In 15 Seconds
- Describes something that is typically tough or difficult.
- Used for both physical objects and personal character.
- Implies that the toughness is a normal, expected trait.
Meaning
This phrase describes something or someone that is typically or normally tough, difficult, or physically hard. It suggests that being 'hard' is the standard state for that thing.
Key Examples
3 of 6Eating traditional bread
Ce pain artisanal est ordinairement dur en surface.
This artisanal bread is ordinarily hard on the surface.
Talking about a strict teacher
Monsieur Martin est ordinairement dur avec ses élèves.
Mr. Martin is usually tough on his students.
Discussing a professional task
La négociation de contrat est ordinairement dure dans ce secteur.
Contract negotiation is ordinarily tough in this sector.
Cultural Background
The concept of 'pain dur' (hard bread) is culturally significant. French people often use leftover hard bread to make 'pain perdu' (French toast). In Quebec, 'dur' can also mean 'drunk' in very informal slang, but 'ordinairement dur' would still be understood in its standard sense. A 'cadre' (executive) who is 'ordinairement dur' is often respected for their 'rigueur' (rigor). It is seen as a sign of professional seriousness. The French grading system is 'ordinairement dur'. Getting a 20/20 is almost impossible; a 15/20 is considered very good.
Agreement is Key
Always check the gender of the noun. 'La pierre est dure' (with an E).
Don't over-nasalize
The 'in' in 'ordinairement' is NOT nasal because it's followed by a vowel. Pronounce it like 'in' in 'innocent'.
In 15 Seconds
- Describes something that is typically tough or difficult.
- Used for both physical objects and personal character.
- Implies that the toughness is a normal, expected trait.
What It Means
Imagine you are biting into a traditional French baguette. You expect that crust to have a certain resistance. That is ordinarily dur. It describes a state of toughness that is the norm. It isn't a surprise or a one-time event. It is the default setting for an object or a person's character. In English, we might say 'usually tough' or 'typically hard.' It covers both physical textures and metaphorical difficulties. It is a very practical, everyday way to describe consistency.
How To Use It
You will mostly use this phrase as an adjective. It usually follows the verb être (to be). You can also place it directly after a noun. For example, un travail ordinairement dur means a job that is usually tough. Remember to match the gender if you change the noun. For a feminine noun, it becomes ordinairement dure. It is a simple, modular phrase. You can drop it into almost any sentence about quality or character. It sounds natural and grounded.
When To Use It
Use this when you are describing a routine experience. Are you talking about your morning workout? If it's always a struggle, it is ordinairement dur. Use it at a restaurant to describe a specific dish. It is perfect for talking about people too. If your grandfather is a man of steel, he is ordinairement dur. It works well in professional settings when discussing a difficult market. Use it when you want to manage someone's expectations. It tells them, 'Hey, this is just how it is.'
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for a sudden, unexpected difficulty. If your soft cake turned out hard today, don't use ordinairement. That would imply the cake is always bad! Avoid using it for emotional 'hardness' like heartbreak. For that, French has better words like pénible or douloureux. Also, don't use it to mean 'mean' or 'evil.' Being dur is about being strict or firm, not necessarily malicious. If someone is being a jerk just once, this phrase doesn't fit.
Cultural Background
Texture is a big deal in France, especially with food. A 'hard' bread isn't always a bad thing; it often means it's traditional. The French also value 'la dureté' (hardness) in character. It is often seen as a sign of resilience or high standards. In the workplace, a boss who is ordinairement dur is often respected. They are seen as someone who doesn't settle for less. This phrase reflects a culture that appreciates things that are solid and dependable. It’s about knowing what to expect from the world around you.
Common Variations
You might hear habituellement dur which means 'habitually hard.' Another common one is généralement difficile for abstract tasks. If you want to sound a bit more formal, try coutumièrement dur. In slang, people might just say c'est du lourd for something tough. But ordinairement dur remains the most balanced choice. It is clear, precise, and very French. It avoids exaggeration while stating the facts clearly.
Usage Notes
This is a neutral collocation. It is safe for all contexts. Just remember to agree the adjective 'dur' with the noun it describes (dur/dure/durs/dures).
Agreement is Key
Always check the gender of the noun. 'La pierre est dure' (with an E).
Don't over-nasalize
The 'in' in 'ordinairement' is NOT nasal because it's followed by a vowel. Pronounce it like 'in' in 'innocent'.
Use for contrast
It's most effective when followed by 'mais' (but) to show an exception to a rule.
Examples
6Ce pain artisanal est ordinairement dur en surface.
This artisanal bread is ordinarily hard on the surface.
Describes the expected physical texture of the crust.
Monsieur Martin est ordinairement dur avec ses élèves.
Mr. Martin is usually tough on his students.
Refers to a consistent personality trait or teaching style.
La négociation de contrat est ordinairement dure dans ce secteur.
Contract negotiation is ordinarily tough in this sector.
Used in a business context to describe a standard difficulty.
Le niveau 5 est ordinairement dur, ne t'inquiète pas !
Level 5 is usually hard, don't worry!
Reassuring a friend that the difficulty is normal.
Ce matelas d'hôtel est ordinairement dur, j'adore ça.
This hotel mattress is ordinarily hard, I love it.
Expressing a preference for a firm texture.
L'hiver ici est ordinairement dur pour les nouveaux arrivants.
Winter here is ordinarily hard for newcomers.
Describes a predictable environmental challenge.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'dur' (dur, dure, durs, dures).
La leçon de grammaire est ordinairement ____.
The subject 'La leçon' is feminine singular, so we add an 'e'.
Which sentence is the most natural way to say a boss is usually strict?
Comment décrire un patron strict ?
The adverb 'ordinairement' correctly modifies the masculine adjective 'dur'.
Match the noun with the correct form of the phrase.
Match nouns to phrases:
Each adjective matches the gender and number of its noun.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Tu aimes ce matelas ? B: Non, il est ____.
In the context of mattress shopping, 'ordinairement dur' describes a standard property the speaker doesn't like.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
What can be 'ordinairement dur'?
Objects
- • Le bois
- • Le pain
- • Le matelas
People
- • Le patron
- • Le prof
- • Le juge
Abstract
- • La vie
- • L'examen
- • L'hiver
Practice Bank
4 exercisesLa leçon de grammaire est ordinairement ____.
The subject 'La leçon' is feminine singular, so we add an 'e'.
Comment décrire un patron strict ?
The adverb 'ordinairement' correctly modifies the masculine adjective 'dur'.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Each adjective matches the gender and number of its noun.
A: Tu aimes ce matelas ? B: Non, il est ____.
In the context of mattress shopping, 'ordinairement dur' describes a standard property the speaker doesn't like.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsYes, you can say 'L'examen est ordinairement dur', meaning it is known for being difficult every year.
Yes, they are very close, but 'ordinairement' sounds slightly more formal and precise.
It can mean physically hard, difficult, or strict depending on the context.
Add an 's' to 'dur' -> 'durs'. The adverb 'ordinairement' never changes.
No, the adjective usually comes after the noun: 'un homme ordinairement dur'.
Related Phrases
dur à cuire
similarA tough nut to crack / a tough guy
avoir le cœur dur
specialized formTo be hard-hearted
travailler dur
builds onTo work hard
mou
contrastSoft / weak
