Meaning
Used to express that one feels weary or exhausted.
Cultural Background
The French 'droit à la déconnexion' means employees aren't expected to be 'fatigués' by work emails at night. In Quebec, you might hear 'Je suis tanné', which specifically means 'I am tired of this/fed up'. People use 'ensouqué' to describe the specific tiredness caused by the heat or a heavy meal. The term 'fatigué' can sometimes imply being sick or physically unwell, not just sleepy.
Use 'un peu'
French people often soften 'Je suis fatigué' with 'un peu' (a bit) to sound less complaining.
Gender matters
Even though it sounds the same, always write 'fatiguée' if you are a woman. It shows you know your grammar!
Meaning
Used to express that one feels weary or exhausted.
Use 'un peu'
French people often soften 'Je suis fatigué' with 'un peu' (a bit) to sound less complaining.
Gender matters
Even though it sounds the same, always write 'fatiguée' if you are a woman. It shows you know your grammar!
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of 'fatigué' (pay attention to the subject).
Marie est très _________ après son match de tennis.
Marie is feminine singular, so we add an 'e'.
Choose the most natural informal way to say 'I am tired' to a friend.
Salut ! Je ne sors pas ce soir, je suis _________.
'Crevé' is the most common informal synonym for 'fatigué'.
Complete the dialogue with the correct phrase.
A: Tu as bien dormi ? B: Non, pas vraiment. _________.
If someone didn't sleep well, they are likely tired.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You have worked 12 hours without a break.
12 hours of work warrants a stronger word than just 'fatigué'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Levels of Tiredness
Neutral
- • Fatigué
- • Un peu fatigué
Informal
- • Crevé
- • Naze
- • Claqué
Extreme
- • Épuisé
- • Exténué
- • Vanné
Practice Bank
4 exercisesMarie est très _________ après son match de tennis.
Marie is feminine singular, so we add an 'e'.
Salut ! Je ne sors pas ce soir, je suis _________.
'Crevé' is the most common informal synonym for 'fatigué'.
A: Tu as bien dormi ? B: Non, pas vraiment. _________.
If someone didn't sleep well, they are likely tired.
You have worked 12 hours without a break.
12 hours of work warrants a stronger word than just 'fatigué'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsNot necessarily. It can mean physical exhaustion from exercise or mental exhaustion from work, even if you aren't ready to sleep yet.
No, but it is informal. Use it with friends and family, but stick to 'fatigué' with your boss.
You say 'Je suis fatigué de toi' or more commonly 'Tu me fatigues' (You are tiring me out).
Related Phrases
Avoir un coup de barre
similarTo have a sudden crash in energy.
Être sur les rotules
specialized formTo be on one's knees (exhausted).
Tomber de sommeil
builds onTo be falling asleep.
Être en forme
contrastTo be in good shape/energetic.
