Meaning
Used to express that something is very bad or dreadful.
Cultural Background
In France, 'C'est terrible' is part of the 'râler' culture. It's socially acceptable and even expected to acknowledge when something is bad. While 'C'est terrible' is used, Quebecers might also use 'C'est plate' for something boring/bad or 'C'est de valeur' for something unfortunate. In some African French contexts, 'terrible' can be used more emphatically to describe someone's character, either very strong or very difficult. Usage is very similar to France, often used to react to the frequent rain or political complexity.
The 'Terrific' Trap
Never use 'terrible' to mean 'great'. It will confuse French speakers!
Use 'pas terrible'
To sound more like a native, use 'C'est pas terrible' when you are disappointed with something.
Meaning
Used to express that something is very bad or dreadful.
The 'Terrific' Trap
Never use 'terrible' to mean 'great'. It will confuse French speakers!
Use 'pas terrible'
To sound more like a native, use 'C'est pas terrible' when you are disappointed with something.
Empathy is Key
Use this phrase to show you are listening when someone complains. It's a great social glue.
Test Yourself
Choose the best response to: 'J'ai cassé mon téléphone.'
J'ai cassé mon téléphone.
Breaking a phone is a bad thing, so 'C'est terrible !' is the appropriate reaction.
Complete the sentence with the correct form.
La météo aujourd'hui ? C'est _________ !
After 'C'est', we use the masculine singular adjective.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Which phrase fits a mediocre meal?
'C'est pas terrible' is the French way of saying something is not very good.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Il y a beaucoup de trafic. B: Oui, ________.
Traffic is a negative situation, so 'c'est terrible' fits.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
When to say 'C'est terrible !'
Weather
- • Rain
- • Storms
- • Cold
Daily Life
- • Broken phone
- • Late bus
- • Lost keys
Empathy
- • Bad news
- • Sickness
- • Sadness
Practice Bank
4 exercisesJ'ai cassé mon téléphone.
Breaking a phone is a bad thing, so 'C'est terrible !' is the appropriate reaction.
La météo aujourd'hui ? C'est _________ !
After 'C'est', we use the masculine singular adjective.
Which phrase fits a mediocre meal?
'C'est pas terrible' is the French way of saying something is not very good.
A: Il y a beaucoup de trafic. B: Oui, ________.
Traffic is a negative situation, so 'c'est terrible' fits.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsAlmost never in modern French. In the past it could mean 'awesome', but today it's 99% negative.
Use 'C'est terrible' for situations. Use 'Il est terrible' for a person (meaning they are difficult or very bad).
It's okay to use if you are reacting to something sad, but 'C'est regrettable' is more professional.
'Affreux' is often more visual (an ugly shirt) or more extreme (a horrific crime).
Related Phrases
C'est affreux
synonymIt's awful
C'est dommage
similarThat's a pity
C'est pas terrible
specialized formIt's not great
C'est génial
contrastIt's great
