Meaning
To face problems or challenges.
Cultural Background
In French corporate culture, indirectness is valued. Using this phrase allows you to signal a problem without sounding like you are complaining. Quebec French often uses this phrase similarly, but may also use 'avoir de la misère' in more casual settings. Belgian French uses this phrase in standard professional settings, often with a slightly more formal tone. Swiss French is very precise; this phrase is used exactly as in France to maintain professional distance.
Use it as a buffer
Use this phrase to delay giving bad news. It shows you are aware of the problem and working on it.
Don't over-use
If you use it for every small thing, you will sound like you are constantly struggling. Use it for real obstacles.
Meaning
To face problems or challenges.
Use it as a buffer
Use this phrase to delay giving bad news. It shows you are aware of the problem and working on it.
Don't over-use
If you use it for every small thing, you will sound like you are constantly struggling. Use it for real obstacles.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the phrase.
Nous _______ avec le nouveau système de paiement.
The subject is 'Nous', so the verb must be conjugated in the first person plural.
Which sentence is more appropriate for a professional email?
Choose the best option:
The second option is more professional and specific.
Match the situation to the most appropriate response.
Match the following:
Rencontrer des difficultés is for problems, rencontrer is for people.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Comment se passe ton stage ?' B: 'C'est intéressant, mais _______.'
This fits the context of describing work challenges.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesNous _______ avec le nouveau système de paiement.
The subject is 'Nous', so the verb must be conjugated in the first person plural.
Choose the best option:
The second option is more professional and specific.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Rencontrer des difficultés is for problems, rencontrer is for people.
A: 'Comment se passe ton stage ?' B: 'C'est intéressant, mais _______.'
This fits the context of describing work challenges.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsIt is professional and neutral. It is perfect for work.
It's a bit stiff. Use 'J'ai un souci' instead.
It is almost always 'des difficultés'.
Yes, but it means 'to meet'.
Yes, but 'rencontrer des difficultés' is more professional.
Focus on the nasal 'on' sound.
Very common in professional French.
Yes, it is excellent for emails.
No, it implies you are facing a challenge.
Yes, politicians use it to describe policy issues.
It's rare and sounds slightly odd.
No, only for abstract problems.
Related Phrases
Faire face à
similarTo face/confront
Avoir des problèmes
synonymTo have problems
Surmonter des difficultés
builds onTo overcome difficulties
Rencontrer un obstacle
specialized formTo encounter an obstacle
