French · Body & Health
"Back" in French: dos
le dos
Back as a body part in French is le dos, masculine. J'ai mal au dos means my back hurts. Sur le dos is on one's back.
After lifting boxes
J'ai mal au dos ce matin.Speak with an AI partner · 7 days free
How to pronounce dos
Say it
luh doh
/lə do/
Dos is doh; the s is silent. Le dos is luh-doh. Mal au dos is mahl-oh-doh.
"Back" in French: quick reference
| French | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| le dos | the back Body part. | Body part. |
| mal au dos | backache Common complaint. | Common complaint. |
| sur le dos | on one's back Lying position. | Lying position. |
| tourner le dos | to turn one's back Literal or figurative. | Literal or figurative. |
How to use dos in real life
- 1After lifting boxes
J'ai mal au dos ce matin.
My back hurts this morning.
Mal au dos set phrase.
- 2Yoga class
Allonge-toi sur le dos.
Lie on your back.
Sur le dos.
- 3At the physio
Mon dos est un peu raide.
My back is a bit stiff.
Mon dos.
Mistakes English speakers make with dos
Incorrect: La dos.
Correct: Le dos.
Dos is masculine.
Incorrect: J'ai mal au back.
Correct: J'ai mal au dos.
Use dos.
Good to know
Mal au dos is one of the most common body complaints in French small talk — short and immediately understood.
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
After a long train ride
ChatPal
Tu as mal au dos ?
Does your back hurt?
You
Oui, mon dos n'aime pas les sièges durs.
Yes, my back doesn't like hard seats.
ChatPal
On marche un peu ?
Shall we walk a bit?
You
Bonne idée.
Good idea.
This is a sample. In ChatPal you have this conversation out loud and get feedback on what you say.
Practice this conversation in ChatPal"Back" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "Back" in French
How do you say back in French?
Le dos for the body part.
How do you say my back hurts?
J'ai mal au dos.
How do you pronounce dos?
Doh — silent s.
How do you say on your back?
Sur le dos.
Learn a word, then use it out loud
- Step 1: See it in context
- Step 2: Say it out loud
- Step 3: Get feedback
- Step 4: Use it in real scenarios
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