français · A1 · vocabulary · 4 minutes
Body parts
Name body parts in descriptions, instructions, and symptoms.
Understand the choice
French normally uses a definite article with body parts when the owner is clear. The experiencer appears through avoir or a reflexive pronoun rather than a possessive determiner.
Core rule: Use avoir mal à + body part for pain; à contracts with le and les to au and aux.
Notice it in context
J’ai mal à la tête et j’ai froid aux mains.
My head hurts and my hands are cold.
À la stays separate before feminine tête; à + les becomes aux before plural mains.
Elle a les yeux verts.
She has green eyes.
The plural of œil is the irregular yeux.
Lève le bras droit.
Raise your right arm.
The command uses the definite article le, not ton.
What to remember
- Bras has the same written singular and plural form: un bras, deux bras.
- Cheveu is one hair; cheveux is hair collectively in most descriptions.
Common trap: Do not say ma tête fait mal for the ordinary symptom. Say j’ai mal à la tête.