Question 1

Why is it "au lactose" instead of just "lactose" like in the English phrase "lactose intolerant"?

Accepted Answer

In English, we use a noun-adjective compound. In French, the structure is literally "intolerant to the lactose" (intolérant à + definite article + noun). Because lactose is masculine, à + le combines to form au.

Question 2

The English translation says "does not digest", but would it also be correct to translate it as "cannot digest"?

Accepted Answer

Yes. While you could literally say ne peut pas digérer (cannot digest), French frequently uses the simple present tense to express a general physical inability or reaction. Saying il ne digère pas is the most natural way to say "he can't digest" or "his body doesn't tolerate" something.

Question 3

Why does the accent change direction in digère compared to its infinitive?

Accepted Answer

Digérer is a stem-changing verb. The acute accent (é) in the infinitive changes to a grave accent (è) in the present tense for the singular pronouns and the third-person plural (je digère, ils digèrent). For nous and vous, it keeps the original é (like nous digérons).

Question 4

Is être intolérant à used for all food allergies?

Accepted Answer

You use être intolérant à specifically for intolerances, like intolérant au gluten (gluten intolerant). For true allergies, you would use être allergique à, such as allergique aux arachides (allergic to peanuts). Notice that both require the à + definite article structure.

Il est intolérant au lactose et ne digère pas ce fromage.

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