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A2 noun #4,000 más común 10 min de lectura

malaise

Top 4,000

Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos malaise en 30 segundos

Explicación malaise in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should know 'malaise' primarily in a physical context. It's a word you might use if you feel sick or dizzy. Imagine you are in a crowded place and it's very hot. You might feel 'un malaise'. It's simpler than saying exactly what is wrong. You can say 'J'ai un malaise' to tell someone you don't feel well. It's a masculine word, so always use 'un' or 'le'. You won't use it for social situations yet; focus on the physical feeling of being unwell. It's a useful word for emergencies or when talking to a doctor. You might also hear it in very simple stories where a character feels faint. Remember, it's not a long illness like the flu; it's usually a sudden, short feeling of being unwell. Practice saying 'un malaise' clearly so people can help if you ever feel dizzy while traveling in France.

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At the A2 level, you can start using 'malaise' to describe social situations. You know that feeling when someone says something very awkward and everyone stops talking? In French, that is 'un malaise'. You might say 'Quel malaise !' (How awkward!). You are also learning to use it with more verbs. Instead of just 'avoir un malaise', you can say 'faire un malaise' (to faint/feel very unwell). You can also describe the atmosphere in a room. For example, 'Il y a un malaise entre eux' (There is unease between them). You are moving beyond just your own physical feelings to describing the world around you. You should also be careful with the gender—it's still masculine! You might see this word in short news clips or social media posts describing funny or embarrassing moments. It's a very 'native' sounding word to use when you want to express that a situation is uncomfortable.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'malaise' in both physical and social contexts with more nuance. You can use adjectives to describe it, like 'un malaise léger' (a slight unease) or 'un malaise passager' (a passing discomfort). You'll start to see 'malaise' used in news reports to describe social problems, like 'le malaise des jeunes' (the unease/dissatisfaction of young people). You should also learn common expressions like 'dissiper le malaise' (to clear the air/break the tension). In your writing, you can use 'malaise' to describe the tone of a book or a movie. It's a great word for discussing interpersonal relationships where things aren't quite right, but there isn't a huge fight happening. You should also be aware of the adjective 'malaisant', which is very common in modern spoken French to describe something 'cringe-worthy' or awkward. This level is about adding detail and using the word in more abstract ways.

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At the B2 level, 'malaise' becomes a tool for sophisticated analysis. You will encounter it frequently in editorials, political science texts, and literature. You should be able to discuss 'le malaise social' or 'le malaise identitaire' (identity crisis/unrest) in a structured way. You'll understand that 'malaise' often implies a systemic issue rather than just an individual feeling. You should be able to use verbs like 'instaurer' (to establish/set up) or 'accentuer' (to accentuate) with 'malaise'. For example, 'Cette décision a accentué le malaise au sein de l'entreprise.' You can also use it to describe complex psychological states in characters. You should distinguish 'malaise' from 'angoisse' or 'anxiété', knowing that 'malaise' is often more vague and atmospheric. At this level, you are expected to use the word accurately in debates about society, economy, and culture, recognizing its power to describe a general sense of 'something is wrong here'.

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At the C1 level, you explore the philosophical and existential depths of 'malaise'. You might read works by Jean-Paul Sartre or Albert Camus where 'malaise' is a central theme of modern existence—the feeling of being out of place in the world. You should be able to use the word to describe subtle shifts in tone in high-level literature. You'll also encounter it in medical or psychological journals describing specific conditions like 'malaise vagal' with precision. Your vocabulary should include high-level collocations like 'un malaise diffus' (a widespread/vague unease) or 'un malaise persistant'. You can use 'malaise' to critique art, describing the 'esthétique du malaise' in a modern painting or film. You should be able to explain the difference between a 'malaise passager' and a 'malaise structurel' in a professional or academic presentation. At this stage, 'malaise' is not just a word, but a concept you can manipulate to express complex ideas about the human condition and societal dynamics.

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At the C2 level, your mastery of 'malaise' is complete and instinctive. You understand all its historical, sociological, and literary connotations. You can use it with perfect precision in any register, from slangy street French ('C'était trop le malaise, mec !') to the most formal academic discourse. You are aware of its etymological roots and how it has evolved differently from the English 'malaise'. You can detect the subtle difference between 'malaise', 'gêne', 'trouble', and 'embarras' in any context and choose the perfect one for your purpose. You might use it in a poetic sense to describe a landscape or an era. You can lead a discussion on the 'malaise de la civilisation' (referencing Freud) or analyze the 'malaise démocratique' in contemporary politics with nuance and depth. At this level, you use 'malaise' to capture the 'unsaid' and the 'unseen' in communication, demonstrating a deep cultural fluency that goes beyond simple definition into the realm of linguistic artistry.

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Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos

malaise en 30 segundos

Malaise is a masculine noun in French meaning physical faintness or social awkwardness.
It is used with 'faire' for medical fainting and 'créer' for social tension.
In modern slang, it is the equivalent of 'cringe' or an awkward moment.
Politically, it describes a deep-seated dissatisfaction or unrest within a specific group.

The French word malaise is a masculine noun that serves as a versatile linguistic bridge between physical sensation and social atmosphere. Unlike its English counterpart, which often carries a heavy, academic, or socio-political weight, the French malaise is used in everyday conversation to describe everything from a sudden dizzy spell to the palpable tension in a room after an inappropriate joke. Understanding this word requires a dual perspective: the physiological and the psychological. In a physical sense, it refers to a sudden onset of feeling unwell—dizziness, nausea, or a near-fainting experience. If someone says, 'J'ai eu un petit malaise,' they aren't necessarily talking about their soul; they are likely saying they felt like they were going to pass out. In a social context, however, it mirrors the English 'awkwardness' but with a sharper edge. It is the heavy silence that follows a faux pas, the collective discomfort when a secret is revealed, or the general sense of unease in a failing relationship.

Physical Sensation: A state of bodily discomfort, often involving dizziness or a sudden drop in blood pressure, known medically as 'un malaise vagal'.

Elle a été prise d'un soudain malaise à cause de la chaleur étouffante dans le métro.

Social Atmosphere: The feeling of awkwardness or embarrassment that arises in a group setting when something inappropriate or unexpected occurs.

Il y a eu un grand malaise quand il a critiqué le patron sans savoir qu'il était juste derrière lui.

Beyond the individual, malaise is frequently used by French media and intellectuals to describe a collective state of dissatisfaction. You will often hear about the 'malaise social' or the 'malaise des agriculteurs'. This refers to a deep-seated, often structural, unhappiness within a specific group of people. It suggests that the problem is not just a single event, but a pervasive feeling that something is fundamentally wrong with the system. This usage aligns more closely with the English academic use of the word. For example, a historian might speak of the 'malaise of the late 19th century.' In modern France, it is a key term for sociologists trying to explain why certain demographics feel alienated from the state or the economy.

Existential Nuance: A vague, persistent feeling of mental or spiritual dissatisfaction, often linked to a lack of purpose or societal alienation.

L'écrivain explore le malaise existentiel de la jeunesse urbaine dans son nouveau roman.

Après sa chute, il a ressenti un malaise persistant qui l'a obligé à s'allonger.

La plaisanterie de mauvais goût a instauré un malaise palpable parmi les invités.

To use malaise correctly, you must pair it with the right verbs. The most common verb used with the physical sense is faire or avoir. If you say 'Il a fait un malaise,' it means he had a medical episode, likely fainting. If you use 'ressentir un malaise,' it suggests a more internal, perhaps psychological or early-stage physical feeling of being unwell. In social settings, the verbs shift to créer, instaurer, or dissiper. 'Sa remarque a créé un malaise' implies that the person's comment was the direct cause of the awkwardness. Conversely, 'Elle a essayé de dissiper le malaise' means she tried to break the tension, perhaps with a joke or by changing the subject. Understanding these collocations is essential for sounding natural.

Medical Context: Used with 'faire' to indicate a sudden health event.

Le témoin a fait un malaise en plein milieu du procès.

Social Context: Used with 's'installer' to describe an atmosphere that develops.

Un silence lourd et un malaise se sont installés après l'annonce de la fermeture.

Adjectives play a significant role in qualifying the type of malaise. A 'malaise passager' is a fleeting moment of discomfort. A 'malaise profond' suggests something much more serious, often used in political or psychological contexts to denote a deep-rooted issue. When describing a person who is the cause of social awkwardness, you might say 'Il est malaisant.' This adjective, while somewhat informal or modern (popularized by internet culture), is very common among younger generations to describe 'cringe-worthy' behavior. However, the noun malaise remains the standard for the feeling itself. In writing, you might see 'éprouver un certain malaise,' which adds a layer of nuance, suggesting the person is slightly uncomfortable but perhaps cannot pinpoint exactly why.

Descriptive Adjectives: Common pairings include: profond, persistant, léger, passager, social, vagal.

Malgré ses efforts, elle ne pouvait cacher son malaise face à cette situation injuste.

Le film explore le malaise d'une génération en quête de sens.

Il a ressenti un malaise croissant en voyant l'état de la maison.

In everyday French life, malaise is heard in a variety of settings. In a medical context, you might hear it at a pharmacy or a doctor's office. A pharmacist might ask, 'Avez-vous eu des vertiges ou un malaise ?' (Have you had dizziness or a fainting spell?). It is a standard term in first-aid training; the phrase 'victime d'un malaise' is the official way to describe someone who has collapsed or is feeling very unwell. On the news, the term is a staple of political commentary. Journalists frequently analyze the 'malaise au sein du gouvernement' (unrest within the government) or the 'malaise des services publics'. In these cases, it implies a complex problem that is causing widespread dissatisfaction or dysfunction.

News & Media: Used to describe institutional crises or widespread social unhappiness.

Le journal télévisé a consacré un reportage au malaise grandissant dans les hôpitaux.

Pop Culture: Often used in reality TV or talk shows to describe 'cringe' moments.

Quel malaise sur le plateau quand l'invité a commencé à s'énerver !

In social circles, particularly among younger people, malaise is used as an exclamation. If someone tells an embarrassing story or does something socially awkward, a bystander might simply say, 'Oh, le malaise !' This is equivalent to saying 'How awkward!' or 'Cringe!' It has become a very common way to react to social blunders on social media. You will see it in the comments sections of videos where someone is being particularly obtuse or embarrassing. However, in more formal literature or cinema, malaise is used to build tension. A director might create a 'climat de malaise' throughout a film to keep the audience on edge, making them feel that something bad is about to happen, even if they can't see it yet.

Literature & Cinema: A tool for creating suspense or a specific psychological atmosphere.

L'ambiance du film est marquée par un malaise constant qui captive le spectateur.

Il y a un malaise évident dans leurs rapports depuis cette dispute.

Le médecin a conclu que son malaise était dû à une déshydratation.

One of the most frequent errors English speakers make with malaise is its gender. Because many French words ending in '-e' are feminine, learners often say 'la malaise'. However, it is strictly masculine: le malaise. Another common mistake is a semantic one—confusing malaise with the English word 'malice'. While they look similar, they have entirely different meanings. Malice in French actually means 'mischievousness' or 'playfulness', whereas malaise is about discomfort. If you try to say someone is being mean by using malaise, you will not be understood. You should also avoid using malaise when you simply mean 'pain' (douleur) or 'sadness' (tristesse). It is a very specific type of 'unwell' feeling, often characterized by its vagueness.

Gender Error: Incorrect: 'Une grande malaise'. Correct: 'Un grand malaise'.

C'est un malaise que je ne peux pas expliquer, une sorte de gêne.

False Friend: 'Malaise' is NOT 'malice'. 'Malice' in French means 'playful wit' or 'shrewdness'.

Il y a un malaise entre eux (They are uncomfortable with each other), not 'They are being malicious'.

Learners also struggle with the verb 'tomber'. While in English you might 'fall into a malaise' metaphorically, in French, the expression 'tomber en malaise' is not standard. You would say 'faire un malaise' or 'être pris d'un malaise'. Furthermore, don't confuse the noun malaise with the adjective malaisé. While related, malaisé means 'difficult' or 'arduous' (e.g., 'un chemin malaisé'), which is quite formal and rarely used in daily speech compared to difficile. Finally, be careful with the intensity. Using malaise for a tiny bit of awkwardness might be seen as hyperbolic in a formal setting, though it is perfectly acceptable in casual conversation as 'cringe'.

Verb Confusion: Use 'faire' for the medical event, 'ressentir' for the feeling, and 'créer' for the social effect.

Il a fait un malaise à cause du stress intense.

Le malaise était tel que personne n'osait plus parler.

Ne confondez pas malaise et maladie; le premier est souvent bref.

French offers several synonyms for malaise, each with its own specific nuance. If you are talking about social awkwardness, la gêne is the most direct alternative. Gêne is slightly softer than malaise; it’s the feeling of being shy or slightly embarrassed. If the situation is physically uncomfortable, you might use l'inconfort. For a medical fainting spell, more precise terms include un évanouissement (a faint) or une syncope (the medical term for loss of consciousness). If you are describing a general sense of being unwell without fainting, un trouble or une indisposition are excellent choices, often used in more formal or polite contexts.

Malaise vs. Gêne: 'Malaise' is heavier and more atmospheric; 'gêne' is more personal and often lighter.

Elle a ressenti une certaine gêne en revoyant son ex-mari au restaurant.

Malaise vs. Indisposition: 'Indisposition' is a polite, slightly old-fashioned way to say you are feeling unwell.

Veuillez excuser mon absence, j'ai eu une légère indisposition ce matin.

When discussing broader societal issues, you might replace malaise with crise, tension, or mécontentement. While malaise describes the feeling, these words describe the state or the action. For instance, 'le malaise des banlieues' focuses on the underlying psychological and social state, whereas 'la crise des banlieues' focuses on the acute events like riots or economic collapse. In literature, angoisse (anxiety/anguish) is a stronger neighbor to malaise, suggesting a more intense and painful psychological state. Choosing the right word depends on whether you want to emphasize the physical sensation, the social vibe, or the political reality.

Malaise vs. Angoisse: 'Malaise' is a vague unease; 'angoisse' is a sharp, often overwhelming anxiety.

Ce n'était pas de la peur, juste un malaise diffus qui ne le quittait pas.

L'annonce de la restructuration a provoqué un mécontentement général.

Son évanouissement a duré quelques secondes seulement.

How Formal Is It?

Dato curioso

The English word 'malaise' was borrowed directly from French in the 18th century, but in French, it remains a much more common, everyday word for fainting.

Guía de pronunciación

UK /ma.lɛz/

US /məˈleɪz/

In French, the stress is even, but slightly more on the final syllable 'laise'.

Rima con

falaise (cliff) fournaise (furnace) balèze (strong/huge) braise (ember) fraise (strawberry) punaise (thumbtack) chaise (chair) niaise (silly/naive)

Errores comunes

Pronouncing it like the English 'malice'.
Adding a 'y' sound like 'ma-lay-ze'. Keep the 'ai' as a single vowel sound.
Making the 's' sound like 'ss'. It must be a voiced 'z' sound.
Stressing the first syllable too much.
Forgetting to pronounce the final 'z' sound clearly.

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 2/5

Easy to recognize as it looks like the English word, but requires context to know if it's medical or social.

Escritura 3/5

Learners often forget it's masculine and may misspell the 'aise' ending.

Expresión oral 2/5

Pronunciation is relatively straightforward, but the 'z' sound at the end must be clear.

Escucha 2/5

Easy to hear, but can be confused with 'malice' or 'malheur' if not careful.

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

mal aise santé sentir situation

Aprende después

évanouissement gêne embarras trouble anxiété

Avanzado

syncope existentiel civilisationnel vagal disséquer

Gramática que debes saber

Nouns ending in -e that are masculine.

Le malaise, le problème, le système, le groupe.

Using 'faire' for bodily events.

Faire un malaise, faire une sieste, faire une promenade.

Agreement of adjectives with masculine nouns.

Un malaise profond, un malaise inquiétant.

Using 'ressentir' vs 'se sentir'.

Je ressens un malaise (noun) vs Je me sens mal (adjective).

Exclamative 'Quel' for masculine nouns.

Quel malaise ! Quel beau temps !

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Ejemplos por nivel

J'ai un petit malaise, je dois m'asseoir.

I have a small dizzy spell, I must sit down.

Note the use of 'un' before 'malaise'.

Est-ce que tu as un malaise ?

Are you feeling unwell?

Simple question structure.

Il fait chaud, j'ai peur d'un malaise.

It is hot, I am afraid of feeling faint.

Using 'peur de' with the noun.

Le monsieur a fait un malaise dans la rue.

The gentleman felt faint in the street.

The verb 'faire' is used for a medical episode.

Elle boit de l'eau après son malaise.

She is drinking water after her dizzy spell.

Preposition 'après' followed by the noun.

Un malaise peut arriver quand on ne mange pas.

A dizzy spell can happen when one doesn't eat.

General statement using 'peut'.

Appelez un médecin, il y a un malaise !

Call a doctor, someone is unwell!

Imperative 'appelez'.

Je me sens mieux après mon malaise.

I feel better after my dizzy spell.

Reflexive verb 'se sentir'.

Quel malaise après sa blague nulle !

How awkward after his bad joke!

'Quel' is used for exclamation with masculine nouns.

Il y a un malaise dans la salle.

There is an unease in the room.

'Il y a' to describe an atmosphere.

Je ressens un malaise quand il me regarde comme ça.

I feel an unease when he looks at me like that.

The verb 'ressentir' for a feeling.

Le malaise s'est installé rapidement.

The awkwardness set in quickly.

Reflexive verb 's'installer' for atmosphere.

Elle a essayé de cacher son malaise.

She tried to hide her discomfort.

Infinitive 'cacher' after 'essayer de'.

C'est un moment de malaise total.

It's a moment of total awkwardness.

Adjective 'total' agreeing with masculine 'malaise'.

Son silence a créé un malaise.

His silence created an unease.

The verb 'créer' for social cause.

On sent un malaise entre les deux amis.

One feels an unease between the two friends.

Using 'on' for general observation.

Le malaise vagal est souvent dû à la fatigue.

Fainting is often due to fatigue.

Medical term 'malaise vagal'.

Elle a dissipé le malaise avec un sourire.

She cleared the awkwardness with a smile.

Verb 'dissiper' (to clear/break).

Le malaise des agriculteurs est profond cette année.

The farmers' unrest is deep this year.

Socio-political use of the noun.

Il a éprouvé un certain malaise face à ce luxe.

He felt a certain unease in the face of this luxury.

Verb 'éprouver' (to experience/feel).

Le film traite du malaise de la société moderne.

The film deals with the malaise of modern society.

Verb 'traiter de' (to deal with).

Un malaise persistant l'empêche de travailler.

A persistent unease prevents him from working.

Adjective 'persistant'.

Il y a eu un malaise quand le secret a été révélé.

There was an unease when the secret was revealed.

Passive voice 'a été révélé'.

Elle a fait un malaise à cause du manque d'oxygène.

She felt faint because of the lack of oxygen.

'À cause de' expressing cause.

Le gouvernement tente de répondre au malaise social.

The government is trying to respond to the social unrest.

Abstract usage in politics.

Son discours a accentué le malaise ambiant.

His speech accentuated the surrounding unease.

Adjective 'ambiant' (surrounding).

Il existe un malaise identitaire chez de nombreux jeunes.

There is an identity crisis among many young people.

Term 'malaise identitaire'.

La pièce de théâtre explore le malaise familial.

The play explores the family unease.

Verb 'explorer'.

Le malaise s'est propagé à travers toute l'entreprise.

The unease spread throughout the entire company.

Reflexive verb 'se propager'.

Il a ressenti un malaise diffus, difficile à définir.

He felt a vague unease, difficult to define.

Adjective 'diffus'.

L'absence de dialogue nourrit le malaise.

The lack of dialogue feeds the unease.

Verb 'nourrir' (to feed/fuel).

Le malaise est palpable dès que l'on entre dans le bureau.

The unease is palpable as soon as one enters the office.

Adjective 'palpable'.

L'œuvre reflète le malaise existentiel de l'après-guerre.

The work reflects the existential malaise of the post-war period.

Philosophical term 'malaise existentiel'.

Il y a une corrélation entre ce malaise et la crise économique.

There is a correlation between this unease and the economic crisis.

Academic term 'corrélation'.

Le malaise s'exprime souvent par des manifestations spontanées.

The unrest is often expressed through spontaneous protests.

Reflexive 's'exprimer'.

L'auteur dissèque le malaise bourgeois avec ironie.

The author dissects the bourgeois malaise with irony.

Verb 'disséquer' (to dissect/analyze).

Le malaise est le symptôme d'un dysfonctionnement plus large.

The unease is the symptom of a broader dysfunction.

Noun 'symptôme'.

Il a sombré dans un malaise psychologique profond.

He sank into a deep psychological malaise.

Verb 'sombrer' (to sink).

Le malaise s'est mué en une véritable révolte.

The unrest transformed into a real revolt.

Verb 'se muer en' (to transform into).

L'esthétique du malaise imprègne tout le cinéma contemporain.

The aesthetic of unease permeates all contemporary cinema.

Verb 'imprégner'.

Le malaise civilisationnel dont souffre l'Occident est complexe.

The civilizational malaise from which the West suffers is complex.

High-level adjective 'civilisationnel'.

On ne saurait ignorer le malaise qui sourd dans ces quartiers.

One cannot ignore the unease that is simmering in these neighborhoods.

Literary verb 'sourdre' (to emerge/simmer).

Ce malaise est le corollaire inévitable de la mondialisation.

This unease is the inevitable corollary of globalization.

Noun 'corollaire'.

Le texte est empreint d'un malaise indéfinissable et troublant.

The text is imbued with an indefinable and disturbing unease.

Adjective 'empreint de' (imbued with).

L'analyste pointe du doigt le malaise démocratique actuel.

The analyst points out the current democratic malaise.

Idiom 'pointer du doigt'.

Le malaise s'est cristallisé autour de la question de l'emploi.

The unrest crystallized around the issue of employment.

Verb 'se cristalliser'.

Il y a là un malaise structurel que les réformes n'atteignent pas.

There is a structural malaise there that reforms do not reach.

Adjective 'structurel'.

Le malaise se fait l'écho d'une angoisse plus métaphysique.

The unease echoes a more metaphysical anguish.

Idiom 'se faire l'écho de'.

Colocaciones comunes

faire un malaise

créer un malaise

malaise social

dissiper le malaise

malaise profond

être pris d'un malaise

malaise existentiel

un certain malaise

malaise ambiant

malaise passager

Frases Comunes

Quel malaise !

— Used to express how awkward a situation is. Equivalent to 'How cringe!'

Il a oublié son nom en plein discours. Quel malaise !

Un moment de malaise

— A specific instance of social awkwardness. A 'cringe' moment.

On a vécu un grand moment de malaise hier soir.

Sensation de malaise

— A physical feeling of being unwell. Often used in medical descriptions.

Il a décrit une sensation de malaise avant de tomber.

Malaise généralisé

— A feeling of unease that affects a whole group or society.

Il y a un malaise généralisé face à l'inflation.

Sourd malaise

— A quiet, underlying feeling of discomfort that isn't openly expressed.

Un sourd malaise régnait dans la famille depuis des années.

Malaise diffus

— A vague unease that is hard to pin down or describe precisely.

Elle ressentait un malaise diffus sans savoir pourquoi.

Malaise persistant

— A feeling of discomfort that does not go away over time.

Malgré les médicaments, son malaise est persistant.

Instaurer un malaise

— To set a tone of discomfort in a room or situation.

Son attitude froide a instauré un malaise durable.

Rompre le malaise

— To do or say something to end an awkward silence or situation.

Il a raconté une blague pour rompre le malaise.

Malaise croissant

— A feeling of unease that gets stronger and stronger.

Le malaise était croissant au fur et à mesure de la réunion.

Se confunde a menudo con

malaise vs malice

In French, 'malice' means mischievousness or wit, not 'malaise' or 'malice' in the English sense of evil intent.

malaise vs malheur

'Malheur' means misfortune or great unhappiness, while 'malaise' is more about discomfort or unease.

malaise vs maladie

'Maladie' is a specific illness (like the flu), whereas 'malaise' is a vague feeling of being unwell.

Modismos y expresiones

"Jeter un malaise"

— To say or do something that suddenly makes everyone feel awkward.

Sa remarque sur le divorce a jeté un malaise.

informal

"Être en plein malaise"

— To be in the middle of a very awkward situation.

Là, on est en plein malaise, changeons de sujet !

informal

"Nourrir un malaise"

— To act in a way that keeps a feeling of unease alive.

Leur refus de se parler nourrit le malaise.

neutral

"Se sentir dans un malaise"

— To feel out of place or uncomfortable in a specific environment.

Je me sens dans un malaise total lors de ces soirées.

neutral

"Malaise de fin de règne"

— A specific expression for the atmosphere of decline at the end of a leader's time.

On sent un malaise de fin de règne au sein du parti.

formal/political

"Faire le malaise"

— To be the person who causes the awkwardness.

C'est toujours lui qui fait le malaise avec ses questions.

slang

"Vivre un malaise"

— To experience a situation of discomfort.

Elle a vécu un vrai malaise quand elle a recroisé son patron.

neutral

"Accuser un malaise"

— To show signs of feeling unwell or uncomfortable.

Il accusait un certain malaise après l'effort.

formal

"Malaise de civilisation"

— A philosophical concept regarding the inherent discontent in modern society.

Freud a écrit sur le malaise de la civilisation.

academic

"Sortir du malaise"

— To find a way to escape an awkward situation.

On a eu du mal à sortir du malaise après ce baiser raté.

informal

Fácil de confundir

malaise vs malaisé

Looks like 'malaise'.

It is an adjective meaning 'difficult' or 'arduous'. It is rarely used in common speech.

C'est un chemin malaisé à travers la montagne.

malaise vs malaisant

It's the adjective form of the social 'malaise'.

Use 'malaise' for the noun (the feeling) and 'malaisant' for the person or thing causing it (awkward/cringe).

Ce présentateur est vraiment malaisant.

malaise vs mauvais

Both start with 'ma-'.

'Mauvais' is an adjective meaning 'bad'. 'Malaise' is a noun meaning 'unease'.

C'est un mauvais film qui crée un malaise.

malaise vs maladresse

Both involve social errors.

'Maladresse' is the clumsy act itself; 'malaise' is the feeling that follows the act.

Sa maladresse a causé un grand malaise.

malaise vs malle

Similar sound.

A 'malle' is a trunk or a large suitcase.

Il a mis ses vêtements dans une malle.

Patrones de oraciones

J'ai un [noun].

J'ai un malaise.

Il y a un malaise [preposition] [noun].

Il y a un malaise entre nous.

Le malaise est dû à [noun].

Le malaise est dû à la chaleur.

[Noun] a créé un malaise [adjective].

Son départ a créé un malaise général.

Tenter de dissiper le malaise par [noun/verb].

Il tente de dissiper le malaise par l'humour.

Le malaise se traduit par [noun].

Le malaise se traduit par un silence pesant.

Être empreint d'un malaise [adjective].

L'atmosphère est empreinte d'un malaise diffus.

Le malaise dont il est question...

Le malaise dont il est question ici est d'ordre structurel.

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

malaise (the feeling)

malaisé (rarely used as a noun, usually adjective)

Verbos

malaiser (very rare/archaic, though 'malaisant' is a common participle/adjective)

Adjetivos

malaisé (difficult/arduous)

malaisant (awkward/cringe-inducing)

Relacionado

mal (bad/pain)

aise (ease)

malade (sick)

malheur (misfortune)

malveillance (malevolence)

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Cómo usarlo

frequency

Extremely common in both spoken and written French.

Errores comunes

La malaise → Le malaise
Malaise is a masculine noun. This is the most common mistake for English speakers.
Je suis malaise. → Je me sens mal / J'ai un malaise.
Malaise is a noun, not an adjective. You cannot 'be' malaise.
Using 'malaise' for 'malice'. → Méchanceté / Malveillance
Malaise means unease. Malice in French means playfulness. Neither means 'malice' (evil intent) in the English sense.
Tomber en malaise. → Faire un malaise.
While 'fall into a malaise' works in English, French uses the verb 'faire' for the medical event.
Une malaise vagale. → Un malaise vagal.
The adjective 'vagal' must also be masculine to agree with 'le malaise'.

Consejos

Gender Trap

Don't let the '-e' fool you. 'Malaise' is masculine. Practice saying 'un gros malaise' to cement the gender in your mind.

Modern Slang

If you see a really awkward video online, comment 'Le malaise...' to sound like a native French speaker.

Medical vs Social

Always check the context. In a hospital, it's a health issue. At a party, it's a social blunder. The word is the same, but the meaning shifts.

The 'Malaise Social'

When reading French newspapers, 'malaise' often refers to strikes or social unrest. It's a key word for understanding French current events.

The Silent 'E'

The final 'e' is silent, but it makes the 's' sound like a 'z'. It's /ma-lez/, not /ma-lay-zay/.

Verbs Matter

Pair 'malaise' with 'dissiper' (to clear) or 'instaurer' (to establish) to show advanced vocabulary skills in your essays.

Gêne vs Malaise

Use 'gêne' for being shy or embarrassed by a compliment. Use 'malaise' for the heavy silence after an insult.

Bad Ease

Just remember 'Mal' + 'Aise'. It's the literal translation of 'unease'. If you're not 'at ease', you're in a 'malaise'.

Exclamations

Listen for 'Quel malaise !' in French movies. It's a very common reaction to social faux pas.

Emergency Word

If you feel like you might faint, tell someone: 'Je vais faire un malaise.' It's a clear way to ask for help.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Think of 'Mal' (bad) + 'Aise' (ease). If you have 'bad ease', you have a 'malaise'. You are NOT at ease!

Asociación visual

Imagine a person at a fancy dinner party accidentally spilling red wine on a white dress. The silence that follows is the 'malaise'.

Word Web

Santé Gêne Social Physique Inconfort Évanouissement Atmosphère Politique

Desafío

Try to use 'malaise' in three different ways today: once for a physical feeling, once for a social situation, and once for a news topic.

Origen de la palabra

Derived from the Old French 'mal' (bad) and 'aise' (ease/comfort). It literally means 'bad ease'.

Significado original: A lack of comfort or a state of being ill-at-ease.

Romance (Latin: 'malus' + 'adjacens' via Vulgar Latin 'adatiare').

Contexto cultural

When using 'malaise' in a medical context, be serious. When using it in a social context, it can be humorous or critical.

In English, 'malaise' sounds very formal or medical. In French, it is used very casually to mean 'awkward'.

Freud's 'Le Malaise dans la culture' (Civilization and Its Discontents). The movie 'Le Malaise' (various short films explore this title). Jimmy Carter's 'Malaise Speech' (though he never actually used the word, it became the label for it).

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

At the doctor's office

J'ai fait un malaise.
J'ai des sensations de malaise.
C'était un malaise vagal ?
Le malaise a duré longtemps ?

In a social gathering

Quel malaise !
Il y a un malaise ici.
On essaie de dissiper le malaise.
C'était un moment de malaise.

Watching the news

Le malaise social augmente.
Un malaise au sein du parti.
Le malaise des banlieues.
Répondre au malaise des citoyens.

Discussing a book or movie

Le film crée un malaise.
C'est une esthétique du malaise.
Le malaise du personnage principal.
Un sentiment de malaise diffus.

In the workplace

Il y a un malaise dans l'équipe.
Sa remarque a jeté un malaise.
On sent un malaise hiérarchique.
Le malaise est palpable au bureau.

Inicios de conversación

"As-tu déjà fait un malaise à cause de la chaleur ?"

"Comment fais-tu pour dissiper le malaise après une blague ratée ?"

"Penses-tu qu'il y a un malaise social en ce moment dans ton pays ?"

"Quel est le moment le plus 'malaise' que tu as vécu récemment ?"

"Est-ce que tu te sens à l'aise ou dans un malaise lors des grandes fêtes ?"

Temas para diario

Décris une situation où tu as ressenti un grand malaise social. Qu'est-ce qui s'est passé ?

Raconte une fois où tu as fait un malaise physique (ou quelqu'un que tu connais).

Penses-tu que les réseaux sociaux créent un nouveau type de malaise chez les jeunes ?

Analyse le 'malaise' d'un personnage dans un livre que tu as lu récemment.

Comment peut-on transformer un sentiment de malaise en quelque chose de positif ?

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

It is always masculine: 'un malaise' or 'le malaise'. Even though it ends in 'e', it follows the pattern of many other masculine nouns like 'problème' or 'système'.

Yes! In modern French, especially among young people, 'Quel malaise !' is exactly how you say 'How cringe!'. You can also use the adjective 'malaisant'.

It is the most common medical use of the word. It refers to a sudden fainting spell caused by a drop in heart rate and blood pressure, often due to stress, heat, or pain.

You can say 'Je ressens un malaise' or 'Je suis dans un malaise'. However, it's more common to describe the situation: 'Cette situation crée un malaise'.

No. This is a common false friend. 'Malaise' is discomfort. 'Malice' in French is playfulness or shrewdness. To say someone is being mean/malicious, use 'méchanceté'.

Yes, 'des malaises'. For example, 'Il a fait plusieurs malaises ce matin' (He had several dizzy spells this morning).

'Gêne' is usually lighter and more personal (like being shy). 'Malaise' is heavier and often describes the whole atmosphere of a room.

Use 'faire un malaise' for a sudden fainting episode. Use 'avoir un malaise' for a more general feeling of being unwell. 'Faire' is much more common for medical events.

Very often. 'Le malaise social' is a standard term in French news to describe general public dissatisfaction with the government or economy.

No. 'Malaise' is a noun. You must say 'Je me sens mal' or 'J'ai un malaise'. You can say 'C'est malaisant' (It's awkward).

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