French Phrase

C'est une douleur vive qui palpite.

/s‿ɛt‿yn du.lœʁ viv ki pal.pit/

Meaning"It's a sharp, throbbing pain."

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Meaning

It describes a sharp, throbbing pain – a vivid sensation that seems to pulse or beat. The phrase is often used when describing a medical symptom or a strong, localized ache.

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When to use

Use this sentence when you want to explain the nature of a pain to a doctor, a friend, or anyone asking about how you feel. It works well in both formal medical contexts and informal conversations about personal discomfort.

✦Grammar Breakdown

C'estunedouleurvivequipalpite.

C'est

Contraction of "ce" + "est" used to point out or identify something; always followed by a noun or adjective.

Indefinite article "une"

Feminine singular article used before a feminine noun; agrees in gender and number.

Adjective agreement

"vive" agrees with the feminine noun "douleur" (both singular).

Relative pronoun "qui"

Introduces a relative clause and refers to the subject (here, "douleur").

Verb "palpiter"

Intransitive verb meaning “to throb, to pulsate”; conjugated in the present third‑person singular.

🗨In Conversation

C'est une douleur vive qui palpite.

It's a sharp, throbbing pain.

Depuis quand avez‑vous cette douleur ?

Since when have you had this pain?

✕Common Mistakes

C'est une douleur vif qui palpite.
"vif" is masculine; the adjective must agree with the feminine noun "douleur".
C'est une douleur vive qui bat.
"bat" is more commonly used for a heart or a drum; "palpite" is the idiomatic verb for throbbing pain.
C'est une douleur vive qui palpitent.
The verb must agree with the singular subject "douleur"; use "palpite" not "palpitent".

↔Alternatives

C'est une douleur aiguë qui bat.
It's a sharp pain that beats.
J'ai une douleur vive et pulsatile.
I have a sharp, pulsating pain.
C'est une douleur forte qui palpite.
It's a strong pain that throbs.

Cultural Tip

In French medical vocabulary, "douleur vive" (sharp pain) contrasts with "douleur sourde" (dull pain). Using precise adjectives like "vive" or "aiguë" shows a good command of the language and is appreciated by healthcare professionals. The phrase is neutral in register, suitable for both a doctor’s office and a casual chat with friends.