.

Core concept

A familiar doctor whom a patient addresses without formal distance.

Common phrases

  • voir le toubib

    see the doctor

  • consulter le toubib

    consult the doctor

  • le toubib de garde

    the doctor on call

Similar words

médecin: A medical professional who diagnoses and treats illness.
docteur: A form of address or title for a doctor.
médecin généraliste: A general practitioner treating common illnesses and ongoing conditions.
spécialiste: A doctor specializing in a particular field or organ system.

Definition in French

Médecin; terme familier employé surtout à l'oral et pouvant être affectueux ou ironique.

Word origin

Toubib is an Arabic borrowing from ṭabīb, adopted into French as a colloquial term through North African usage.

Usage tips

  • Toubib can sound affectionate or ironic as well as casual, so médecin is more neutral when tone matters.

Word lists with this word