Fatigue vs. épuisement
While both 'fatigue' and 'épuisement' in French refer to tiredness, they have distinct levels of intensity and usage in the language.
Fatigue
'Fatigue' refers to a general state of tiredness or weariness, often temporary and caused by physical or mental exertion.
Après une longue journée de travail, je ressens de la fatigue.
(After a long day of work, I feel tired.)
La fatigue du voyage l'a forcé à se reposer.
(The tiredness from the trip forced him to rest.)
Elle combat la fatigue en buvant du café.
(She fights fatigue by drinking coffee.)
Épuisement
'Épuisement' indicates a more severe state of exhaustion, often implying a complete depletion of energy or resources.
L'athlète s'est effondré d'épuisement après le marathon.
(The athlete collapsed from exhaustion after the marathon.)
Le stress chronique peut mener à l'épuisement professionnel.
(Chronic stress can lead to professional burnout.)
Après des mois de travail sans pause, elle a atteint un état d'épuisement total.
(After months of working without a break, she reached a state of total exhaustion.)
Summary
While 'fatigue' describes a general tiredness that can be relieved with rest, 'épuisement' implies a more serious condition of complete exhaustion that may require significant recovery time. 'Fatigue' is used for everyday situations, while 'épuisement' often indicates a critical state of physical or mental depletion.