Describing symptoms objectively | Learn French in English

French lesson set in a contemporary Paris everyday setting: At a clinic reception, one adult describes mild discomfort, when it happens, and how it affects concentration at work..

EN → FR / Level: B2

About This Lesson

Use Describing symptoms objectively to practice French conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.

Dialogue

A

La gêne est légère, mais elle dure plus longtemps que d’habitude.

lah ZHEN eh lay-ZHAIR, meh EL DUR ploo lon-TON kuh dah-bee-TOOD. The discomfort is mild, but it has lasted longer than usual.
B

Est-ce que cela change avec l’activité, le repos ou les repas ?

ess kuh suh-LAH SHONZH ah-VEK lahk-tee-vee-TAY, luh ruh-POH oo lay ruh-PAH? Does it change with activity, rest, or meals?
A

Je la remarque davantage quand je reste assis longtemps.

zhuh lah ruh-MARK dah-vahn-TAHZH kahn zhuh REST ah-SEE lon-TON. I notice it more when I sit for a long time.
B

Ce schéma mérite d’être signalé, et le clinicien pourra l’évaluer correctement.

suh SHAY-mah may-REET dair say-nya-LAY, ay luh klee-nee-SYAN poo-RAH lay-vah-LWAY koh-rek-tuh-MON. That pattern is worth mentioning, and the clinician can assess it properly.
A

J’essaie de la décrire sans la faire paraître plus grave ou moins sérieuse qu’elle ne l’est.

zhay-SAY duh lah day-KREER sahn lah FAIR pah-REHTR ploo GRAHV oo mwan say-ree-UHZ kuh EL nuh LEH. I am trying to describe it without making it sound worse or less serious than it is.
B

Concentrez-vous sur la fréquence à laquelle cela se produit et sur ses effets sur vous.

kon-sahn-TRAY voo sewr lah fray-KAHNS ah lah-KEL suh-LAH suh proh-DEW-ee ay sewr sayz eh-FAY sewr VOO. Focus on how often it happens and how it affects you.
A

Je peux expliquer que j’ai plus de mal à me concentrer au travail.

zhuh puh ex-plee-KAY kuh ZHAY ploo duh MAL ah muh kon-sahn-TRAY oh trah-VAI. I can explain that it makes it harder to concentrate at work.
B

Ajoutez ce détail, car l’impact quotidien guide souvent le suivi.

ah-zhoo-TAY suh day-TAI, kar lam-PAK koh-tee-DYAN GEED soo-VAHN luh swee-VEE. Include that detail, since daily impact often guides follow-up.

Word by Word

La In « La gêne », « La » identifies the discomfort being discussed. The same written form appears as « la » in « Je la remarque davantage », where it means “it” and replaces « gêne ».
gêne « gêne » means discomfort in this clinic description. In « La gêne est légère », it names the symptom being evaluated. This pattern is useful when identifying a specific discomfort to a clinician.
est In « La gêne est légère », « est » links the discomfort with its description, “mild.” It is a form of être. The pattern « X est + description » gives an objective description of something.
légère « légère » describes the gêne as mild in « La gêne est légère ». It gives the degree of the discomfort without making a diagnosis. The pattern « la gêne est légère » can be used when reporting a mild symptom.
mais « mais » introduces a qualification in « La gêne est légère, mais elle dure... ». It connects the mild description with the separate fact that the discomfort lasts longer than usual. Use it to add an important contrasting detail.
elle In « elle dure plus longtemps », « elle » refers back to « la gêne » and makes the discomfort the subject of the next clause. It means “it” here, not a person. This pronoun avoids repeating the symptom name.
dure « dure » says that the discomfort continues or lasts in « elle dure plus longtemps ». It is a form of durer. The pattern « elle dure + duration » is useful when describing how long a symptom continues.
plus In « plus longtemps que d’habitude », « plus » increases the duration being described, giving “longer.” It works with « longtemps » to compare the current duration with the usual one. Use this pattern when reporting that something continues beyond its normal duration.
longtemps « longtemps » describes duration in « elle dure plus longtemps ». Together with « plus », it means “for longer.” The expression « durer longtemps » is useful for describing how long an event or symptom continues.
que In « plus longtemps que d’habitude », « que » introduces the comparison with the usual duration. It connects the longer duration to its reference point. This pattern is used to say that something lasts longer than normal.
d’habitude « d’habitude » provides the normal reference point in « plus longtemps que d’habitude ». It means “as usual” or “ordinarily.” Use it when comparing the current situation with what normally happens.
Est-ce que « Est-ce que » turns « cela change avec l’activité... » into a direct question asking whether the change occurs. Within this marker, « Est-ce » sets up the question and « que » introduces the following clause. It is useful for asking a clear yes-or-no question in a conversation.
cela In « Est-ce que cela change... », « cela » refers neutrally to the discomfort or symptom under discussion. It means “that” or “it” without repeating the symptom name. This form is useful when the referent is already clear from the conversation.
change « change » asks whether the symptom varies with activity, rest, or meals in « cela change avec... ». It is a form of changer. The pattern « cela change avec + factor » is useful when describing circumstances that affect a symptom.
avec In « change avec l’activité, le repos ou les repas », « avec » links the change to the circumstances being considered. It introduces the factors used for comparison. Use « avec » when explaining that a condition varies depending on something.
l’activité « l’activité » names one circumstance that may affect the discomfort in « avec l’activité ». The apostrophe joins the article to the following vowel sound. It is useful for naming physical or daily activity as a factor in a symptom description.
le In « le repos », « le » identifies « repos » as the known activity being considered. It is the definite article used in this noun phrase. The pattern « avec le repos » places rest alongside other possible influencing factors.
repos « repos » means rest in « avec l’activité, le repos ou les repas ». It names one condition against which the discomfort is compared. Use it when explaining whether a symptom changes during rest.
ou « ou » presents alternatives in « l’activité, le repos ou les repas ». It links the final option to the preceding possibilities. Use it when listing different circumstances that may influence an outcome.
les In « les repas », « les » identifies « repas » as a plural group of meals. It is the definite article for this plural noun phrase. The pattern « avec les repas » can be used when asking whether something changes around meals.
repas « repas » means meals in « avec l’activité, le repos ou les repas ». It names another circumstance that may affect the discomfort. This word is useful when describing symptoms in relation to eating.
Je « Je » presents the speaker as the person observing the symptom in « Je la remarque davantage ». It is the subject of « remarque ». The pattern « Je + verb » lets a patient report a personal observation directly.
remarque « remarque » says that the speaker notices the discomfort in « Je la remarque davantage ». It is a form of remarquer. The pattern « Je la remarque + degree » is useful for describing how strongly or frequently a symptom is noticed.
davantage In « Je la remarque davantage », « davantage » means “more” or “to a greater extent.” It increases the degree to which the speaker notices the discomfort. Use it to describe a symptom that becomes more noticeable in a particular situation.
quand « quand » introduces the time or circumstance in « quand je reste assis longtemps ». It connects the increased noticing with the situation of remaining seated. Use « quand + clause » to explain when an experience occurs.
reste In « je reste assis longtemps », « reste » describes continuing in the seated position. It is a form of rester. The pattern « rester + state » is useful when explaining what happens while a person remains in a particular condition.
assis « assis » describes the speaker’s seated state in « je reste assis longtemps ». Together, « reste assis » means “remains seated.” This expression is useful when a symptom is connected with sitting for an extended time.
Ce In « Ce schéma », « Ce » points to the pattern just described. It identifies the connection between the discomfort and sitting for a long time. This form is useful when referring to a specific situation or pattern already mentioned.
schéma « schéma » refers to the observed pattern between sitting and noticing the discomfort. In « Ce schéma mérite d’être signalé », it names the relationship that should be reported. Use it when summarizing a recurring connection without diagnosing its cause.
mérite « mérite » says that the pattern is worth mentioning in « Ce schéma mérite d’être signalé ». It is a form of mériter. The pattern « X mérite d’être signalé » is useful when a detail deserves the clinician’s attention.
d’être In « mérite d’être signalé », « d’être » introduces what the pattern deserves: being reported. It connects « mérite » with the following description of the action. This construction is useful for saying that something deserves to receive attention or treatment.
signalé « signalé » means mentioned or reported in « d’être signalé ». It describes the pattern as information that should be brought to the clinician’s attention. It is related to the verb signaler and is useful when reporting a relevant observation.
et « et » joins the recommendation that the pattern be mentioned with the information about the clinician’s assessment in « ..., et le clinicien pourra... ». It adds a second connected point. Use it to link related observations or next steps.
clinicien « clinicien » names the healthcare professional who can assess the reported pattern. In « le clinicien pourra l’évaluer », it is the subject of the assessment. This word is useful when distinguishing the patient’s description from the professional’s evaluation.
pourra « pourra » expresses that the clinician will be able to assess the pattern in « le clinicien pourra l’évaluer ». It is a future form of pouvoir. The pattern « pourra + infinitive » is useful for describing a later professional action or possibility.
l’évaluer « l’évaluer » means “assess it” in « le clinicien pourra l’évaluer correctement ». « l’ » refers to « ce schéma », while « évaluer » names the assessment. This pattern is useful when saying that a professional can assess a previously mentioned symptom or pattern.
correctement « correctement » describes the manner of the assessment in « l’évaluer correctement ». It means properly or correctly. Use it when emphasizing that an evaluation should be carried out accurately.
J’essaie « J’essaie » says that the speaker is making an effort in « J’essaie de la décrire ». It is a form of essayer. The pattern « J’essaie de + action » is useful when explaining an effort to communicate something carefully.
de In « J’essaie de la décrire », « de » connects the effort expressed by « J’essaie » with the action being attempted. It introduces the following infinitive phrase. This pattern is useful for saying what someone is trying to do.
décrire « décrire » means to describe the discomfort in « J’essaie de la décrire ». It names the act of putting the symptom into words. The pattern « essayer de décrire + object » is useful when giving a careful account to a clinician.
sans « sans » introduces an action that the speaker is trying to avoid in « sans la faire paraître... ». It means “without.” Use « sans + action » to explain how something is done while avoiding an unwanted effect.
faire In « la faire paraître », « faire » contributes the idea of causing the discomfort to appear a certain way. It works with « paraître » rather than carrying the whole meaning alone. The pattern « faire + action or appearance » is useful when describing an effect one’s wording may create.
paraître In « faire paraître plus grave ou moins sérieuse », « paraître » describes how the discomfort may appear to someone. Together with « faire », it means to make it seem more or less serious. This construction is useful when discussing how a description may affect perception.
grave « grave » describes the discomfort as serious or severe in « plus grave ». It appears inside the comparison about not making the symptom seem more serious than it is. Use it when objectively describing the perceived seriousness of a condition.
moins In « moins sérieuse », « moins » lowers the degree of the description. It forms the comparison about making the discomfort seem less serious than it really is. This pattern is useful when explaining that a description may understate the seriousness of something.
sérieuse « sérieuse » describes the perceived seriousness of the discomfort in « moins sérieuse qu’elle ne l’est ». It is part of the comparison between how the symptom sounds and its actual condition. Use it when discussing whether a report represents a situation accurately.
qu’elle In « plus grave ou moins sérieuse qu’elle ne l’est », « qu’elle » introduces the comparison with the way the discomfort actually is. It combines the comparison link with « elle », which refers back to the discomfort. This construction is useful when comparing an appearance with the real situation.
ne In « qu’elle ne l’est », « ne » is part of the comparison clause and does not reverse the meaning into “it is not.” It helps frame the comparison with the actual degree of seriousness. This use is encountered when comparing how something appears with how it really is.
l’est In « qu’elle ne l’est », « l’est » completes the comparison by meaning “is so” or “is that way.” « l’ » refers back to the quality being discussed, and « est » is a form of être. It is useful for avoiding repetition of an adjective in a comparison.
Concentrez-vous « Concentrez-vous » gives the listener a direct instruction to focus attention. In « Concentrez-vous sur la fréquence... », it is used by the clinician to guide the patient’s description. The pattern « Concentrez-vous sur + topic » is useful when directing someone’s attention to a specific aspect.
sur « sur » links the instruction to its topics in « sur la fréquence » and « sur ses effets ». It means “on” or “about” in these phrases. The pattern « se concentrer sur + topic » is useful when focusing a discussion.
fréquence « fréquence » means how often the symptom occurs in « la fréquence à laquelle cela se produit ». It identifies the regularity of the event rather than its cause. The pattern « la fréquence à laquelle + clause » is useful when asking how often something happens.
à In « à laquelle cela se produit », « à » links « fréquence » with the relative clause that explains the occurrence. It contributes the meaning “at which” in this construction. This pattern is useful for describing the frequency at which an event takes place.
laquelle « laquelle » refers back to « la fréquence » in « la fréquence à laquelle cela se produit ». It introduces the clause that specifies when the event occurs relative to that frequency. This form is useful after a preposition when referring back to a stated noun.
se In « se produit », « se » is part of the expression meaning “occurs” or “happens.” It should be understood together with « produit », not translated independently here. This expression is useful for describing when an event or symptom occurs.
produit Together with « se », « produit » forms « se produit », meaning “happens” or “occurs.” It identifies the event whose frequency is being discussed. Use this expression when stating when something takes place.
ses In « ses effets sur vous », « ses » links the effects to the symptom or issue being discussed. It means “its” and points to the effects associated with that issue. This pattern is useful when describing the consequences of a previously mentioned situation.
effets « effets » means effects or impacts in « ses effets sur vous ». It names what the symptom does to the person’s experience. The pattern « les effets de X sur Y » is useful for describing how something affects someone.
vous « vous » refers to the listener in « sur vous », the person affected by the symptom. It also appears in « Concentrez-vous », where it is part of the instruction directed at the listener. These uses are practical when speaking politely to a patient or another adult.
peux In « Je peux expliquer », « peux » expresses the speaker’s ability to explain something. It is a form of pouvoir. The pattern « Je peux + action » is useful when offering to provide a detail or account.
expliquer « expliquer » means to explain the effect of the discomfort in « Je peux expliquer que... ». It introduces the information the speaker can make clear. The pattern « expliquer que + clause » is useful when giving a reasoned description to a clinician.
j’ai In « j’ai plus de mal à me concentrer », « j’ai » is part of the expression for having difficulty with an action. It is a form of avoir. The pattern « j’ai du mal à + action » is useful for describing an activity that is difficult.
mal Here « mal » means difficulty in « j’ai plus de mal à me concentrer ». It does not name the symptom itself; it describes how difficult concentration has become. The pattern « avoir du mal à + action » is useful when reporting an activity that is harder than usual.
me In « me concentrer », « me » refers back to the speaker and forms the first-person version of the concentration expression. It shows who is concentrating. This pattern is useful when explaining a difficulty experienced personally.
concentrer In « me concentrer au travail », « concentrer » refers to directing one’s attention. Together with « me », it describes the speaker’s own concentration. This expression is useful when explaining how a symptom affects attention during an activity.
au In « au travail », « au » marks the work setting in which concentration is affected. It is the contraction of à and le. The pattern « se concentrer au travail » is useful for describing concentration in a workplace context.
travail « travail » means work in « me concentrer au travail ». It identifies the daily setting affected by the discomfort. Use this phrase when explaining that a symptom interferes with concentration at work.
Ajoutez « Ajoutez » gives a direct instruction to include information in « Ajoutez ce détail ». It is a form of ajouter. The pattern « Ajoutez + information » is useful when asking someone to include a relevant point in an explanation.
détail « détail » means a specific piece of information in « Ajoutez ce détail ». Here it refers to the effect on concentration at work. The pattern « ajouter un détail » is useful when supplementing a description with relevant information.
car « car » introduces the reason for the instruction in « car l’impact quotidien guide souvent le suivi ». It means “because” or “since.” Use it to connect advice with the reason that supports it.
l’impact « l’impact » means the effect or impact of the discomfort in « l’impact quotidien guide souvent le suivi ». The apostrophe joins the article to the following vowel sound. This phrase is useful when describing how a symptom affects everyday functioning.
quotidien « quotidien » describes the impact as daily or everyday in « l’impact quotidien ». It focuses on the effect in ordinary life rather than on a diagnosis. The pattern « impact quotidien » is useful when reporting how a problem affects routine activities.
guide « guide » says that the daily impact helps direct the follow-up in « l’impact quotidien guide souvent le suivi ». It is a form of guider. The pattern « X guide le suivi » is useful when explaining what information helps determine the next step.
souvent « souvent » means often in « guide souvent le suivi ». It indicates that this relationship happens regularly, not necessarily every time. Use it when describing a common tendency in professional follow-up.
suivi « suivi » means follow-up in « guide souvent le suivi ». It refers to the continuing attention or next stage after the initial description and assessment. This word is useful when discussing what happens after a clinic visit or evaluation.

Grammar Points

sans + infinitif

sans faire paraître la gêne grave

sahn FAIR pah-REHTR lah ZHEN GRAHV

without making the discomfort seem serious

After sans, French uses the infinitive. The verb stays unchanged, unlike a finite verb with a subject.

adjectif accordé avec le nom

une gêne légère

oon ZHEN lay-ZHAIR

mild discomfort

The adjective agrees with the noun in gender and number: léger becomes légère with a feminine noun.

French Vocabulary

activité noun
ak-tee-vee-TAY activity l’activité
assis adj
ah-SEE seated
d'habitude adv
dah-bee-TOOD usually
davantage adv
dah-vahn-TAHZH more
durer verb
dyoo-RAY to last dure
gêne noun
ZHEN discomfort
léger adj
lay-ZHAY mild légère
plus longtemps adv
ploo lon-TON longer
remarquer verb
ruh-mar-KAY to notice remarque
repas noun
ruh-PAH meals
repos noun
ruh-POH rest
rester verb
res-TAY to remain; to stay reste

Quiz

Spelling

Tap the letters to spell the word.

discomfort

Show Answergêne

meals

Show Answerrepas

to notice

Show Answerremarque

rest

Show Answerrepos