Meaning
Used to describe something that is not interesting or dull.
Cultural Background
The French 'râle' (complaint) is often a social bonding tool. Saying 'C'est ennuyeux' in a queue is a way to invite others to agree and start a conversation. In Quebec, you might hear 'C'est platte' instead of 'C'est ennuyeux'. It's a very common regional variation. The concept of 'L'ennui' is a major theme in 19th-century literature, representing a sophisticated, existential weariness. On French social media, 'ennuyeux' is often used in reviews (Google, Yelp) to describe restaurants with no atmosphere.
The Liaison
Always pronounce the 't' in 'C'est' when it's followed by 'ennuyeux'. It sounds like 'SAY-TAHN-NWEE-YUH'.
Describing People
Be careful! Calling someone 'ennuyeux' is a strong insult to their personality in France.
Meaning
Used to describe something that is not interesting or dull.
The Liaison
Always pronounce the 't' in 'C'est' when it's followed by 'ennuyeux'. It sounds like 'SAY-TAHN-NWEE-YUH'.
Describing People
Be careful! Calling someone 'ennuyeux' is a strong insult to their personality in France.
Use 'Un peu'
To sound more like a native, add 'un peu' (a bit). 'C'est un peu ennuyeux' sounds more natural and less aggressive.
The Art of the Sigh
A long sigh before saying 'C'est ennuyeux' adds 100% more French authenticity.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct phrase to say 'I am bored'.
Comment dit-on 'I am bored' en français ?
'Je m'ennuie' is the reflexive form for the feeling. 'Je suis ennuyeux' means you are a boring person.
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the adjective.
Cette histoire est très ________.
Since 'histoire' is a feminine noun and we are using 'est', the adjective must agree in gender.
Match the situation to the most appropriate response.
Your friend is telling a story that has no point and has been going on for 20 minutes.
'C'est ennuyeux' is the standard way to describe a boring story.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Tu veux regarder ce documentaire sur les cailloux ? B: Non merci, ________.
A documentary about pebbles is likely to be perceived as boring.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Levels of Boredom in French
Neutral
- • C'est ennuyeux
- • C'est lassant
Informal
- • C'est barbant
- • C'est rasoir
Vulgar
- • C'est chiant
- • C'est la barbe
Practice Bank
4 exercisesComment dit-on 'I am bored' en français ?
'Je m'ennuie' is the reflexive form for the feeling. 'Je suis ennuyeux' means you are a boring person.
Cette histoire est très ________.
Since 'histoire' is a feminine noun and we are using 'est', the adjective must agree in gender.
Your friend is telling a story that has no point and has been going on for 20 minutes.
'C'est ennuyeux' is the standard way to describe a boring story.
A: Tu veux regarder ce documentaire sur les cailloux ? B: Non merci, ________.
A documentary about pebbles is likely to be perceived as boring.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt depends. Describing a movie or a situation is fine. Describing a person or their work to their face can be quite rude.
'Ennuyeux' is boring or mildly annoying. 'Pénible' is more about something being difficult, painful, or very irritating.
Yes, but 'Il est ennuyeux' means 'He is a boring person'. If you mean he is annoying you right now, use 'Il m'ennuie'.
Use 'Je m'ennuie'. Never say 'Je suis ennuyeux' unless you want to insult yourself!
Only with very close friends. It's vulgar and roughly equivalent to 'This is shitty'.
No, it can also mean 'annoying' or 'unfortunate' in situational contexts like 'C'est ennuyeux, j'ai perdu mes clés'.
Yes, 'ennuyeuse'. But after 'C'est', you always use the masculine 'ennuyeux'.
'Intéressant' (interesting) or 'passionnant' (exciting/fascinating).
Yes, it's very common to use 'très' or 'vraiment' for emphasis.
Because of 'liaison'. When a word ending in a silent consonant is followed by a word starting with a vowel, the consonant is often pronounced.
Related Phrases
C'est barbant
similarIt's boring (informal)
Je m'ennuie
builds onI am bored
C'est lassant
similarIt's tiresome/repetitive
C'est chiant
synonymIt sucks / It's a pain
C'est passionnant
contrastIt's fascinating
