abîmé en 30 segundos
- Abîmé means damaged, spoiled, or worn out.
- It is the past participle of the verb 'abîmer'.
- It applies to objects, food, hair, and metaphorically to people.
- Agreement in gender and number is required (abîmé, abîmée, abîmés, abîmées).
The French adjective abîmé is a versatile and essential term used to describe something that is no longer in its original, perfect condition. At its core, it translates to 'damaged,' 'spoiled,' or 'ruined.' Whether you are talking about a physical object like a car, a piece of fruit that has gone soft, or even a person's physical state after a long day, abîmé covers the spectrum of deterioration. It is the past participle of the verb abîmer, which means to damage or to spoil.
- Physical Objects
- Used for items that have scratches, dents, or structural damage. For example, a book with torn pages is abîmé.
- Food and Perishables
- Used when fruit or vegetables are bruised or starting to rot. A bruised apple is an 'une pomme abîmée'.
- Metaphorical/Physical State
- In informal contexts, it can describe someone who looks very tired or worn out, though 'fatigué' is more common.
"Regarde, le carton est tout abîmé à cause de la pluie." (Look, the box is all damaged because of the rain.)
In a broader sense, abîmé suggests a loss of value or aesthetic appeal. If you buy a second-hand item, you check if it is abîmé to negotiate the price. It implies a process of wear and tear or a specific accident that marred the surface. In literature, it can even evoke the 'abyss' (l'abîme), suggesting something that has fallen into a state of deep ruin.
"Ses chaussures étaient abîmées par des années de marche." (His shoes were worn out by years of walking.)
- Visual Condition
- Focuses on the external appearance. A wall with peeling paint is abîmé.
- Functional Condition
- Sometimes implies that the damage affects how it works, like a scratched DVD.
"Le fruit est un peu abîmé, mais on peut encore le manger." (The fruit is a bit spoiled, but we can still eat it.)
"Ma voiture a été abîmée dans le parking." (My car was damaged in the parking lot.)
"Tes cheveux sont abîmés par le soleil." (Your hair is damaged by the sun.)
Using abîmé correctly requires understanding its role as an adjective and its relationship with the verb abîmer. It usually follows the noun it modifies or comes after a linking verb like être (to be) or paraître (to seem). Because it is a past participle used as an adjective, it must agree in gender and number with the noun it describes.
- Agreement: Un livre abîmé (masculine singular), une table abîmée (feminine singular), des vêtements abîmés (masculine plural), des fleurs abîmées (feminine plural).
- Intensity: You can use adverbs to modify the degree of damage: très abîmé (very damaged), un peu abîmé (a bit damaged), complètement abîmé (completely ruined).
- Placement: It usually follows the noun: 'un meuble abîmé' rather than 'un abîmé meuble'.
In daily conversation, you'll often hear it used with the word tout for emphasis: "C'est tout abîmé !" (It's all ruined!). This is very common when discovering a package that was handled roughly or a toy that a child has played with too hard.
"Cette nappe est abîmée, il faut en acheter une nouvelle." (This tablecloth is damaged, we need to buy a new one.)
When describing hair or skin, abîmé is the standard term for damage caused by chemicals, weather, or lack of care. A hairdresser might say, "Vos pointes sont très abîmées" (Your ends are very damaged). This usage is very common in the beauty and health industry in France.
- Context: Shipping
- If you receive a parcel that is crushed, you would tell the delivery person: 'Le colis est abîmé'.
- Context: Cooking
- If you are sorting through vegetables: 'Enlève les parties abîmées'.
You will encounter abîmé in a wide variety of settings, from casual household conversations to formal insurance claims. It is a 'middle-of-the-road' word—neither too slangy nor too academic—making it perfect for almost any situation involving damage.
At Home: Parents often use it with children. "Ne marche pas sur tes livres, tu vas les abîmer !" (Don't walk on your books, you're going to damage them!). Here, the verb form is used, but the adjective abîmé follows once the damage is done.
In Shops: If you find a shirt with a small snag in a clothing store, you might point it out to a clerk: "Excusez-moi, cet article est un peu abîmé, est-ce que je peux avoir une réduction ?" (Excuse me, this item is a bit damaged, can I have a discount?).
"Le vernis de la table est abîmé par l'humidité." (The table's varnish is damaged by humidity.)
In News and Reports: When reporting on natural disasters or accidents, journalists use abîmé to describe property damage. "Plusieurs bâtiments ont été abîmés par la tempête." (Several buildings were damaged by the storm). While endommagé is slightly more formal, abîmé is frequently used in spoken news reports.
One of the most frequent mistakes learners make is confusing abîmé with cassé (broken). While they are related, they are not interchangeable. If a glass is in pieces, it is cassé. If a glass has a small scratch on the surface but is still in one piece, it is abîmé.
- Mistake: Saying "Ma voiture est cassée" when you mean it has a dent. Correction: Use "Ma voiture est abîmée". 'Cassée' implies it won't start or is destroyed.
- Mistake: Forgetting the feminine 'e'. Correction: "La pomme est abîmée" (not abîmé).
- Mistake: Using it for 'hurt' (people). Correction: If you fall and hurt your knee, you are blessé, not abîmé. However, you can say your skin is abîmée.
"Attention, ne confondez pas abîmé (damaged surface) et cassé (broken/non-functional)."
Another mistake is using abîmé for food that is completely rotten. While you can use it for a bruised fruit, if the food is truly spoiled and inedible, pourri (rotten) or périmé (expired) are more accurate. Abîmé suggests the beginning of deterioration or physical impact damage.
French has several words for damage, each with its own nuance. Understanding these will help you sound more like a native speaker.
- Endommagé
- This is the more formal cousin of abîmé. You'll see it in legal documents, insurance papers, and formal reports. It sounds more professional.
- Détérioré
- Suggests a gradual worsening over time. A building that hasn't been maintained for 50 years is détérioré.
- Gâté
- Specifically used for food (spoiled) or children (spoiled/pampered). For a fruit, gâté is a synonym for abîmé.
- Usé
- Means 'worn out' from use. Clothes that have been washed too many times are usés, not necessarily abîmés (though they can be both).
"Le mur est dégradé par les graffitis." (The wall is degraded/damaged by graffiti.)
When choosing between these, consider the cause and the context. If it's a small accident, abîmé is your best bet. If it's a technical failure, en panne might be better. If it's total destruction, use détruit.
How Formal Is It?
Guía de pronunciación
Nivel de dificultad
Gramática que debes saber
Agreement of past participles used as adjectives
Adverb placement with adjectives
Passive voice construction
Comparative and superlative forms
Nouns of quality
Ejemplos por nivel
Le livre est abîmé.
The book is damaged.
Masculine singular agreement.
La pomme est abîmée.
The apple is spoiled.
Feminine singular agreement (add -e).
Mon jouet est abîmé.
My toy is damaged.
Simple subject-verb-adjective.
C'est un peu abîmé.
It is a bit damaged.
Use of 'un peu' as a modifier.
Les stylos sont abîmés.
The pens are damaged.
Masculine plural agreement (add -s).
La table n'est pas abîmée.
The table is not damaged.
Negative structure with 'ne...pas'.
Regarde, c'est abîmé !
Look, it's damaged!
Exclamatory use.
Est-ce que c'est abîmé ?
Is it damaged?
Simple question structure.
J'ai reçu un colis abîmé ce matin.
I received a damaged package this morning.
Adjective following the noun.
Ma voiture est abîmée sur le côté.
My car is damaged on the side.
Describing a specific location of damage.
Tes chaussures sont très abîmées.
Your shoes are very worn out.
Plural agreement and intensity.
Le mur est abîmé par l'eau.
The wall is damaged by water.
Using 'par' to show the cause.
Ne mange pas cette fraise, elle est abîmée.
Don't eat this strawberry, it's spoiled.
Context of food.
Le sac est abîmé, je veux un remboursement.
The bag is damaged, I want a refund.
Practical consumer context.
Il a abîmé son pantalon en tombant.
He damaged his pants while falling.
Verb form 'abîmer' in passé composé.
C'est dommage, la photo est abîmée.
It's a shame, the photo is damaged.
Expressing regret.
Le vernis de la table est abîmé à cause du soleil.
The table's varnish is damaged because of the sun.
Complex cause 'à cause de'.
Ses cheveux sont abîmés par les colorations fréquentes.
Her hair is damaged by frequent coloring.
Specific beauty context.
Le document était trop abîmé pour être lu.
The document was too damaged to be read.
Structure 'trop... pour...'.
Elle a la voix abîmée par le froid.
Her voice is damaged (hoarse) by the cold.
Metaphorical use for voice.
On ne peut pas vendre ces fruits car ils sont abîmés.
We can't sell these fruits because they are spoiled.
Logical connection with 'car'.
L'écran de mon téléphone est tout abîmé.
My phone screen is all scratched up.
Use of 'tout' for emphasis.
Fais attention à ne pas abîmer la carrosserie.
Be careful not to damage the bodywork.
Infinitive after 'à ne pas'.
Les vieux murs abîmés ont beaucoup de charme.
The old damaged walls have a lot of charm.
Aesthetic description.
Leur relation a été sérieusement abîmée par ces mensonges.
Their relationship was seriously damaged by these lies.
Figurative use for relationships.
Le patrimoine historique est abîmé par la pollution urbaine.
Historical heritage is damaged by urban pollution.
Formal/Abstract context.
Il est revenu de la guerre l'esprit abîmé.
He returned from the war with a damaged mind.
Psychological application.
La réputation de l'entreprise est abîmée par ce scandale.
The company's reputation is damaged by this scandal.
Professional/Abstract context.
Bien que l'emballage soit abîmé, le produit est intact.
Although the packaging is damaged, the product is intact.
Subjunctive after 'bien que'.
Les fresques ont été abîmées par des siècles d'humidité.
The frescoes were damaged by centuries of humidity.
Passive voice with 'ont été'.
Elle semblait abîmée par la fatigue et le chagrin.
She seemed worn out by fatigue and grief.
Describing a person's state.
Le terrain est abîmé après le passage des camions.
The ground is ruined after the trucks passed through.
Describing landscape damage.
C'est un homme abîmé par les épreuves de la vie.
He is a man broken by life's hardships.
Literary/Existential nuance.
La délicate dentelle était abîmée, presque en lambeaux.
The delicate lace was damaged, almost in tatters.
Descriptive precision.
Le temps a abîmé les traits de son visage autrefois si pur.
Time has marred the features of her once so pure face.
Poetic use of the verb.
L'écosystème local est durablement abîmé par l'activité industrielle.
The local ecosystem is lastingly damaged by industrial activity.
Environmental/Scientific context.
Sa confiance en soi a été abîmée dès l'enfance.
Her self-confidence was damaged from childhood.
Psychological depth.
Le manuscrit, bien qu'abîmé, révèle des secrets fascinants.
The manuscript, although damaged, reveals fascinating secrets.
Concessive clause.
Le paysage sonore est abîmé par le vrombissement incessant des moteurs.
The soundscape is marred by the incessant roar of engines.
Metaphorical 'soundscape'.
Il portait un manteau abîmé qui témoignait de sa pauvreté.
He wore a worn-out coat that bore witness to his poverty.
Social commentary.
L'œuvre, abîmée par une restauration malheureuse, a perdu de sa superbe.
The work, damaged by an unfortunate restoration, has lost its grandeur.
Art criticism context.
La structure même de la société semble abîmée par l'individualisme.
The very structure of society seems damaged by individualism.
Sociological abstraction.
Une âme abîmée cherche souvent refuge dans le silence.
A damaged soul often seeks refuge in silence.
Philosophical/Literary.
Le dialogue politique est abîmé par la démagogie ambiante.
Political dialogue is marred by the prevailing demagoguery.
Political analysis.
Chaque ride racontait une histoire, un instant de vie abîmé par le regret.
Each wrinkle told a story, a moment of life marred by regret.
High literary style.
L'intégrité du système de fichiers est abîmée, rendant les données illisibles.
The integrity of the file system is corrupted, making the data unreadable.
Technical/Computing context.
Son talent, abîmé par l'excès, n'était plus que l'ombre de lui-même.
His talent, ruined by excess, was nothing more than a shadow of its former self.
Character analysis.
Le silence fut abîmé par un cri lointain.
The silence was broken (marred) by a distant cry.
Synesthetic/Poetic use.
Colocaciones comunes
Frases Comunes
Se confunde a menudo con
Modismos y expresiones
Fácil de confundir
Patrones de oraciones
Cómo usarlo
Abîmé is less formal than endommagé and more common in speech.
Can be used for both physical damage and abstract concepts like reputation.
- Using 'abîmé' for a broken leg (use 'cassé').
- Forgetting the feminine 'e' in 'une boîte abîmée'.
- Using 'abîmé' for a computer that won't turn on (use 'en panne').
- Confusing 'abîmé' with 'animé' (animated).
- Using 'abîmé' for a person who is sick (use 'malade').
Consejos
Check the Agreement
Always look at the gender of the noun. 'La chaise' is feminine, so 'abîmée'.
Use Synonyms
Try 'endommagé' in a professional email to sound more formal.
Emphasis
Say 'C'est tout abîmé !' with a bit of emotion to sound natural.
Food
Use it for fruit that has brown spots but is still edible.
Verb vs Adjective
Remember 'J'ai abîmé' (I damaged) vs 'C'est abîmé' (It is damaged).
Listen for 'Tout'
Natives often say 'tout abîmé' even if it's only slightly damaged.
Descriptions
Use it to describe the texture of old objects in stories.
Shopping
If you see 'abîmé' on a tag in a French store, expect a discount.
Association
Associate 'abîmé' with 'a bit messy'.
Severity
Use 'abîmé' for surface damage and 'détruit' for total destruction.
Memorízalo
Origen de la palabra
From the noun 'abîme' (abyss), from Late Latin 'abyssus', from Greek 'abyssos'.
Contexto cultural
In vintage fashion, 'abîmé' can sometimes add character, though 'patiné' is preferred.
Pointing out something 'abîmé' in someone's home should be done with extreme tact.
The 'Gueules Cassées' initiative encourages buying 'abîmé' produce.
Practica en la vida real
Contextos reales
Inicios de conversación
"Est-ce que ton téléphone est abîmé ?"
"Que fais-tu avec les fruits abîmés ?"
"As-tu déjà reçu un colis abîmé ?"
"Est-ce que tu préfères les vieux livres abîmés ou les neufs ?"
"Comment réparer un vêtement abîmé ?"
Temas para diario
Décrivez un objet abîmé que vous gardez précieusement.
Avez-vous déjà abîmé quelque chose qui appartenait à quelqu'un d'autre ?
Pourquoi aimons-nous parfois les choses un peu abîmées ?
Racontez une fois où vous avez reçu un produit abîmé.
Comment le temps a-t-il abîmé votre quartier ou votre ville ?
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasYes, but usually informally to mean someone looks tired or worn out. For injuries, use 'blessé'.
Abîmé means damaged (scratched, dented), while cassé means broken (in pieces or not working).
It is neutral. You can use it in everyday speech and writing. 'Endommagé' is more formal.
Yes, for bruised or slightly spoiled fruit and vegetables.
Add an 's': abîmés (masculine) or abîmées (feminine).
It can imply the start of rotting, but 'pourri' is the specific word for rotten.
Yes, very commonly for split ends or dry hair.
The verb is 'abîmer' (to damage).
Yes, to describe the dents and scratches on the car.
There is no 'h' in 'abîmé'. It starts with 'a'.
Ponte a prueba 180 preguntas
/ 180 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
Use 'abîmé' for any situation where something's condition has deteriorated—from a bruised apple to a scratched car or a damaged reputation—but remember it's less severe than 'cassé' (broken).
- Abîmé means damaged, spoiled, or worn out.
- It is the past participle of the verb 'abîmer'.
- It applies to objects, food, hair, and metaphorically to people.
- Agreement in gender and number is required (abîmé, abîmée, abîmés, abîmées).
Check the Agreement
Always look at the gender of the noun. 'La chaise' is feminine, so 'abîmée'.
Use Synonyms
Try 'endommagé' in a professional email to sound more formal.
Emphasis
Say 'C'est tout abîmé !' with a bit of emotion to sound natural.
Food
Use it for fruit that has brown spots but is still edible.
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