Meaning
It's good, nice, or impressive.
Cultural Background
In France, 'cool' is often associated with the 'Bobo' (Bourgeois-Bohème) culture—urban, liberal, and relaxed but stylish. Quebecers use 'cool' frequently, but they also have 'C'est l'fun' (It's fun) which is used in many of the same situational contexts. In Dakar, 'cool' is part of the urban youth slang, often mixed with Wolof. It signifies a modern, globalized identity. Belgians use 'cool' similarly to the French, but you might also hear 'C'est chouette' more frequently in neutral contexts.
The 'Pas Cool' Rule
Use 'C'est pas cool' to call out a friend's bad behavior without starting a huge fight. It's a 'soft' criticism.
Watch the 'Il' vs 'Ce'
Remember: 'Il est cool' for a man, 'Elle est cool' for a woman, but 'C'est cool' for a situation.
Meaning
It's good, nice, or impressive.
The 'Pas Cool' Rule
Use 'C'est pas cool' to call out a friend's bad behavior without starting a huge fight. It's a 'soft' criticism.
Watch the 'Il' vs 'Ce'
Remember: 'Il est cool' for a man, 'Elle est cool' for a woman, but 'C'est cool' for a situation.
Age Matters
While people of all ages use it, older speakers might prefer 'C'est charmant' or 'C'est agréable'.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'être' and 'cool'.
Hier, la fête ________ ________.
'Hier' (yesterday) requires the past tense (imparfait).
Which response is the most natural for a friend suggesting a movie?
On va au ciné ce soir ?
'C'est cool' is the standard way to agree to a plan.
Fill in the missing line to show disapproval.
A: J'ai mangé tout ton gâteau. B: Ah non, ________ !
'C'est pas cool' is used to express that someone's action was mean or unfair.
Match the phrase to the context.
Context: You see a friend's new car.
Since 'une voiture' is feminine, you use 'Elle est cool' to describe the specific object.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
When to use 'C'est cool'
People
- • Relaxed boss
- • Easy-going friend
- • Chill teacher
Situations
- • Good plans
- • No homework
- • Weekend vibes
Objects
- • New shoes
- • Cool car
- • Nice apartment
Practice Bank
4 exercisesHier, la fête ________ ________.
'Hier' (yesterday) requires the past tense (imparfait).
On va au ciné ce soir ?
'C'est cool' is the standard way to agree to a plan.
A: J'ai mangé tout ton gâteau. B: Ah non, ________ !
'C'est pas cool' is used to express that someone's action was mean or unfair.
Context: You see a friend's new car.
Since 'une voiture' is feminine, you use 'Elle est cool' to describe the specific object.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it's very common. However, it is informal. In a formal essay, you should use 'C'est satisfaisant' or 'C'est admirable'.
Yes, if you are describing their vibe to someone else. 'Le serveur était cool.'
Technically no, it is an invariable adjective in French.
'Cool' is more about being trendy or relaxed; 'sympa' is more about being nice or pleasant.
Yes, adding 'très' or 'vraiment' is very common to add emphasis.
Only if you have a very close, casual relationship with the colleague. Otherwise, avoid it.
Simply say 'C'est pas cool'.
Yes, very much so, though they have many other local alternatives too.
Not usually. For food, use 'C'est bon' or 'C'est délicieux'. You'd only say a restaurant is cool, not the pizza itself.
You can use 'génial', 'chouette', or 'formidable'.
Related Phrases
C'est sympa
similarThat's nice
C'est top
builds onThat's great
C'est stylé
specialized formThat's stylish
Pas de souci
similarNo problem
