Pronunciation Guide
- pronouncing 'ou' like in 'out' instead of 'oo' like in 'moon'
- not rolling the 'r' slightly
Idioms & Expressions
"avoir la boule au ventre"
To have a knot in one's stomach (to be very anxious or stressed)
Avant l'examen, j'avais la boule au ventre.
neutral"être au bout du rouleau"
To be at the end of one's rope (exhausted, unable to cope)
Après trois nuits sans dormir, j'étais au bout du rouleau.
informal"ne pas en croire ses yeux"
To not believe one's eyes (to be extremely surprised or shocked)
J'ai vu mon vieil ami après 20 ans, je n'en croyais pas mes yeux !
neutral"tomber des nues"
To fall from the sky (to be completely taken aback, astonished)
Quand elle m'a annoncé la nouvelle, je suis tombé des nues.
neutral"avoir le cœur gros"
To have a heavy heart (to be sad, sorrowful)
Après son départ, j'avais le cœur gros.
neutral"être sous le choc"
To be in shock (emotionally stunned or traumatized)
Elle était encore sous le choc après l'accident.
neutral"perdre son sang-froid"
To lose one's cool (to lose one's temper, become angry or flustered)
Sous la pression, il a perdu son sang-froid.
neutral"en avoir ras le bol"
To be fed up (to be completely exasperated or tired of something)
J'en ai ras le bol de cette situation !
informal"avoir un coup de blues"
To have the blues (to feel a bit down or sad)
Après le week-end, j'ai souvent un coup de blues le dimanche soir.
informal"se faire du souci"
To worry (to be concerned or anxious about something)
Je me fais du souci pour mes examens.
neutralTest Yourself 12 questions
Elle était ___ après avoir appris la mauvaise nouvelle. (She was ___ after hearing the bad news.)
The context implies a negative emotional state due to bad news, so 'bouleversée' (upset) is the most appropriate choice.
La décision a vraiment ___ les employés. (The decision really ___ the employees.)
If a decision has a strong negative impact on employees, 'bouleversé' (upset/disturbed) fits the context.
Quand il a vu l'accident, il était complètement ___. (When he saw the accident, he was completely ___.)
Witnessing an accident would likely cause a strong emotional reaction, making 'bouleversé' (upset/distressed) the best fit.
Ses paroles ont ___ tout le monde à la réunion. (His words ___ everyone at the meeting.)
If words have a negative impact on a group, 'bouleversé' (upset/disturbed) is appropriate.
Ne sois pas si ___, ça va s'arranger. (Don't be so ___, it will be okay.)
The advice 'ça va s'arranger' (it will be okay) suggests the person is currently upset, so 'bouleversé' is correct.
La nouvelle de son départ m'a beaucoup ___. (The news of his departure really ___ me.)
The departure of someone important can cause emotional distress, making 'bouleversé' (upset) the fitting choice.
Choose the best synonym for 'bouleversé' in the following sentence: 'La nouvelle de son départ m'a profondément bouleversé.'
'Perturbé' means disturbed or troubled, which is the closest synonym to 'bouleversé' (upset, emotionally disturbed) in this context. 'Joyeux' (joyful), 'calme' (calm), and 'indifférent' (indifferent) are antonyms or unrelated.
Which of the following situations would most likely leave someone 'bouleversé'?
Learning about a natural disaster affecting one's hometown is a highly distressing event, perfectly aligning with the meaning of 'bouleversé' (upset, emotionally disturbed). The other options describe positive or neutral situations.
Complete the sentence with the most appropriate word: 'Elle était si ___ par la tragédie qu'elle ne pouvait plus parler.'
The context of 'tragédie' (tragedy) and being unable to speak indicates a state of deep emotional distress, which is best described by 'bouleversée'. 'Heureuse' (happy), 'amusée' (amused), and 'satisfaite' (satisfied) are opposite in meaning or inappropriate.
If someone is 'bouleversé', they are likely experiencing feelings of joy and excitement.
'Bouleversé' means upset, emotionally disturbed, or distressed, so it is associated with negative emotions, not joy and excitement.
The word 'bouleversé' can be used to describe a calm and composed state.
The definition of 'bouleversé' is the opposite of calm and composed; it denotes emotional turmoil and distress.
Hearing very bad news would typically make someone feel 'bouleversé'.
Very bad news is a common trigger for feeling 'bouleversé' (upset, emotionally disturbed or distressed).
/ 12 correct
Perfect score!
Related Content
Related Grammar Rules
More emotions words
à contrecœur
B1Against one's will; reluctantly.
à fleur de peau
B1Oversensitive; easily affected emotionally.
à la fois
B1At the same time; simultaneously.
à l'aise
A2Feeling comfortable, relaxed, or at ease.
à regret
B1With regret; reluctantly.
abandon
B1The action or fact of abandoning someone or something; abandonment (can be emotional).
abasourdi
B1Stunned, dumbfounded, greatly astonished or shocked.
abattement
A2A state of extreme dejection; despondency.
abattu
A2In low spirits; disheartened; dejected.
abominable
B1Causing moral revulsion; detestable.
