Meaning
Expressing strong negative disapproval or disappointment.
Cultural Background
French people often use 'nul' to express a lack of interest in a social plan without being overly aggressive. In Quebec, 'nul' is understood, but they might also use 'plate' (boring) to convey a similar feeling. Belgians use 'nul' just like the French, but often with a slightly more self-deprecating tone.
Gender Matters
Always look at the noun. If it's feminine, add an 'e' to 'nul' to make it 'nulle'.
Register Check
Don't use this in a formal business meeting. It sounds too casual.
Meaning
Expressing strong negative disapproval or disappointment.
Gender Matters
Always look at the noun. If it's feminine, add an 'e' to 'nul' to make it 'nulle'.
Register Check
Don't use this in a formal business meeting. It sounds too casual.
Use 'vraiment'
Add 'vraiment' before 'nul' to make your disappointment sound more natural.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'nul'.
Ce livre est ____.
'Livre' is masculine, so we use the masculine form.
Which sentence is correct?
Choose the best option.
'Pour moi' is the correct way to express personal opinion.
Match the activity with the correct preposition.
Je suis nul ____ foot.
We use 'au' (à + le) for sports.
Complete the dialogue.
A: On va au cinéma ? B: Non, le film est ____.
'Film' is masculine.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesCe livre est ____.
'Livre' is masculine, so we use the masculine form.
Choose the best option.
'Pour moi' is the correct way to express personal opinion.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
We use 'au' (à + le) for sports.
A: On va au cinéma ? B: Non, le film est ____.
'Film' is masculine.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsYes, 'Il est nul' means he is incompetent.
No, it is just informal.
Add an 's': 'Ils sont nuls'.
Yes, 'Ce plat est nul' means the food is bad.
'Nul' is more colloquial.
Yes, it is very common.
Only if referring to a person, but it's mean.
In sports scores, yes, but not in conversation.
Related Phrases
C'est bidon
synonymIt's fake/bad
C'est dommage
similarIt's a shame
Être nul en
builds onTo be bad at something
