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A2 noun 12 min read

dépression

Examples dépression in 30 Seconds
Explanation dépression in your Level:
At the A1 level, you should recognize 'dépression' as a word that looks very similar to its English counterpart. At this stage, you mostly need to know that it means a very strong sadness. You might not use it often yourself, as you will focus on simpler words like 'triste' (sad) or 'malade' (sick). However, if you see it in a simple text, you can easily guess its meaning. Remember that it is a feminine word: 'la dépression'. You might hear it in very basic weather contexts, like 'Il y a une dépression', meaning the weather will be bad. It's a 'cognate', which means it looks and sounds like English, making it an easy word to add to your early vocabulary. Just be careful with the pronunciation, emphasizing the 'sion' at the end with a soft 's' sound. Even at this level, knowing this word helps you understand that some French words are easy to learn because they share roots with English.
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At the A2 level, you can start using 'dépression' in simple sentences to talk about health or the weather. You should understand the difference between 'être triste' (to be sad) and 'faire une dépression' (to have depression). You can use it to describe why someone might be seeing a doctor or why they are not coming to work. In terms of weather, you can understand a basic forecast that mentions a 'dépression' coming from the ocean. You should also be aware of the adjective 'déprimé' (depressed) to describe how someone feels. For example, 'Il est déprimé' is a common A2 sentence. You are beginning to see how one word can be used in different areas of life, like medicine and science. Practice using the correct articles and simple verbs like 'avoir' or 'faire' with this noun.
At the B1 level, you should be able to discuss 'la dépression' more deeply as a social or personal issue. You can explain the symptoms in a basic way or talk about how it affects a person's life. You should also be able to distinguish between 'la dépression' (the medical condition) and 'la déprime' (the casual blues). This shows a greater cultural awareness of how French people speak about their feelings. In a B1 discussion, you might talk about the 'Grande Dépression' in a history context, using it to describe economic hardship. You can also use more varied verbs like 'souffrir de' or 'traiter'. Your understanding of the word should now include its meteorological sense more clearly, allowing you to follow a full weather report. This level requires you to use the word in more complex sentence structures, including those with relative pronouns like 'La dépression dont il souffre est grave'.
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At the B2 level, you are expected to use 'dépression' with technical precision. You should be able to participate in a debate about mental health in the workplace or the economic impacts of a 'dépression économique'. You should understand the nuances of various related terms like 'mélancolie' or 'neurasthénie'. Your vocabulary should include common collocations like 'dépression nerveuse' or 'dépression post-partum'. In writing, you can use the word to add depth to your descriptions of characters or societal trends. You should also be familiar with how the word is used in specialized fields like geography (e.g., 'une dépression karstique') or physics. At this stage, you should rarely make mistakes with its gender or its associated verbs, and you should be able to use it fluently in both formal and informal registers depending on the context.
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At the C1 level, you have a sophisticated grasp of 'dépression'. You can use it in academic or professional writing to describe complex phenomena. You might explore the philosophical implications of 'la dépression' in literature or its role in historical shifts. You understand the etymological roots of the word and how they influence its various meanings across disciplines. You can use the word in idiomatic ways and understand subtle puns or metaphors involving the word in high-level texts. Your ability to switch between the clinical, economic, and meteorological senses is seamless. You can also discuss the evolution of the term in French society, from its early medical uses to its modern, broader applications. At this level, you are not just using the word; you are manipulating it to express subtle shades of meaning and complex ideas with precision and elegance.
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At the C2 level, your mastery of 'dépression' is near-native. You can use the word in highly specialized contexts, such as psychoanalytic theory or advanced fluid dynamics, with complete accuracy. You are aware of the rarest uses of the word, such as in specific mechanical or architectural descriptions. You can appreciate and use the word in sophisticated literary contexts, perhaps referencing specific authors who have written extensively on the subject. Your understanding of the word includes its full historical trajectory and its place within the broader family of Latin-derived words. You can engage in deep, nuanced conversations about the 'dépression' of a culture or an era, using the term as a powerful metaphor. There is no context in which the word would appear that you would not fully comprehend, and your own use of it is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker.
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Examples

dépression in 30 Seconds

  • A feminine noun meaning clinical depression, low-pressure weather, or economic downturn.
  • Commonly paired with 'faire' (faire une dépression) to describe suffering from the condition.
  • More formal and serious than 'la déprime', which refers to temporary sadness.
  • Used across medicine, science, and history to describe a 'lowering' of state.

The French word dépression is a versatile noun that English speakers will find familiar, yet it carries specific nuances across various domains including psychology, meteorology, economics, and geography. At its core, the word signifies a 'pressing down' or a 'lowering' of state, whether that be emotional, atmospheric, financial, or physical. In a clinical or psychological context, it refers to a mental health condition characterized by persistent sadness, a lack of interest in activities, and a general sense of hopelessness. It is important to distinguish this from the casual French term la déprime, which refers to a temporary bout of the 'blues' or feeling down. When a doctor diagnoses a patient, they use the formal term dépression. Beyond the mind, the word is ubiquitous in weather reports. A dépression atmosphérique refers to a low-pressure system that typically brings clouds, wind, and rain. If you are watching the evening news in France, you will frequently hear the meteorologist mention a dépression moving in from the Atlantic. In the realm of economics, it describes a severe and prolonged downturn, much like the English 'Great Depression', which is translated as la Grande Dépression. Finally, in geography or mechanics, it refers to a physical hollow or a reduction in pressure within a system. Understanding these four pillars of usage is essential for mastering the word.

Psychological Usage
Refers to a clinical state of mental suffering. Example: 'Il suit un traitement pour sa dépression.'
Meteorological Usage
A low-pressure area in the atmosphere. Example: 'La dépression tropicale se renforce.'
Economic Usage
A long-term economic decline. Example: 'Le pays traverse une profonde dépression économique.'

Après avoir perdu son emploi, il a sombré dans une profonde dépression.

Les météorologues prévoient l'arrivée d'une dépression sur la Bretagne demain soir.

La dépression de 1929 a eu des conséquences mondiales dévastatrices.

L'eau s'accumule souvent dans cette dépression du terrain après la pluie.

Le médecin a confirmé qu'il ne s'agissait pas d'une simple fatigue, mais d'une véritable dépression.

To speak about this word effectively, you must understand the weight it carries. In social settings, talking about la dépression is becoming less taboo in France, but it remains a serious topic. It is frequently paired with verbs like faire (to have/go through), sombrer dans (to sink into), or soigner (to treat). For instance, 'faire une dépression' is the standard way to say someone is suffering from depression. In a technical sense, engineers might talk about 'la dépression' in a pipe or a motor, referring to a vacuum or a drop in pressure. This multidimensionality makes it a fascinating word that bridges the gap between the internal human experience and the external physical world. Whether you are discussing the moody weather of Normandy or the complexities of the human psyche, this word is an essential tool in your French vocabulary toolkit.

Using dépression correctly requires paying attention to the context and the accompanying verbs. Because it is a feminine noun, it will always be preceded by feminine articles (la, une, cette, ma). One of the most common structures involves the verb faire. While in English we 'have' depression, in French, we often 'make' or 'do' one: Il fait une dépression. Another powerful verb used with this noun is sombrer (to sink), which emphasizes the feeling of being overwhelmed: Elle a sombré dans la dépression après son deuil. For medical contexts, you might use souffrir de (to suffer from): Beaucoup d'adolescents souffrent de dépression aujourd'hui. When talking about the weather, the noun often stands alone as the subject of the sentence or follows a preposition: Une dépression arrive par l'ouest. In economic discussions, it is often modified by adjectives like économique, profonde, or mondiale. For example, La dépression économique a frappé de nombreux pays. Below are detailed examples and structures to help you master its placement in various sentence types.

With Motion Verbs
Used to describe entering the state. Example: 'Tomber dans la dépression.' (To fall into depression).
With Treatment Verbs
Used when discussing recovery. Example: 'Soigner une dépression.' (To treat depression).
As a Weather Subject
Example: 'La dépression se déplace vers le nord.' (The low-pressure system is moving north).

Il est difficile de sortir d'une dépression sans aide professionnelle.

La dépression nerveuse est un terme parfois utilisé pour décrire une crise soudaine.

À cause de la dépression barométrique, j'ai mal aux oreilles.

Cette zone géographique est située dans une dépression naturelle du sol.

Le gouvernement craint une nouvelle dépression post-pandémique.

Furthermore, consider the emotional weight of the word. In French literature, authors often explore les états de dépression to describe the existential angst or melancholy of their characters. It is not just a medical term; it is a descriptive tool for the human condition. When using it, ensure you match the formality of the situation. In a professional or academic setting, dépression is preferred. In a casual conversation with friends about feeling a bit sad, you might say J'ai un petit coup de mou or Je déprime (the verb form). However, if the condition is serious, dépression remains the only appropriate term. Practice these patterns to sound more natural and to convey the correct level of urgency or technicality in your speech.

You will encounter the word dépression in several distinct environments in France and other French-speaking countries. One of the most common places is the daily weather forecast on television channels like TF1 or France 2. The bulletin météo is a staple of French life, and the term dépression is used to explain why it's raining in Paris or why the Atlantic coast is experiencing high winds. You will often see a large 'D' on the weather map, representing the center of the low-pressure system. Another frequent setting is the doctor's office or health-related programs. Mental health awareness has grown significantly in France, and discussions about le burn-out (a borrowed term) often lead into discussions about la dépression. In the news, particularly the business section, you will hear it during times of financial instability. Journalists might compare current economic trends to the Grande Dépression of the 1930s or warn of a dépression économique if growth remains stagnant. Finally, in the world of high-end skincare and beauty—a major industry in France—you might even hear about 'dépression cutanée' (skin depression), referring to a loss of volume or the appearance of hollows in the face as one ages. This broad range of contexts ensures that you will hear the word regardless of whether you are interested in science, health, politics, or fashion.

The News (Météo)
Used daily to describe weather patterns. 'Une dépression se creuse sur l'Atlantique.'
Medical Settings
In consultations or health campaigns. 'Reconnaître les signes de la dépression.'
History & Economics
In textbooks or financial reports. 'Les leçons de la Grande dépression.'

Regarde la météo, il y a une dépression qui arrive, on devrait annuler le pique-nique.

À l'école, nous avons étudié les causes de la Grande dépression aux États-Unis.

Le psychologue a expliqué que la dépression post-partum touche beaucoup de mères.

Listening for the word in these contexts will help you understand its versatility. In a podcast about history, 'dépression' will sound heavy and historical. In a conversation between friends, it might sound empathetic and concerned. In a weather report, it sounds technical and predictive. Pay attention to the adjectives that follow it, as they provide the necessary context to distinguish between a bad mood, a bad storm, or a bad economy. By immersing yourself in French media—from news broadcasts to talk shows—you will see how seamlessly this word fits into the fabric of the language.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when using dépression is failing to distinguish it from la déprime. While both relate to sadness, la déprime is informal and refers to a passing mood, whereas la dépression is a clinical diagnosis. Using dépression to describe a slightly bad day might sound overly dramatic or medically alarming to a native speaker. Another common error is gender. Because many English speakers associate the word with its English equivalent, they might forget that it is strictly feminine in French. Saying 'un dépression' is a giveaway that you are still learning the basics of French gender agreement. Additionally, learners often struggle with the correct verb pairings. In English, we 'get depressed', but in French, you don't 'devenir dépression'. Instead, you 'faites une dépression' or 'êtes en dépression'. Another nuance involves the word dépressif. This is an adjective used to describe someone who has the condition (un état dépressif) or the person themselves (une personne dépressive). Misusing the noun where the adjective is required, or vice-versa, can lead to awkward phrasing. Finally, in the context of weather, don't confuse dépression with tempête (storm). A dépression causes the conditions for a storm, but it is the name of the pressure system itself, not the resulting wind or rain.

Dépression vs. Déprime
Clinical vs. Casual. 'J'ai le blues' is 'la déprime'. 'I need a doctor' is 'la dépression'.
Gender Agreement
Always feminine: 'La dépression', never 'Le dépression'.
Verb Confusion
Don't say 'Je suis dépression'. Say 'Je fais une dépression' or 'Je suis déprimé(e)'.

Incorrect: J'ai un grand dépression. (Wrong gender and article).

Correct: Je souffre d'une grave dépression.

Incorrect: Il est dépression. (Noun used as adjective).

Correct: Il est déprimé / Il est dans un état dépressif.

By being mindful of these common pitfalls, you will communicate with greater precision. Accuracy in using dépression shows a deep understanding of French social norms and medical terminology. It also prevents misunderstandings in technical contexts like meteorology or economics. Take the time to practice the specific collocations and pay close attention to the gender markers in every sentence you write or speak. This discipline will elevate your French from a basic level to a more nuanced, near-native proficiency.

While dépression is a powerful and specific word, French offers many alternatives depending on the nuance you wish to convey. If you are talking about a temporary feeling of sadness or being 'down', la déprime is the most common informal alternative. For a more poetic or old-fashioned sense of deep sadness, you might use la mélancolie. This word suggests a thoughtful, almost beautiful sadness often associated with art and literature. If the sadness is due to a specific loss, le chagrin or la tristesse are more appropriate. In the context of economic downturns, la récession is a similar but usually less severe term than la dépression. A recession is a temporary decline, while a depression is a long-term collapse. In meteorology, if you want to avoid 'dépression', you might hear une zone de basse pression or simply le mauvais temps if you are being less technical. In physical or geological terms, synonyms include un creux (a hollow), un affaissement (a sagging/subsidence), or une cuvette (a basin). Choosing the right word demonstrates your range and allows you to be more precise in your descriptions.

La Déprime
Informal, temporary sadness. 'J'ai un coup de déprime.'
La Mélancolie
Existential or artistic sadness. 'Une douce mélancolie.'
La Récession
Economic downturn. 'Entrer en récession.'

Il n'est pas en dépression, il a juste un petit coup de déprime à cause de la pluie.

La mélancolie des poètes romantiques ressemble parfois à la dépression moderne.

Les économistes débattent : s'agit-il d'une simple récession ou d'une véritable dépression ?

Understanding these synonyms helps you avoid repetition and allows you to match your vocabulary to your emotional or technical intent. If you want to sound more empathetic, you might use 'tristesse'. If you want to sound professional, 'dépression' is your go-to. If you are describing a landscape, 'cuvette' or 'creux' might be more visually evocative than the technical 'dépression'. By building this web of related words, you enrich your expressive capabilities and become a more nuanced communicator in French.

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Examples by Level

1

Il est triste, il a une dépression.

He is sad, he has depression.

Uses 'avoir' with the noun.

2

La dépression apporte de la pluie.

The low-pressure system brings rain.

Subject of the sentence.

3

Ma mère combat la dépression.

My mother fights depression.

Direct object with 'la'.

4

C'est une grave dépression.

It is a serious depression.

Adjective 'grave' comes before or after, but usually after for emphasis.

5

La dépression est une maladie.

Depression is a disease.

General statement with definite article.

6

Il ne travaille pas à cause de sa dépression.

He is not working because of his depression.

Prepositional phrase 'à cause de'.

7

Le médecin parle de la dépression.

The doctor is talking about depression.

Indirect object with 'de'.

8

Une dépression arrive ce soir.

A low-pressure system is arriving tonight.

Indefinite article 'une'.

1

Elle fait une dépression nerveuse.

She is having a nervous breakdown.

Common collocation 'dépression nerveuse'.

2

La dépression économique touche tout le village.

The economic depression affects the whole village.

Adjective 'économique' specifies the type.

3

Après son divorce, il a sombré dans la dépression.

After his divorce, he sank into depression.

Verb 'sombrer' implies depth.

4

Les signes de la dépression sont variés.

The signs of depression are varied.

Plural subject 'les signes'.

5

Une forte dépression est centrée sur l'Irlande.

A strong low-pressure system is centered over Ireland.

Adjective 'forte' modifies the noun.

6

Est-ce que la dépression se soigne ?

Can depression be treated?

Pronominal verb 'se soigner'.

7

Il y a une petite dépression dans le jardin.

There is a small hollow in the garden.

Geographical/physical sense.

8

Le film raconte l'histoire d'une dépression.

The film tells the story of a depression.

Narrative context.

1

Il est difficile de diagnostiquer une dépression chez un enfant.

It is difficult to diagnose depression in a child.

Infinitive 'diagnostiquer' as subject.

2

La dépression de 1929 a changé le monde.

The Great Depression of 1929 changed the world.

Historical reference.

3

Cette dépression barométrique cause mes migraines.

This barometric depression is causing my migraines.

Technical adjective 'barométrique'.

4

Elle a réussi à vaincre sa dépression grâce au sport.

She managed to overcome her depression thanks to sports.

Verb 'vaincre' (to overcome).

5

Le paysage est marqué par de nombreuses dépressions.

The landscape is marked by numerous hollows.

Plural usage in geography.

6

La dépression saisonnière arrive souvent en automne.

Seasonal depression often arrives in autumn.

Compound term 'dépression saisonnière'.

7

On parle souvent de la dépression sans vraiment la comprendre.

We often talk about depression without really understanding it.

Use of pronoun 'la' to replace the noun.

8

Le moteur a un problème de dépression.

The engine has a vacuum/pressure problem.

Mechanical context.

1

La dépression post-partum est un sujet encore tabou.

Postpartum depression is still a taboo subject.

Compound noun phrase.

2

L'intensification de la dépression inquiète les navigateurs.

The intensification of the low-pressure system worries the sailors.

Noun 'intensification' + 'de la'.

3

Les politiques tentent d'éviter une nouvelle dépression économique.

Politicians are trying to avoid a new economic depression.

Verb 'éviter' with the noun.

4

Il existe un lien entre stress chronique et dépression.

There is a link between chronic stress and depression.

Abstract connection.

5

La dépression du terrain favorise les inondations.

The depression in the ground favors flooding.

Geological cause and effect.

6

Elle a décrit sa dépression comme un trou noir sans fin.

She described her depression as an endless black hole.

Simile with 'comme'.

7

Le traitement de la dépression nécessite un suivi régulier.

The treatment of depression requires regular monitoring.

Noun 'traitement' + 'de la'.

8

La dépression se creuse rapidement au large de la Bretagne.

The low-pressure system is deepening rapidly off the coast of Brittany.

Meteorological idiom 'se creuser'.

1

L'œuvre de Kafka explore les méandres de la dépression existentielle.

Kafka's work explores the twists and turns of existential depression.

Literary/Philosophical context.

2

La dépression barométrique influe sur le comportement de certains animaux.

Barometric pressure drops influence the behavior of certain animals.

Scientific observation.

3

Il est impératif de déstigmatiser la dépression au sein de l'entreprise.

It is imperative to destigmatize depression within the company.

Formal/Professional register.

4

La dépression peut être vue comme un mécanisme de défense psychique.

Depression can be seen as a psychic defense mechanism.

Psychological theory.

5

L'érosion a accentué la dépression de la vallée au fil des millénaires.

Erosion has accentuated the valley's depression over millennia.

Geological time scale.

6

Le pays s'enfonce dans une dépression dont il semble incapable de sortir.

The country is sinking into a depression it seems unable to escape.

Metaphorical economic use.

7

La dépression nerveuse n'est plus un terme médical officiel, mais reste courant.

Nervous breakdown is no longer an official medical term, but remains common.

Linguistic/Historical note.

8

L'interaction entre génétique et environnement dans la dépression est complexe.

The interaction between genetics and environment in depression is complex.

Advanced scientific context.

1

L'ontologie de la dépression soulève des questions sur la nature même du sujet.

The ontology of depression raises questions about the very nature of the subject.

Highly academic register.

2

La dépression cyclogénétique se manifeste par une chute brutale du mercure.

The cyclogenetic depression manifests as a sudden drop in mercury (pressure).

Technical meteorological term.

3

On observe une dépression des facultés cognitives chez certains patients âgés.

A depression of cognitive faculties is observed in some elderly patients.

Medical use meaning 'reduction'.

4

La Grande Dépression a agi comme un catalyseur pour les mouvements sociaux radicaux.

The Great Depression acted as a catalyst for radical social movements.

Historical analysis.

5

La dépression de la voûte plantaire peut entraîner des douleurs dorsales.

The sinking of the plantar arch (flat feet) can lead to back pain.

Anatomical/Medical context.

6

L'esthétique de la dépression dans le cinéma contemporain privilégie les tons froids.

The aesthetics of depression in contemporary cinema favor cold tones.

Artistic critique.

7

La dépression du point de congélation est une propriété colligative des solutions.

Freezing point depression is a colligative property of solutions.

Physical chemistry term.

8

Le poète évoque la dépression de son âme face à l'immensité du néant.

The poet evokes the depression of his soul before the immensity of nothingness.

Poetic/Metaphorical usage.

Common Collocations

faire une dépression
dépression nerveuse
dépression saisonnière
grande dépression
dépression économique
dépression atmosphérique
dépression post-partum
sombrer dans la dépression
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