French Phrase
Mes symptômes s'aggravent.
Meaning
This phrase is used to indicate that a medical condition or physical feeling is deteriorating. It uses the reflexive verb 's'aggraver', which specifically means to become more serious or severe. It is a direct and clear way to communicate a health decline to a professional.
When to use
Use this phrase when speaking to a doctor, pharmacist, or emergency services to report that your health is declining. It is appropriate in both formal medical settings and when updating family members about an ongoing illness.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Messymptômess'aggravent
Mes
The plural possessive adjective for 'my', used here because 'symptômes' is plural.
S'aggraver
A pronominal verb meaning 'to worsen'. The 's'' is the reflexive pronoun shortened before a vowel.
Aggravent
The third-person plural present tense conjugation of 's'aggraver' to match the subject 'mes symptômes'.
🗨In Conversation
Comment allez-vous depuis hier ?
How have you been since yesterday?
Malheureusement, mes symptômes s'aggravent.
Unfortunately, my symptoms are getting worse.
✕Common Mistakes
Mes symptômes sont plus mauvais.
In French, we use the verb 's'aggraver' or the adjective 'pire' rather than 'plus mauvais' for health conditions.
Mes symptômes aggravent.
The verb 'aggraver' must be reflexive ('s'aggraver') when the symptoms themselves are the subject changing state.
↔Alternatives
Je me sens de moins en moins bien.
I am feeling less and less well.
Mon état empire.
My condition is worsening.
Cultural Tip
In France, when discussing health with a doctor, it is common to be precise but concise. Using 's'aggraver' signals that the situation might require more urgent attention or a change in treatment. Always start a medical consultation with 'Bonjour' before describing your symptoms.