En 15 segundos
- Used to say 'worse' when comparing two specific things.
- Follow with 'que' to mean 'worse than'.
- Must agree in gender and number with the subject.
Significado
This phrase is the French way of saying 'worse' when comparing the quality of two things. It literally means 'more bad' and is used to point out that something is lower in quality than something else.
Ejemplos clave
3 de 7Comparing two cups of coffee
Ce café est plus mauvais que celui d'hier.
This coffee is worse than yesterday's.
Talking about the weather
Le temps est plus mauvais aujourd'hui.
The weather is worse today.
Discussing a work report
Ce rapport est plus mauvais que le précédent.
This report is worse than the previous one.
Contexto cultural
In French schools, 'plus mauvais' is often used in report cards to compare a student's performance across terms. In Quebec, 'plus mauvais' is frequently used in weather reports to describe worsening winter conditions.
The 'S' Rule
In 'plus mauvais', do NOT pronounce the 's' at the end of 'plus'.
Gender Agreement
Always check if the object you are describing is feminine (add an 'e').
En 15 segundos
- Used to say 'worse' when comparing two specific things.
- Follow with 'que' to mean 'worse than'.
- Must agree in gender and number with the subject.
What It Means
plus mauvais is how you compare two bad things. It is the comparative form of the adjective mauvais. In English, we usually say 'worse' instead of 'more bad'. In French, you use this to show a drop in quality. It is simple, direct, and very common in daily life. You are basically ranking things from bad to even worse.
How To Use It
You usually follow this phrase with the word que. This creates the 'than' part of your comparison. The basic structure is: [Thing A] + [Verb] + plus mauvais + que + [Thing B]. Remember that mauvais must match the gender of the subject. If you talk about a car (feminine), use plus mauvaise. If you talk about cars (plural), use plus mauvaises. It is like a puzzle where pieces must fit.
When To Use It
Use this when you are judging something tangible. It is perfect for food that tastes bad. Use it for a movie that was a letdown. It works well for the weather when it rains more than yesterday. You will hear it at the market or in restaurants. It is great for sharing a negative opinion with friends. If you are a bit of a critic, this is your phrase.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for abstract situations or feelings. For things like 'the situation is worse,' French people prefer pire. plus mauvais is mostly for physical quality or skills. Also, do not use it for 'the worst'. That requires an extra word: le plus mauvais. Avoid using it if you want to be extremely polite. Comparing things negatively can sometimes sound a bit blunt or rude.
Cultural Background
French culture often values critical analysis and honest opinions. Being a 'râleur' (a grumbler) is almost a national hobby in France. Complaining about the quality of coffee or bread is socially acceptable. Using plus mauvais shows you have standards and taste. It is not always seen as being negative. It is often seen as being discerning and observant. It is part of the art of conversation.
Common Variations
You can add bien to say 'much worse'. Use bien plus mauvais for extra emphasis. You can also use encore plus mauvais for 'even worse'. If you are comparing girls or feminine objects, use plus mauvaise. For groups of things, use the plural plus mauvais or plus mauvaises. These small changes help you sound more like a local. It keeps your French flexible and natural.
Notas de uso
Use 'plus mauvais' for concrete quality comparisons (taste, smell, performance). It is neutral in formality but requires gender agreement with the noun it describes.
The 'S' Rule
In 'plus mauvais', do NOT pronounce the 's' at the end of 'plus'.
Gender Agreement
Always check if the object you are describing is feminine (add an 'e').
Softening the blow
If you want to be more polite, use 'moins bon' (less good) instead of 'plus mauvais'.
Ejemplos
7Ce café est plus mauvais que celui d'hier.
This coffee is worse than yesterday's.
A classic everyday comparison about taste.
Le temps est plus mauvais aujourd'hui.
The weather is worse today.
Used to describe a decline in weather conditions.
Ce rapport est plus mauvais que le précédent.
This report is worse than the previous one.
Professional but direct feedback on quality.
Le deuxième film est plus mauvais, ne le regarde pas !
The second movie is worse, don't watch it!
Informal advice using a comparison.
Mon gâteau est encore plus mauvais que le tien !
My cake is even worse than yours!
Self-deprecating humor using 'encore plus'.
Le score est plus mauvais cette année.
The score is worse this year.
Comparing numerical or performance outcomes.
Le service est plus mauvais dans ce restaurant.
The service is worse in this restaurant.
Comparing experiences between two locations.
Ponte a prueba
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'plus mauvais'.
Cette pomme est ______ (f.) que l'autre.
The noun 'pomme' is feminine singular.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Comparing two films:
'Plus pire' is a double comparative error, and 'mal' is an adverb.
Match the noun with the correct form of the phrase.
Nouns: 1. Le pain, 2. La soupe, 3. Les gâteaux
Agreement must match the gender and number of the noun.
What would you say if the coffee today is not as good as yesterday?
A: Comment est le café ? B: Il est ______.
'Plus mauvais' is the standard way to say it's worse in quality.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Masculine vs Feminine
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosCette pomme est ______ (f.) que l'autre.
The noun 'pomme' is feminine singular.
Comparing two films:
'Plus pire' is a double comparative error, and 'mal' is an adverb.
Empareja cada elemento de la izquierda con su par de la derecha:
Agreement must match the gender and number of the noun.
A: Comment est le café ? B: Il est ______.
'Plus mauvais' is the standard way to say it's worse in quality.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
4 preguntasMostly, yes. 'Plus mauvais' is more common for physical objects, while 'pire' is used for abstract things like 'the weather' or 'a situation'.
Only if you are talking about health or how someone does an action (e.g., 'Il chante plus mal').
No, in the phrase 'plus mauvais', the 's' is silent.
Add an 's' to 'mauvaise' (plus mauvaises). For masculine plural, it stays 'plus mauvais'.
Frases relacionadas
le plus mauvais
specialized formthe worst
pire
synonymworse
moins bon
similarless good
