être fâché (contre) en 30 segundos
- To be angry with someone.
- Requires agreement of 'fâché' with the subject.
- 'Contre' specifies the target of the anger.
- Common in everyday conversations.
- Meaning
- The French expression être fâché (contre) directly translates to 'to be angry (with someone)'. It's a very common and versatile way to express displeasure, annoyance, or anger towards a person or a situation. The preposition 'contre' is crucial here as it indicates that the anger is directed specifically at someone. Without 'contre', 'être fâché' can sometimes imply being angry about something in general, though it's less common and can sound a bit incomplete.
- Usage
- This expression is used in everyday conversations, both formal and informal, though its intensity can vary. You might hear it among friends, family members, colleagues, or even in more official settings if the situation warrants it. It's a fundamental phrase for expressing negative emotions in French. For example, if your friend is late for a meeting, you might say, "Je suis fâché contre toi pour ton retard." (I am angry with you for your lateness.). It can range from mild irritation to significant anger, depending on the tone of voice and the context. It's important to note the directness of the expression; it clearly states that a feeling of anger exists and specifies its target when 'contre' is used.
- Nuance
- While 'être fâché' is the most common way to say 'to be angry', French also offers other expressions that convey similar sentiments with slightly different nuances. For instance, 'être en colère' is another very common and direct way to express anger. 'Être contrarié' suggests being upset or annoyed, which is a milder form of anger. 'Être irrité' implies being provoked or bothered. Understanding these subtle differences helps in choosing the most appropriate expression for a given situation. The inclusion of 'contre' makes 'être fâché' particularly useful for personal disagreements or when addressing someone directly about their actions.
When your brother borrows your favorite sweater without asking, you might feel être fâché against him.
- Basic Structure
- The fundamental structure for using être fâché (contre) is: Subject + conjugated form of 'être' + 'fâché(e)(s)' + 'contre' + Object (the person or thing you are angry with). The verb 'être' will change according to the subject (je, tu, il/elle/on, nous, vous, ils/elles). The adjective 'fâché' must agree in gender and number with the subject. For example, if the subject is 'je' and the speaker is male, it's 'je suis fâché'. If the speaker is female, it's 'je suis fâchée'. If the subject is plural like 'nous' (we), it becomes 'nous sommes fâchés' (if the group is all male or mixed) or 'nous sommes fâchées' (if the group is all female).
- Examples with 'contre'
- When expressing anger directed at a specific person, the preposition 'contre' is essential. For instance:
- Je suis fâché contre mon voisin car il fait trop de bruit. (I am angry with my neighbor because he makes too much noise.) - Here, 'je' (male) is angry 'contre' (with) 'mon voisin' (my neighbor).
- Elle est fâchée contre son patron à cause de la charge de travail. (She is angry with her boss because of the workload.) - 'Elle' (she) is angry 'contre' (with) 'son patron' (her boss).
- Nous sommes fâchés contre vous pour ce que vous avez dit. (We are angry with you for what you said.) - 'Nous' (we, mixed or male group) are angry 'contre' (with) 'vous' (you).
- Examples without 'contre' (less common, different meaning)
- While 'être fâché' can sometimes be used without 'contre' to express general displeasure or being upset about a situation, it's less direct and can sometimes sound incomplete. For example:
- Je suis fâché. (I am angry/upset.) - This is a general statement of feeling.
- Il est fâché. (He is angry/upset.) - Again, a general statement.
- Variations in Intensity
- The intensity of 'être fâché contre' can be modified with adverbs. For example, 'être très fâché contre' means 'to be very angry with', while 'être un peu fâché contre' means 'to be a little angry with'. The tone of voice and the surrounding words also play a significant role in conveying the level of anger.
If your friend cancels plans last minute, you might say, "Je suis fâché contre toi pour avoir annulé notre rendez-vous!"
- Everyday Conversations
- You will hear être fâché (contre) constantly in everyday French conversations. Imagine a scenario where two friends are discussing a misunderstanding. One might say, "Franchement, je suis un peu fâché contre toi pour ce que tu as fait hier." (Frankly, I am a bit angry with you for what you did yesterday.). Or in a family setting, a parent might tell a child, "Je suis fâché contre toi car tu n'as pas rangé ta chambre." (I am angry with you because you didn't tidy your room.). This expression is as common as 'to be angry with' in English. It's used in casual chats, heated discussions, and even in expressing mild irritation. The presence of 'contre' makes it specifically about interpersonal anger.
- Media and Entertainment
- In French films, television shows, and literature, être fâché (contre) is frequently employed to depict characters experiencing conflict or expressing negative emotions towards others. A dramatic scene might involve a character exclaiming, "Comment peux-tu être fâché contre moi après tout ce que j'ai fait pour toi?" (How can you be angry with me after all I've done for you?). News reports discussing political disputes or social conflicts might also use this phrase to describe the sentiment between individuals or groups. It's a staple for portraying emotional reactions in narrative contexts.
- Workplace Interactions
- While professional environments might sometimes favor more diplomatic language, être fâché (contre) can still appear, especially in more direct or informal workplace discussions. For example, if a project deadline is missed due to a colleague's oversight, one might say to that colleague, "Je suis fâché contre toi car cela met en péril le projet." (I am angry with you because this jeopardizes the project.). It's a clear way to communicate dissatisfaction with a colleague's actions or performance, though in very formal settings, alternatives might be preferred.
- Expressions of Disagreement
- Beyond personal relationships, être fâché (contre) can be used to express anger about policies, decisions, or actions taken by institutions or public figures, although 'contre' would be used with the entity. For example, "Les citoyens sont fâchés contre la nouvelle loi." (The citizens are angry with the new law.). This shows its applicability beyond just individual-to-individual anger.
In a heated debate on a French talk show, a politician might declare, "Je suis fâché contre ceux qui propagent de fausses informations."
- Forgetting Agreement
- One of the most frequent errors for learners is forgetting to make the adjective 'fâché' agree in gender and number with the subject. For example, a female speaker might incorrectly say 'Je suis fâché' instead of 'Je suis fâchée'. Similarly, a group of women might say 'Ils sont fâchés' when it should be 'Elles sont fâchées'. This grammatical agreement is fundamental in French and applies to all adjectives preceding or following a noun that describes the subject. Always consider the gender and number of the person or people you are referring to when conjugating adjectives.
- Incorrect Preposition
- Another common mistake is using the wrong preposition, or omitting it altogether when it's needed. While 'être fâché' can sometimes stand alone to mean 'to be upset', if you are directing that anger *at* someone, you must use 'contre'. Learners might say 'Je suis fâché avec toi' (which isn't standard French for anger) or 'Je suis fâché de toi' (which sounds like you are angry about the fact of their existence rather than their actions). The correct preposition for directing anger at a person is almost always 'contre'. For example, 'Il est fâché contre son ami' is correct, while 'Il est fâché avec son ami' might imply a more general estrangement or disagreement, not necessarily anger.
- Confusing 'Fâché' with 'Faché' (with accent)
- While the spelling is very similar, 'fâché' (with the grave accent) means 'angry' or 'upset'. The word 'faché' (without the accent) is a verb in the past participle form of 'fâcher' (to anger, to annoy), and it's often used in constructions like 'il s'est fâché' (he got angry). However, when used as an adjective to describe a state of being angry, the accent is crucial. Using 'fâché' without the accent in a sentence like 'Je suis fâché contre lui' would be grammatically incorrect. This is a subtle but important distinction in written French.
- Overuse or Underuse
- Some learners might overuse 'être fâché contre' when a milder expression would be more appropriate, making them sound overly aggressive. Conversely, others might underuse it, opting for vague terms when directness is needed. Understanding the context and the appropriate level of emotional expression is key. For minor annoyances, 'être un peu contrarié' (to be a little annoyed) might be better than 'être fâché'. For strong anger, 'être furieux' (to be furious) might be more fitting than just 'fâché'.
Incorrect: "Je suis fâché avec mon professeur." Correct: "Je suis fâché contre mon professeur."
- Être en colère
- Être en colère is a very close synonym for être fâché. Both mean 'to be angry'. The usage is often interchangeable, and both require agreement with the subject.
Être fâché contre X: Je suis fâché contre mon frère. (I am angry with my brother.)
Être en colère contre X: Je suis en colère contre mon frère. (I am angry with my brother.)
Sometimes, 'en colère' might imply a slightly stronger or more overt display of anger than 'fâché', but this is not a strict rule and depends heavily on context and tone. Both are very common. - Être contrarié
- Être contrarié translates to 'to be upset', 'to be annoyed', or 'to be vexed'. It is generally a milder emotion than anger. You would use this when you are bothered or displeased, but not necessarily furious.
Être fâché contre X: Je suis fâché contre toi pour ton retard. (I am angry with you for your lateness - implies significant annoyance/anger.)
Être contrarié contre X: Je suis contrarié contre toi pour ton retard. (I am annoyed with you for your lateness - implies displeasure but less intense anger.)
It can also be used without 'contre' to express general displeasure about a situation: 'Je suis contrarié par cette nouvelle.' (I am upset by this news.) - Être irrité
- Être irrité means 'to be irritated' or 'to be bothered'. This implies a feeling of annoyance caused by something or someone that is repetitive or bothersome. It's often a more passive form of displeasure than anger.
Être fâché contre X: Si tu ne m'écoutes pas, je serai fâché contre toi. (If you don't listen to me, I will be angry with you.)
Être irrité par X: Je suis irrité par le bruit constant. (I am irritated by the constant noise.)
It can be used with 'contre' but is more commonly used with 'par' (by) or 'de' (by/about). 'Être irrité contre quelqu'un' suggests being bothered by their actions or presence. - Être mécontent
- Être mécontent means 'to be unhappy' or 'to be displeased'. This is a more general term for dissatisfaction. It's less about active anger and more about a lack of satisfaction.
Être fâché contre X: Le client est fâché contre le service. (The client is angry with the service.)
Être mécontent de X: Le client est mécontent du service. (The client is unhappy with the service.)
'Mécontent' is typically followed by 'de' (of/with) rather than 'contre'.
While 'être fâché' and 'être en colère' are very similar, 'être contrarié' is for annoyance, and 'être mécontent' is for general dissatisfaction.
How Formal Is It?
Dato curioso
The Latin root 'fascia' also gives us words like 'fascicule' (a small bundle) and 'fascinate' (originally meaning to bewitch or ensnare). The connection to 'anger' is a fascinating evolution, perhaps suggesting that strong emotions can feel like being 'bound' or trapped.
Guía de pronunciación
- Pronouncing 'fâché' without the grave accent on the 'a', which changes the vowel sound.
- Not nasalizing the 'on' sound in 'contre'.
- Incorrectly pronouncing the 'ch' sound.
- Omitting the 'r' sound at the end of 'contre'.
Nivel de dificultad
The CEFR B1 level indicates that learners at this stage should be able to understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters. 'Être fâché contre' is a common expression, and its meaning and usage are generally straightforward for B1 learners, especially when presented with context.
Producing correct sentences with 'être fâché contre' requires attention to adjective agreement and correct preposition usage, which are typical challenges for B1 learners.
Pronouncing the phrase correctly and using it spontaneously in conversation requires practice, particularly regarding adjective agreement and intonation.
Understanding 'être fâché contre' when spoken is usually achievable for B1 learners, especially when the context makes the meaning clear.
Qué aprender después
Requisitos previos
Aprende después
Avanzado
Gramática que debes saber
Adjective Agreement
Elle est fâchée contre lui. (The adjective 'fâché' agrees in gender with the feminine subject 'elle'.)
Conjugation of 'être'
Nous sommes fâchés contre vous. (The verb 'être' is conjugated to 'sommes' for the subject 'nous'.)
Preposition 'contre'
Je suis fâché contre mon ami. (The preposition 'contre' is used to indicate the target of the anger.)
Using 'parce que' or 'car' to explain anger
Il est fâché contre elle parce que/car elle a oublié.
Using relative clauses to specify the reason for anger
Je suis fâché contre lui qui a fait ça.
Ejemplos por nivel
Je suis fâché.
I am angry.
Simple statement of emotion.
Elle est fâchée.
She is angry.
Fâchée agrees with 'elle'.
Il est fâché.
He is angry.
Fâché agrees with 'il'.
Nous sommes fâchés.
We are angry.
Fâchés agrees with 'nous'.
Tu es fâché contre moi?
Are you angry with me?
Uses 'contre' to specify the target of anger.
Papa est fâché contre le chien.
Dad is angry with the dog.
Simple sentence structure with 'contre'.
Elle est fâchée contre sa sœur.
She is angry with her sister.
Fâchée agrees with 'elle'.
Je suis fâché contre toi.
I am angry with you.
Direct address, 'contre' is key.
Mon frère est fâché contre moi parce que j'ai emprunté son vélo.
My brother is angry with me because I borrowed his bike.
Includes a reason for the anger ('parce que').
Pourquoi es-tu fâché contre elle?
Why are you angry with her?
Question form using 'pourquoi'.
Ils sont fâchés contre leur voisin à cause du bruit.
They are angry with their neighbor because of the noise.
Plural subject 'ils' and cause ('à cause de').
Je suis fâchée contre toi, tu es toujours en retard!
I am angry with you, you are always late!
Exclamation and a common reason for anger.
Elle est fâchée contre son professeur car il n'a pas expliqué clairement.
She is angry with her teacher because he didn't explain clearly.
Using 'car' for explanation.
Nous sommes fâchés contre vous pour votre comportement.
We are angry with you for your behavior.
Formal 'vous' and general reason.
Il est fâché contre l'administration.
He is angry with the administration.
Anger towards an institution.
Ma mère est fâchée contre moi.
My mother is angry with me.
Possessive adjective 'ma'.
Je suis fâché contre mon ami car il a oublié mon anniversaire.
I am angry with my friend because he forgot my birthday.
Expressing anger with a specific reason using 'car'.
Elle est fâchée contre son patron à cause de la charge de travail excessive.
She is angry with her boss due to the excessive workload.
Using 'à cause de' for a negative cause.
Nous sommes fâchés contre le gouvernement pour sa politique.
We are angry with the government for its policy.
Anger directed at a collective entity.
Pourquoi es-tu si fâché contre lui? Il a juste fait une erreur.
Why are you so angry with him? He just made a mistake.
Using 'si' to intensify 'fâché', and a mitigating phrase.
Les enfants sont fâchés contre leurs parents pour ne pas avoir pu aller au parc.
The children are angry with their parents for not being able to go to the park.
Plural subject 'les enfants' and a negative infinitive clause.
Il est fâché contre moi, mais je ne comprends pas pourquoi.
He is angry with me, but I don't understand why.
Expressing confusion about someone's anger.
Je suis fâchée contre toi pour ton manque de respect.
I am angry with you for your lack of respect.
Expressing anger about a specific character trait/action.
Elle est fâchée contre son équipe car ils ont perdu le match.
She is angry with her team because they lost the match.
Expressing disappointment in a team's performance.
Je suis fâché contre mon collègue qui a pris le crédit pour mon travail.
I am angry with my colleague who took credit for my work.
Using a relative clause ('qui') to specify the reason.
Elle est fâchée contre la compagnie d'assurance qui refuse de payer.
She is angry with the insurance company that refuses to pay.
Anger towards a corporate entity.
Nous sommes fâchés contre les politiciens qui ne tiennent pas leurs promesses.
We are angry with the politicians who do not keep their promises.
General dissatisfaction with political figures.
Pourquoi es-tu si fâché contre moi? J'essayais seulement de t'aider.
Why are you so angry with me? I was only trying to help you.
Expressing a misunderstanding of intentions.
Les voisins sont fâchés contre le promoteur immobilier pour la construction excessive.
The neighbors are angry with the real estate developer for the excessive construction.
Anger towards a business entity and its actions.
Il est fâché contre le système, qu'il juge injuste.
He is angry with the system, which he deems unfair.
Using a non-restrictive relative clause ('qu'il juge').
Je suis fâchée contre toi pour ton égoïsme flagrant.
I am angry with you for your blatant selfishness.
Using a strong adjective ('flagrant').
Elle est fâchée contre la décision du comité, qu'elle trouve arbitraire.
She is angry with the committee's decision, which she finds arbitrary.
Expressing disagreement with a formal decision.
Je suis fâché contre mon ancien professeur, dont l'enseignement m'a profondément marqué.
I am angry with my former teacher, whose teaching profoundly marked me.
Using 'dont' (whose) in a complex relative clause.
Elle est fâchée contre les médias qui, selon elle, déforment la vérité.
She is angry with the media which, according to her, distort the truth.
Using 'selon elle' and a subordinate clause.
Nous sommes fâchés contre l'inertie gouvernementale face à la crise climatique.
We are angry with the governmental inertia in the face of the climate crisis.
Using abstract nouns and more sophisticated vocabulary.
Pourquoi es-tu si fâché contre moi? N'oublie pas que j'ai agi dans ton meilleur intérêt.
Why are you so angry with me? Don't forget that I acted in your best interest.
Using a negative imperative and a clause of reason.
Les citoyens sont fâchés contre le système judiciaire, qu'ils jugent corrompu.
The citizens are angry with the judicial system, which they deem corrupt.
Using 'qu'ils jugent' for a nuanced opinion.
Il est fâché contre sa propre lâcheté, qu'il regrette amèrement.
He is angry with his own cowardice, which he bitterly regrets.
Self-directed anger and regret.
Je suis fâchée contre toi pour avoir trahi ma confiance.
I am angry with you for having betrayed my trust.
Using a perfect infinitive ('avoir trahi').
Elle est fâchée contre l'hypocrisie ambiante, qui la révulse.
She is angry with the surrounding hypocrisy, which repulses her.
Using 'ambiant' and a strong verb ('révulse').
Je suis fâché contre cette rhétorique insidieuse qui vise à diviser.
I am angry with this insidious rhetoric that aims to divide.
Sophisticated vocabulary ('rhétorique insidieuse', 'diviser').
Elle est fâchée contre l'aveuglement volontaire de ceux qui refusent de voir la réalité.
She is angry with the willful blindness of those who refuse to see reality.
Complex abstract concepts ('aveuglement volontaire').
Nous sommes fâchés contre le cynisme ambiant qui gangrène notre société.
We are angry with the pervasive cynicism that is gangrenous to our society.
Figurative language ('cynisme ambiant', 'gangrène').
Pourquoi es-tu si fâché contre moi? N'as-tu pas conscience des sacrifices que j'ai consentis?
Why are you so angry with me? Are you not aware of the sacrifices I have made?
Rhetorical question and advanced vocabulary ('conscience', 'consentis').
Les citoyens sont fâchés contre l'incurie des dirigeants, qui ont failli à leur devoir.
The citizens are angry with the negligence of the leaders, who have failed in their duty.
Strong, critical vocabulary ('incurie', 'failli à').
Il est fâché contre lui-même pour avoir cédé à la tentation.
He is angry with himself for having given in to temptation.
Self-directed anger with a perfect infinitive.
Je suis fâchée contre toi pour avoir manqué de considération.
I am angry with you for having lacked consideration.
Using 'manquer de' and a perfect infinitive.
Elle est fâchée contre l'indifférence générale face à une injustice criante.
She is angry with the general indifference in the face of a glaring injustice.
Strong abstract nouns ('indifférence', 'injustice criante').
Sinónimos
Antónimos
Colocaciones comunes
Frases Comunes
— I am angry with you. This is the most direct and common way to express personal anger towards the listener.
Je suis fâché contre toi car tu as oublié notre rendez-vous.
— Why are you angry with me? Used to inquire about the reason for someone's anger towards the speaker.
Pourquoi es-tu fâché contre moi? Je n'ai rien fait.
— She is angry with her brother. A standard way to report someone else's anger towards a third party.
Elle est fâchée contre son frère pour lui avoir emprunté sa voiture sans permission.
— They are angry with the government. Used to express collective anger towards an authority or institution.
Ils sont fâchés contre le gouvernement pour sa gestion de la crise.
— He is angry with his boss. Common in a professional context when an employee is displeased with their superior.
Il est fâché contre son patron car il n'a pas reçu de promotion.
— We are angry with you. A polite or formal way to express anger from a group towards an individual or group.
Nous sommes fâchés contre vous pour votre manque de ponctualité.
— To be angry with someone for something. This structure clearly states both the target of the anger and its cause.
Je suis fâché contre toi pour ton attitude désagréable.
— I am not angry with you. Used to reassure someone that you are not upset with them.
Ne t'inquiète pas, je ne suis pas fâché contre toi du tout.
— To be angry with fate. A more philosophical or dramatic way to express discontent with one's circumstances.
Il est fâché contre le destin pour toutes les épreuves qu'il a traversées.
— To be angry with oneself. Expresses self-recrimination or regret for one's own actions.
Elle est fâchée contre elle-même pour avoir dit quelque chose de stupide.
Se confunde a menudo con
This phrase means 'to be angry' but often without specifying the target. 'Être fâché contre' is more precise when directing anger at someone.
While sometimes used colloquially, 'être fâché avec' generally implies a more general estrangement or disagreement rather than direct anger. 'Contre' is the standard preposition for anger directed at someone.
'Être contrarié' means 'to be upset or annoyed', which is a milder emotion than 'fâché'. It's important to distinguish the intensity.
Modismos y expresiones
— Literally 'to have one's blood boiling'. This idiom signifies being extremely angry, often uncontrollably so. It's a stronger expression of anger than 'être fâché'.
Son insolence me fait bouillir le sang, je suis fâché contre lui.
Informal— Literally 'to not be able to see someone in painting'. This idiom means to dislike someone intensely and to be unable to stand them, often implying a deep-seated anger or animosity.
Après leur dispute, elle ne peut plus voir son ex-ami en peinture, elle est vraiment fâchée contre lui.
Informal— Literally 'to have a tooth against someone'. This means to hold a grudge against someone, to be resentful, and often angry with them for something in the past.
Il a une dent contre son ancien patron, il est toujours fâché contre lui.
Informal— Literally 'to be on someone's nerves'. This implies causing annoyance or irritation, which can lead to anger. If someone is on your nerves, you might become fâché against them.
Ses manières agaçantes sont sur les nerfs de tout le monde, tout le monde est fâché contre lui.
Informal— To fly into a rage. This refers to the act of suddenly becoming very angry, often expressed vocally or physically. It's the action of getting angry, related to the state of being fâché.
Quand il a découvert le problème, il a piqué une colère, il était vraiment fâché contre le technicien.
Informal— To sulk or to give someone the silent treatment. This is a non-verbal expression of being upset or angry, often used by children but also by adults.
Elle fait la tête parce qu'elle est fâchée contre son père.
Informal— Literally 'to have mustard rising to the nose'. This idiom describes the feeling of anger building up, similar to 'avoir le sang qui bout' but perhaps slightly less intense.
Sa dernière remarque m'a fait monter la moutarde au nez, je suis fâché contre lui.
Informal— To make someone angry. This is the transitive verb form, the action of causing someone to become 'fâché'.
Ses mensonges m'ont mis en colère, je suis fâché contre lui.
Neutral— To be like cats and dogs, meaning to constantly argue and fight. This indicates a state of ongoing conflict, where anger is a frequent emotion.
Ils sont comme chien et chat, toujours fâchés l'un contre l'autre.
Informal— To grumble or complain. This is often a sign of being annoyed or fâché, but less direct than expressing anger openly.
Il râle tout le temps, il est toujours un peu fâché contre quelqu'un.
InformalFácil de confundir
The word 'fâché' itself is an adjective meaning 'angry'. It needs the verb 'être' to form the complete expression 'to be angry'.
'Être fâché contre' is the complete phrase for expressing anger towards someone. 'Fâché' alone is just the adjective describing the state of anger. For example, 'Je suis fâché' means 'I am angry', but 'Je suis fâché contre toi' specifies who you are angry with.
Il est fâché. (He is angry.) vs. Il est fâché contre son frère. (He is angry with his brother.)
'Fâcher' is the verb meaning 'to anger' or 'to annoy'. It's the action that causes someone to *become* fâché.
'Être fâché contre' describes the state of being angry. 'Fâcher' describes the act of causing anger. For instance, 'Son comportement m'a fâché' means 'His behavior angered me', leading to the state 'Je suis fâché contre lui'.
Il me fâche. (He angers me.) vs. Je suis fâché contre lui. (I am angry with him.)
'Colère' is the noun for 'anger'. It's the emotion itself, whereas 'être fâché contre' is the expression of that emotion directed at someone.
'Être fâché contre' describes the state of being angry. 'Colère' is the abstract concept of anger. You can feel 'colère', and this feeling might make you 'être fâché contre' someone. For example, 'Il a de la colère contre son ennemi' (He has anger towards his enemy) is less common than 'Il est fâché contre son ennemi'.
La colère monte en lui. (Anger rises in him.) vs. Il est fâché contre son voisin. (He is angry with his neighbor.)
'Se fâcher' is the reflexive verb meaning 'to get angry'. It describes the process of becoming angry.
'Être fâché contre' describes the state of *being* angry with someone. 'Se fâcher' describes the action of *becoming* angry. For example, 'Il s'est fâché contre moi' means 'He got angry with me'. The state he is now in is 'Il est fâché contre moi'.
Elle s'est fâchée. (She got angry.) vs. Elle est fâchée contre lui. (She is angry with him.)
'Contrarié' means 'upset' or 'annoyed', which is a milder form of displeasure than 'fâché' (angry).
While both express negative emotions, 'fâché' implies a stronger emotion, closer to anger or wrath, whereas 'contrarié' suggests mild displeasure, irritation, or being bothered. 'Être fâché contre' is more intense than 'être contrarié contre'.
Je suis fâché contre toi pour ton retard. (I am angry with you for your lateness.) vs. Je suis contrarié contre toi pour ton retard. (I am annoyed with you for your lateness.)
Patrones de oraciones
Subject + suis/es/est/sommes/êtes/sont + fâché(e)(s) + contre + Noun/Pronoun
Je suis fâché contre toi.
Subject + être (conj.) + fâché(e)(s) + contre + Noun + parce que/car + Clause
Elle est fâchée contre son frère car il a pris son livre.
Question Word + être (conj.) + Subject + fâché(e)(s) + contre + Noun/Pronoun?
Pourquoi es-tu fâché contre moi?
Subject + être (conj.) + fâché(e)(s) + contre + Noun + à cause de + Noun Phrase
Nous sommes fâchés contre le bruit à cause du concert.
Subject + être (conj.) + fâché(e)(s) + contre + Noun + qui/que + Clause
Je suis fâché contre le film qui était trop long.
Negation + Subject + être (conj.) + fâché(e)(s) + contre + Noun/Pronoun
Je ne suis pas fâché contre toi.
Subject + être (conj.) + fâché(e)(s) + contre + Noun + dont/où + Clause
Elle est fâchée contre l'entreprise dont elle est partie.
Subject + être (conj.) + fâché(e)(s) + contre + Noun + (subordinate clause with complex verb)
Nous sommes fâchés contre leur insouciance, qu'ils démontrent quotidiennement.
Familia de palabras
Sustantivos
Verbos
Adjetivos
Relacionado
Cómo usarlo
High
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Forgetting adjective agreement.
→
Elle est fâchée contre lui.
The adjective 'fâché' must agree in gender and number with the subject. 'Elle' is feminine singular, so 'fâché' becomes 'fâchée'.
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Using the wrong preposition (e.g., 'avec' instead of 'contre').
→
Je suis fâché contre mon ami.
'Contre' is the correct preposition to express anger directed at someone. 'Avec' might imply disagreement or estrangement but not necessarily anger.
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Pronouncing 'fâché' without the grave accent.
→
fâché
The accent on the 'â' is crucial for the correct pronunciation and meaning. Without it, the word might be mispronounced or confused with other words.
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Using 'fâché' without 'contre' when the target is specified.
→
Ils sont fâchés contre leur voisin.
If you are angry *at* someone, 'contre' is essential for clarity. Saying 'Ils sont fâchés' is a general statement of being angry, but doesn't specify the target.
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Confusing 'être fâché' (to be angry) with 'fâcher' (to anger).
→
Il m'a fâché. Je suis fâché contre lui.
'Fâcher' is the verb (action of causing anger), while 'être fâché contre' is the state of being angry with someone. The first describes the cause, the second describes the effect.
Consejos
Adjective Agreement is Key
Always remember to make 'fâché' agree with the subject in gender and number. For example, 'Je suis fâché' (masculine speaker), 'Je suis fâchée' (feminine speaker), 'Ils sont fâchés', 'Elles sont fâchées'.
Use 'Contre' for Direct Anger
When you are angry *at* a specific person or entity, always use the preposition 'contre'. This makes your expression clear and direct.
Distinguish Intensity
While 'être fâché' is common, consider alternatives like 'être contrarié' (annoyed) for milder feelings or 'être furieux' (furious) for stronger anger, depending on the situation.
Mind the Accent
Pay attention to the grave accent on the 'â' in 'fâché'. It affects the vowel sound. Practice saying it clearly to avoid confusion with similar-sounding words.
Cultural Nuances
While direct expression of anger is acceptable, consider the formality of the situation. 'Être fâché contre' is generally neutral to informal. In very formal settings, you might opt for more diplomatic phrasing.
Create Your Own Sentences
The best way to internalize this phrase is to use it. Write sentences describing hypothetical situations where characters are 'fâché contre' each other. This active recall helps solidify your understanding.
Listen for Context Clues
When listening to French, pay attention to the tone of voice and the surrounding words. These clues will help you understand if 'fâché' is used to express mild annoyance or strong anger.
Avoid 'Fâché Avec'
While 'avec' might seem like a logical preposition, 'contre' is the standard and correct one for expressing anger directed at someone. Stick to 'contre' for clarity.
Visual Mnemonics
Create a mental image: imagine someone with an angry 'face' (fâché) being pushed 'against' (contre) a wall. This can help link the spelling and meaning.
Role-Play Scenarios
Practice role-playing conversations where one person is 'fâché contre' the other. This simulates real-life usage and helps build fluency.
Memorízalo
Mnemotecnia
Imagine a person holding a 'face' (fâché) that is red and angry because they are being 'chased' (châché) by a bear. The 'contre' part can be remembered as they are angry 'against' the bear.
Asociación visual
Picture a frowning face with furrowed brows, perhaps with steam coming out of the ears. The 'â' sound can be associated with an open mouth in an 'ahhh' of anger. The 'contre' can be visualized as a person pointing forcefully 'against' someone.
Word Web
Desafío
Try to use 'être fâché contre' in at least three different sentences today, describing situations where you or someone else might feel angry. Make sure to vary the subject and ensure agreement.
Origen de la palabra
The word 'fâché' comes from the Old French verb 'fâcher', which itself derives from the Latin 'fasciare', meaning 'to bind' or 'to swathe'. The semantic shift to 'anger' likely came from the idea of being 'bound up' or constricted by strong emotions.
Significado original: Originally, 'fâcher' meant to cause pain or distress, to wound. This evolved to mean to annoy or to anger.
Indo-European > Italic > Latin > Romance > Gallo-Romance > Old French > Modern FrenchContexto cultural
While 'être fâché' is a common expression, it's important to be mindful of the context and tone. Using it aggressively can escalate a situation. In formal settings or when dealing with sensitive topics, softer language might be preferred, but for direct communication of personal anger, it is appropriate.
In English-speaking cultures, 'to be angry with' is the direct equivalent. There's a similar emphasis on specifying the target of the anger. The intensity of anger can also be conveyed through adverbs like 'very' or 'extremely'.
Practica en la vida real
Contextos reales
Family disagreements
- Je suis fâché contre toi pour ne pas avoir rangé ta chambre.
- Pourquoi es-tu fâché contre maman?
- Elle est fâchée contre son frère car il a cassé son jouet.
Friendship conflicts
- Je suis fâché contre toi pour avoir oublié mon anniversaire.
- Il est fâché contre son ami pour avoir raconté son secret.
- Nous sommes fâchés contre vous pour votre comportement.
Workplace issues
- Je suis fâché contre mon collègue pour avoir pris le crédit de mon travail.
- Elle est fâchée contre son patron car il ne lui a pas donné d'augmentation.
- Ils sont fâchés contre l'entreprise pour les conditions de travail.
Customer service complaints
- Je suis fâché contre votre service client.
- Le client est fâché contre le magasin pour le produit défectueux.
- Nous sommes fâchés contre la compagnie aérienne pour le retard.
Social or political discontent
- Les citoyens sont fâchés contre le gouvernement.
- Je suis fâché contre cette loi injuste.
- Elle est fâchée contre les médias pour leur partialité.
Inicios de conversación
"Have you ever been really angry with someone? What happened?"
"What's the best way to apologize when you're fâché contre quelqu'un?"
"Can you think of a time when being fâché contre someone actually led to a positive outcome?"
"How do you express that you're fâché without being aggressive?"
"What are some common reasons people get fâché contre each other?"
Temas para diario
Describe a situation where you felt 'fâché contre' someone. What were the circumstances, and how did you resolve it or cope with the feeling?
Reflect on a time you were misunderstood when you were 'fâché'. How could you have communicated your anger more effectively?
Imagine you are writing a letter to someone you are 'fâché contre'. What would you say, and what is your goal in writing it?
How does the feeling of being 'fâché contre' yourself differ from being angry with someone else? Write about a personal experience.
Consider a fictional character you know who is often 'fâché contre' others. Analyze their motivations and the consequences of their anger.
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasBoth phrases mean 'to be angry with someone' and are often interchangeable. 'Être en colère' might sometimes suggest a slightly more intense or overt display of anger, but this distinction is subtle and context-dependent. For most learners, they can be used synonymously.
If you are angry about a situation or an event, you generally wouldn't use 'contre'. Instead, you would use prepositions like 'de' or 'par'. For example, 'Je suis fâché de cette situation' (I am angry about this situation) or 'Je suis fâché par son attitude' (I am angry by his attitude). 'Contre' is specifically for when the anger is directed at a person or entity.
You need to match the gender and number of the subject. If the subject is masculine singular (like 'il' or 'mon ami'), use 'fâché'. If feminine singular ('elle', 'ma sœur'), use 'fâchée'. For masculine or mixed plural ('nous', 'ils'), use 'fâchés'. For feminine plural ('elles'), use 'fâchées'.
Yes, 'être fâché' can be used on its own to mean 'to be angry' or 'to be upset' in a general sense. For example, 'Je suis fâché' means 'I am angry'. However, if you want to specify who you are angry with, 'contre' is necessary and more precise.
If you want to express a milder form of displeasure, you could use 'être contrarié' (to be upset/annoyed) or 'être mécontent' (to be unhappy/displeased), often followed by 'de' instead of 'contre'.
Yes, the grave accent on 'â' in 'fâché' is crucial. 'Fâché' is the adjective meaning 'angry'. 'Fâché' without the accent is the past participle of the verb 'fâcher' (to anger), and is used in constructions like 'Il s'est fâché' (He got angry).
Yes, while 'contre' is most commonly used for people, it can also be used for abstract concepts or institutions when you want to express direct opposition or anger towards them, such as 'être fâché contre le système' (to be angry with the system) or 'être fâché contre la bureaucratie' (to be angry with the bureaucracy).
You would say 'Je ne suis pas fâché contre toi'. Remember to adjust 'fâché' if the speaker is female: 'Je ne suis pas fâchée contre toi'.
The most common and direct ways are 'être fâché contre quelqu'un' and 'être en colère contre quelqu'un'. Both are widely understood and used.
Not necessarily. It describes the current state of being angry. While it can be used for ongoing anger, it can also refer to a temporary feeling of displeasure. For a longer-term grudge, expressions like 'avoir une dent contre quelqu'un' might be more appropriate.
Ponte a prueba 10 preguntas
/ 10 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
The French expression 'être fâché contre' means 'to be angry with someone'. Remember to conjugate 'être' and ensure 'fâché' agrees in gender and number with the subject. The preposition 'contre' is crucial for indicating the target of the anger, making it a direct expression of personal displeasure.
- To be angry with someone.
- Requires agreement of 'fâché' with the subject.
- 'Contre' specifies the target of the anger.
- Common in everyday conversations.
Adjective Agreement is Key
Always remember to make 'fâché' agree with the subject in gender and number. For example, 'Je suis fâché' (masculine speaker), 'Je suis fâchée' (feminine speaker), 'Ils sont fâchés', 'Elles sont fâchées'.
Use 'Contre' for Direct Anger
When you are angry *at* a specific person or entity, always use the preposition 'contre'. This makes your expression clear and direct.
Distinguish Intensity
While 'être fâché' is common, consider alternatives like 'être contrarié' (annoyed) for milder feelings or 'être furieux' (furious) for stronger anger, depending on the situation.
Mind the Accent
Pay attention to the grave accent on the 'â' in 'fâché'. It affects the vowel sound. Practice saying it clearly to avoid confusion with similar-sounding words.
Contenido relacionado
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abandon
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abasourdi
B1Stunned, dumbfounded, greatly astonished or shocked.
abattement
A2Estado de profunda tristeza o falta de fuerzas morales.
abattu
A2Abatido; desanimado; decaído.
abominable
B1Causing moral revulsion; detestable.
Accablant
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accablé
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accablement
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accabler
B1To overwhelm (someone) with a burden or strong emotion.
Accabler de reproches
B1To overwhelm with reproaches; to heavily criticize.
