Meaning
To experience the results of an action.
Cultural Background
The French legal system emphasizes 'préjudice' (harm). If you cause harm, the other party 'subit' the consequences, and you must compensate them. This is a core part of the Civil Code. In Quebec, the phrase is often used in the context of 'la rigueur de l'hiver'. People 'subissent' the extreme cold, which is seen as a shared cultural endurance test. In many West African countries, the phrase can be used to discuss the impact of post-colonial economic structures or climate-driven migration. In Belgian politics, which often involves complex coalitions, the phrase is frequently used when one region feels it is 'subissant' the decisions made by another or by the federal government.
Use 'en'
To sound more native, use 'en' when the cause is already known: 'Il a fait une gaffe et il en subit les conséquences.'
Negative only
Remember, don't use this for winning or succeeding. It's for fallout and trouble.
Meaning
To experience the results of an action.
Use 'en'
To sound more native, use 'en' when the cause is already known: 'Il a fait une gaffe et il en subit les conséquences.'
Negative only
Remember, don't use this for winning or succeeding. It's for fallout and trouble.
Business French
In a job interview, saying 'Je suis prêt à assumer et subir les conséquences de mes décisions' shows great maturity.
The 'Victim' nuance
Using 'subir' can sometimes make you sound like a victim. If you want to sound more in control, use 'assumer'.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'subir'.
Si nous ne changeons pas nos habitudes, nous ________ les conséquences du réchauffement climatique.
The sentence uses 'si' + present, so the result should be in the future (subirons).
Which verb is most appropriate for a positive outcome?
Il a travaillé dur et il ________ les fruits de son travail.
'Subir' is for negative things. 'Récolter' (to harvest) is used for positive results.
Complete the dialogue.
A: J'ai oublié de payer mon amende. B: Fais attention, tu risques de ________.
'En' replaces 'de payer mon amende'. This is the most natural way to say it.
Match the action to the consequence.
Action: Mentir à son conjoint.
Lying leads to a loss of trust, which is a negative consequence one must endure.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Subir vs. Assumer
Practice Bank
4 exercisesSi nous ne changeons pas nos habitudes, nous ________ les conséquences du réchauffement climatique.
The sentence uses 'si' + present, so the result should be in the future (subirons).
Il a travaillé dur et il ________ les fruits de son travail.
'Subir' is for negative things. 'Récolter' (to harvest) is used for positive results.
A: J'ai oublié de payer mon amende. B: Fais attention, tu risques de ________.
'En' replaces 'de payer mon amende'. This is the most natural way to say it.
Action: Mentir à son conjoint.
Lying leads to a loss of trust, which is a negative consequence one must endure.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsYes, but it is much more common in the plural because actions usually have multiple results.
In 95% of cases, yes. It implies something you didn't necessarily want to happen.
'Souffrir' is about the physical or emotional pain. 'Subir' is about the fact of undergoing the event.
It is neutral. You can use it with friends, but it's also perfectly fine in a legal document.
Use 'avoir': 'J'ai subi', 'Tu as subi', etc.
Yes, e.g., 'L'ordinateur subit des dommages.'
There isn't one direct opposite, but 'agir' (to act) or 'provoquer' (to cause) are the active counterparts.
Yes, 'subir une tempête' is very common.
No, slang would use 'prendre cher' or 'ramasser'.
No, it's 'subir [quelque chose]'.
Usually you say 'subir les conséquences des actes de quelqu'un'.
Extremely. It's a staple of political and economic reporting.
Related Phrases
Assumer les conséquences
similarTo take responsibility for the results.
Payer les pots cassés
synonymTo pay for the damage caused.
Faire les frais de
similarTo be the one who suffers from a situation.
Récolter ce que l'on a semé
similarTo reap what you sow.
En pâtir
similarTo suffer from something.
