در ۱۵ ثانیه
- Used to describe something mediocre or unimpressive.
- Think of it as saying 'nothing special' or 'meh'.
- Commonly used for movies, food, or general experiences.
معنی
Contrary to some misconceptions, this phrase actually means something is unimpressive, mediocre, or 'nothing to write home about.' It is used to describe something that fails to wow you or lacks quality.
مثالهای کلیدی
3 از 6Reviewing a movie with a friend
Le film était sympa, mais ça ne cassait pas des briques.
The movie was nice, but it wasn't anything special.
Discussing a new restaurant
Leur pizza ne casse pas des briques, franchement.
Their pizza isn't all that, honestly.
A professional but relaxed meeting
Le nouveau design est correct, mais ça ne casse pas des briques.
The new design is okay, but it doesn't wow me.
زمینه فرهنگی
The French often use 'litotes' (understatement). Saying something 'doesn't break bricks' is a polite way to be very critical without using 'vulgar' or 'aggressive' words. While understood in Quebec, locals might prefer 'C'est pas de quoi fouetter un chat' (It's nothing to whip a cat about) to express a similar level of indifference. In French film reviews (like in the magazine Télérama), you will often see this phrase used to describe big-budget Hollywood movies that lack 'soul' or 'artistic depth.' Younger generations in France might replace 'briques' with 'barres' (bars) or simply use 'C'est pas ouf' (It's not crazy/great) which is Verlan for 'fou'.
Drop the 'ne'
To sound like a native, say 'Ça casse pas des briques.' Dropping the 'ne' makes the idiom feel much more natural in its informal register.
Don't use for 'Bad'
If something is truly awful, this phrase is too weak. Use 'C'est nul' or 'C'est une horreur' instead.
در ۱۵ ثانیه
- Used to describe something mediocre or unimpressive.
- Think of it as saying 'nothing special' or 'meh'.
- Commonly used for movies, food, or general experiences.
What It Means
Imagine you are watching a martial arts master. You expect them to smash through a stack of bricks with one hand. If they fail, or if the show is boring, it doesn't 'break any bricks.' In French, ne pas casser des briques means something is totally average. It is not necessarily bad, but it is definitely not impressive. You use it when your expectations were higher than the reality.
How To Use It
You will almost always use this in the negative form. It follows the standard ne... pas structure around the verb casser. For example, Ça ne casse pas des briques. You can use it to describe a movie, a meal, or even a person's performance. It is a great way to be critical without being overly mean. It sounds more like a shrug of the shoulders than a slap in the face.
When To Use It
Use this when you want to give an honest, slightly disappointed opinion. If you go to a hyped-up restaurant and the food is just 'okay,' this is your phrase. It’s perfect for casual chats with friends about your weekend. You can use it at work when discussing a project that lacks 'wow' factor. It’s the ultimate expression for the 'meh' feeling.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid using this if something is truly terrible. If a meal makes you sick, ne pas casser des briques is too mild. Also, do not use it in very formal academic writing. It is a bit too colorful for a legal document or a PhD thesis. Be careful using it about a person's gift or effort to their face. It might hurt their feelings more than you intend!
Cultural Background
This phrase likely comes from the world of martial arts or circus performances. Breaking bricks is a classic feat of strength and skill. If an act didn't involve breaking bricks, it wasn't considered spectacular. It became popular in the mid-20th century. It captures the French spirit of being a 'fine gourmet' or a tough critic. The French value quality, so they have many ways to say something is mediocre.
Common Variations
You might hear people say ça ne casse pas trois pattes à un canard. That literally means 'it doesn't break three legs off a duck.' Both phrases mean the exact same thing: it's nothing special. Another variation is simply saying C'est pas terrible, which confusingly means 'it's not great' in French. Stick to the bricks for a more visual and fun way to express your boredom.
نکات کاربردی
This is an informal expression. In speech, the 'ne' is usually dropped, resulting in 'Ça casse pas des briques'. It is perfect for casual settings but should be avoided in formal writing.
Drop the 'ne'
To sound like a native, say 'Ça casse pas des briques.' Dropping the 'ne' makes the idiom feel much more natural in its informal register.
Don't use for 'Bad'
If something is truly awful, this phrase is too weak. Use 'C'est nul' or 'C'est une horreur' instead.
The Sarcastic Positive
If someone says 'Ça casse des briques !' with a smirk, they actually mean the opposite. Sarcasm is very common with this phrase.
مثالها
6Le film était sympa, mais ça ne cassait pas des briques.
The movie was nice, but it wasn't anything special.
A classic way to say a movie was just okay.
Leur pizza ne casse pas des briques, franchement.
Their pizza isn't all that, honestly.
Expressing disappointment in food quality.
Le nouveau design est correct, mais ça ne casse pas des briques.
The new design is okay, but it doesn't wow me.
Giving critical feedback on a project.
La soirée ne casse pas des briques, je vais bientôt rentrer.
The party is pretty mid, I'm going home soon.
Using the phrase to justify leaving early.
Mes talents de cuisinier ne cassent pas des briques !
My cooking skills aren't exactly legendary!
Being funny about one's own lack of skill.
J'attendais ce rendez-vous avec impatience, mais ça n'a pas cassé des briques.
I was looking forward to this date, but it was underwhelming.
Sharing a let-down with a close friend.
خودت رو بسنج
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the idiom.
Le nouveau restaurant est sympa, mais la cuisine ne ______ pas des briques.
The subject is 'la cuisine' (singular), so the verb 'casser' must be conjugated in the third person singular.
Which of these sentences is the most natural way to say a movie was mediocre?
Comment était le film ?
The idiom must be negative and the word 'briques' must be plural.
Match the situation to the correct reaction.
Tu as acheté un nouveau téléphone très cher, mais il est lent.
When something is disappointing or not worth the hype/price, this is the perfect idiom.
Complete the dialogue between two friends.
A: Tu as aimé le concert ? B: Bof, le chanteur était fatigué, ça ______.
We use the imperfect 'cassait' because we are describing a past event (the concert).
🎉 امتیاز: /4
ابزارهای بصری یادگیری
بانک تمرین
4 تمرینهاLe nouveau restaurant est sympa, mais la cuisine ne ______ pas des briques.
The subject is 'la cuisine' (singular), so the verb 'casser' must be conjugated in the third person singular.
Comment était le film ?
The idiom must be negative and the word 'briques' must be plural.
Tu as acheté un nouveau téléphone très cher, mais il est lent.
When something is disappointing or not worth the hype/price, this is the perfect idiom.
A: Tu as aimé le concert ? B: Bof, le chanteur était fatigué, ça ______.
We use the imperfect 'cassait' because we are describing a past event (the concert).
🎉 امتیاز: /4
سوالات متداول
10 سوالYes, but be careful. Saying 'Il ne casse pas des briques' about a person usually means they are average or uninspiring in their work or talent. It can be quite hurtful.
It is always 'des briques.' Even though it's a negative sentence (where 'des' usually becomes 'de'), in fixed idioms like this, the original article often stays.
Not at all. It's still very common in daily conversation, though younger people might use 'C'est pas ouf' more often.
Probably not. It's too informal. If you want to say a previous project wasn't great, say 'Ce n'était pas un succès retentissant.'
The pronoun 'ça' is by far the most common subject used with this idiom.
Yes, it's a more idiomatic and slightly more negative way of saying 'so-so' (comme ci, comme ça).
No, the word must be 'briques.' Changing the object ruins the idiom.
Yes, you can say 'C'est assez moyen' or 'Ce n'est pas exceptionnel.'
Because breaking bricks is a classic martial arts stunt meant to impress people. If you can't do it, you're not impressive!
Yes, to describe the quality of the game: 'Le match ne cassait pas des briques.'
عبارات مرتبط
ça ne casse pas trois pattes à un canard
similarIt's nothing extraordinary.
c'est pas terrible
synonymIt's not very good.
casser la baraque
contrastTo be a huge success / to bring the house down.
c'est bof
synonymIt's meh.
