Meaning
Expressing impossibility or disbelief.
Cultural Background
The 'Gallic Shrug' often accompanies this phrase. It involves a slight pout, raised eyebrows, and a quick lift of the shoulders, signaling that the situation is beyond one's control. In Quebec, you might hear 'C'est pas achetable' (It's not buyable) to mean something is impossibly expensive, or 'C'est pas possible' with a slightly different accentuation on the 'pos-SIBLE'. Swiss French speakers might use 'C'est pas possible' but follow it with a more pragmatic solution, reflecting a cultural tendency toward consensus and order. In Francophone Africa, the phrase is often used with great dramatic flair to express social shock or to playfully challenge a friend's tall tale.
The 'Ne' Drop
If you want to sound like a local, always say 'C'est pas possible' instead of 'Ce n'est pas possible' in casual conversation.
Don't be too blunt
In a professional setting, follow 'Ce n'est pas possible' with a reason (parce que...) to avoid sounding rude.
Meaning
Expressing impossibility or disbelief.
The 'Ne' Drop
If you want to sound like a local, always say 'C'est pas possible' instead of 'Ce n'est pas possible' in casual conversation.
Don't be too blunt
In a professional setting, follow 'Ce n'est pas possible' with a reason (parce que...) to avoid sounding rude.
The Exhale
Try exhaling loudly before saying the phrase to convey maximum French frustration.
Test Yourself
Complete the informal spoken version of the phrase (dropping the 'ne').
C'___ pas possible !
In spoken French, 'Ce n'est pas' becomes 'C'est pas'.
Match the situation to the most likely meaning of 'Ce n'est pas possible'.
Situation: You see a car flying in the sky.
A flying car is shocking, so the phrase expresses disbelief.
Which sentence is grammatically correct for a general rule?
___ possible de fumer ici.
For general rules followed by 'de', the impersonal 'Il n'est pas' is preferred.
Choose the best response to express frustration.
A: 'Le magasin est fermé le lundi.' B: 'Oh non, ___ !'
This is a common reaction to an inconvenient fact.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesC'___ pas possible !
In spoken French, 'Ce n'est pas' becomes 'C'est pas'.
Situation: You see a car flying in the sky.
A flying car is shocking, so the phrase expresses disbelief.
___ possible de fumer ici.
For general rules followed by 'de', the impersonal 'Il n'est pas' is preferred.
A: 'Le magasin est fermé le lundi.' B: 'Oh non, ___ !'
This is a common reaction to an inconvenient fact.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsTechnically, yes, because it lacks the 'ne'. However, in spoken French, it is the standard and is used by everyone from students to presidents.
Yes! 'Pas possible !' is a very common short exclamation, similar to saying 'Impossible!' in English.
'C'est pas possible' focuses on the event being unbelievable, while 'C'est pas vrai' (It's not true) is used specifically for shock at news.
It can be. It's better to say 'Je crains que ce ne soit pas possible' (I fear it might not be possible) to be more polite.
Related Phrases
C'est impossible
synonymIt is impossible.
Pas question !
specialized formOut of the question!
C'est incroyable
similarIt's incredible.
C'est pas vrai !
synonymIt's not true! / No way!
