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éternuer

to sneeze

verb eh-tehr-nweh-EH Rare
Body & Health Health & Illness

Origin: Latin sternutare

Usage Note

Éternuer is a regular -er verb. The noun is un éternuement ('a sneeze'). In French culture, saying à tes souhaits ('bless you', literally 'to your wishes') after a sneeze is standard; a second sneeze gets à tes amours, and a third que les tiens durent toujours — a charming three-part folk ritual.

Examples

"Elle a éternué trois fois de suite."

Natural Translation

She sneezed three times in a row.

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