15초 만에
- Feeling weighed down by a specific difficulty.
- Used to describe stress or being overwhelmed.
- A visual metaphor for carrying a heavy burden.
뜻
This phrase describes the feeling of being weighed down or overwhelmed by a specific difficulty. It suggests that a problem isn't just happening to you, but is physically sitting on top of you like a heavy weight.
주요 예문
3 / 6Explaining why you are stressed to a friend
Je suis sous un gros problème au travail.
I am under a big problem at work.
Texting a partner about a delay
Désolé, je suis sous un problème de voiture.
Sorry, I'm under a car problem.
In a professional meeting explaining a delay
L'équipe est actuellement sous un problème technique.
The team is currently under a technical problem.
문화적 배경
The French often use 'lourdeur' (heaviness) to describe administrative tasks. Being 'sous un problème' of paperwork is a national pastime. In Quebec, you might hear 'être mal pris' (to be badly caught) as an alternative, but 'être sous un problème' is perfectly understood. In Francophone Africa, metaphors of weight are common, but people often use 'avoir des soucis' (to have worries) with great emphasis. Belgian French is very similar to Hexagonal French here, but they might use 'être dans le pétrin' (to be in the kneading trough/a mess) for more visual flair.
Add an Adjective
To sound more natural, add 'gros' (big) or 'énorme' (huge) before 'problème'.
Don't say 'Je suis un problème'
That means 'I AM a problem' (you are annoying). Always include 'sous'!
15초 만에
- Feeling weighed down by a specific difficulty.
- Used to describe stress or being overwhelmed.
- A visual metaphor for carrying a heavy burden.
What It Means
Imagine you are carrying a huge, heavy backpack full of rocks. That is the vibe of sous un problème. It means you are currently dealing with something difficult. It is not just a small annoyance. It is a situation that feels heavy. You feel the pressure of the situation on your shoulders. It is a very visual way to describe stress or a challenge. You are not just 'having' a problem. You are 'under' it, struggling to move forward.
How To Use It
You will mostly use this with the verb être (to be). For example, you can say Je suis sous un problème. You can also add adjectives to show how big the problem is. Use gros for a big problem or petit for a small one. It is a simple structure for beginners. Just remember that sous means 'under'. It describes your position relative to the trouble. It is like a dark cloud hanging right over your head.
When To Use It
Use this when you want to express that you are busy or stressed. It works well when you need to explain why you are late. You can use it at work with your colleagues. You can use it with friends when life gets complicated. It is great for texting when you cannot talk much. It tells people that you are occupied with something serious. It invites a bit of sympathy from the person you are talking to.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for very tiny things. If you lose your pencil, you are not sous un problème. That would sound too dramatic! Also, avoid using it in very formal legal documents. In those cases, use more precise words like difficulté. Do not use it if you are actually having fun. It is strictly for negative or challenging situations. If you use it for a joke, make sure your tone is very obvious.
Cultural Background
French people often use physical metaphors to describe their mental state. Complaining a little bit is actually a social bonding tool in France. It is called râler. By saying you are sous un problème, you are sharing your human side. It shows you are working hard or facing life's realities. It is a way to connect with others through shared struggle. In France, being 'too happy' all the time can sometimes seem insincere.
Common Variations
You might hear people say être sous l'eau, which means 'to be underwater'. This is a very common way to say you are overwhelmed. Another one is sous pression, which means 'under pressure'. You can also say crouler sous les problèmes. This means you are literally 'crumbling' under the weight of many problems. These all use the same idea of weight and pressure. They help you sound more like a native speaker.
사용 참고사항
This phrase is quite literal and easy for A1 learners to grasp. It sits in the neutral register, making it safe for almost any conversation where you need to express being overwhelmed.
Add an Adjective
To sound more natural, add 'gros' (big) or 'énorme' (huge) before 'problème'.
Don't say 'Je suis un problème'
That means 'I AM a problem' (you are annoying). Always include 'sous'!
Use with 'se sentir'
Saying 'Je me sens sous un problème' sounds even more emotional and native-like.
예시
6Je suis sous un gros problème au travail.
I am under a big problem at work.
Using 'gros' emphasizes the weight of the issue.
Désolé, je suis sous un problème de voiture.
Sorry, I'm under a car problem.
A quick way to explain a specific logistical issue.
L'équipe est actuellement sous un problème technique.
The team is currently under a technical problem.
Sounds professional yet explains the current struggle.
Je suis sous un problème de café : la machine est cassée !
I'm under a coffee problem: the machine is broken!
Using a heavy phrase for a light issue creates humor.
Elle se sent vraiment sous un problème familial en ce moment.
She really feels under a family problem right now.
Describes an emotional burden effectively.
Je ne peux pas venir, je suis sous un problème urgent.
I can't come, I'm under an urgent problem.
Sets a clear boundary due to circumstances.
셀프 테스트
Fill in the missing word to express being overwhelmed.
Je ne peux pas venir ce soir, je suis ___ un gros problème de famille.
'Sous' is the correct preposition to convey the feeling of being weighed down by a problem.
Which sentence sounds most like a person feeling stressed?
Choose the best option:
While 'J'ai un problème' is correct, 'Je suis sous un problème' specifically emphasizes the stress and weight.
Match the French phrase with its English equivalent.
Match the following:
The phrase 'sous un problème' matches the feeling of being overwhelmed.
Complete the dialogue with the correct phrase.
A: Pourquoi tu pleures ? B: Parce que je ___ ___ ___ ___ d'argent.
Crying suggests a heavy emotional burden, making 'sous un problème' the best fit.
Match the situation to the phrase.
You have 5 exams tomorrow and you feel crushed. What do you say?
This correctly uses the 'weight' metaphor for academic stress.
🎉 점수: /5
시각 학습 자료
연습 문제 은행
5 연습 문제Je ne peux pas venir ce soir, je suis ___ un gros problème de famille.
'Sous' is the correct preposition to convey the feeling of being weighed down by a problem.
Choose the best option:
While 'J'ai un problème' is correct, 'Je suis sous un problème' specifically emphasizes the stress and weight.
왼쪽의 각 항목을 오른쪽의 짝과 연결하세요:
The phrase 'sous un problème' matches the feeling of being overwhelmed.
A: Pourquoi tu pleures ? B: Parce que je ___ ___ ___ ___ d'argent.
Crying suggests a heavy emotional burden, making 'sous un problème' the best fit.
You have 5 exams tomorrow and you feel crushed. What do you say?
This correctly uses the 'weight' metaphor for academic stress.
🎉 점수: /5
자주 묻는 질문
10 질문Yes, it's very common in spoken French to express being overwhelmed.
Yes, if the broken car is causing you a lot of stress and preventing you from working.
'Dans' is neutral (you are in a situation). 'Sous' is emotional (the situation is heavy).
It's neutral. You can use it with friends or your boss.
Yes, if you have many different problems weighing you down.
Je ne suis pas sous un problème.
Yes, 'être en galère' is a very common slang alternative.
Almost always. It implies a burden that is difficult to carry.
Yes, 'être sous un problème de santé' is common.
Yes, 'sous pression' (under pressure) and 'sous tension' (under tension).
관련 표현
crouler sous les dettes
specialized formTo be crumbling under debts.
avoir du pain sur la planche
similarTo have a lot of work to do.
être dans de beaux draps
similarTo be in a fine mess.
avoir un poids sur l'estomac
similarTo have a weight on the stomach.
