Meaning
Used to describe something that is not clean.
Cultural Background
The French often use 'sale' in the phrase 'sale caractère' to describe someone with a very difficult or mean personality. In Quebec, 'sale' can be used as an intensifier for insults, similar to 'maudit'. The expression 'faire du sale' is a popular phrase in rap culture meaning to do something impactful, raw, or to succeed aggressively.
The 'S' Rule
Remember that 'sale' is singular. If you are talking about multiple things, add an 's': 'Ces vêtements sont sales'.
Don't call people 'sale'
Saying 'Tu es sale' is a personal attack on their hygiene. Use 'C'est sale' to refer to their actions instead.
Meaning
Used to describe something that is not clean.
The 'S' Rule
Remember that 'sale' is singular. If you are talking about multiple things, add an 's': 'Ces vêtements sont sales'.
Don't call people 'sale'
Saying 'Tu es sale' is a personal attack on their hygiene. Use 'C'est sale' to refer to their actions instead.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence.
Ma chemise est ____ parce que je suis tombé.
'Sale' means dirty. 'Salle' is a room, and 'salé' means salty.
Match the meaning of 'C'est sale' to the situation.
Situation: A rapper performs an amazing, aggressive verse.
In slang, 'sale' describes something powerful or impressive.
Fill in the blank with the correct form.
Ne mange pas cette pomme, elle ____ ____.
We use 'est sale' to describe the state of the apple.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Tu as vu ? Il a triché au test ! B: Oui, ____.
Cheating is a 'dirty' or unfair action.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Sale vs. Salle
Practice Bank
4 exercisesMa chemise est ____ parce que je suis tombé.
'Sale' means dirty. 'Salle' is a room, and 'salé' means salty.
Situation: A rapper performs an amazing, aggressive verse.
In slang, 'sale' describes something powerful or impressive.
Ne mange pas cette pomme, elle ____ ____.
We use 'est sale' to describe the state of the apple.
A: Tu as vu ? Il a triché au test ! B: Oui, ____.
Cheating is a 'dirty' or unfair action.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
2 questionsUsually, yes. However, in modern slang, it can be a compliment for something very impressive or 'hardcore'.
The opposite is 'propre' (clean).
Related Phrases
Sale gosse
specialized formNaughty child / Brat
C'est dégueulasse
synonymIt's disgusting
Faire du sale
builds onTo perform impressively / To act ruthlessly
