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A2 verb #6,000 most common 9 min read

s'ennuyer

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips s'ennuyer in 30 Seconds
Explanation s'ennuyer in your Level:
At the A1 level, learners are just beginning to grasp basic French. They might recognize 's'ennuyer' as a verb related to a negative feeling, but they wouldn't be expected to conjugate it or use it independently. They might encounter it in very simple sentences like 'Je m'ennuie' as part of a phrasebook or a very basic dialogue. The focus at this level is on recognizing simple words and phrases rather than active production. Understanding the core meaning 'to be bored' is the main goal, often associated with simple visual cues like a sad or uninterested face.
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At the A2 level, learners can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment). They can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters. 'S'ennuyer' fits perfectly here as a common expression for a relatable feeling. Learners at A2 should be able to recognize and understand 'Je m'ennuie' and perhaps conjugate it in the present tense. They can use it in simple sentences to describe their own feelings of boredom in familiar contexts, such as waiting or having nothing to do. They are beginning to grasp the concept of reflexive verbs, which is crucial for 's'ennuyer'.
At the B1 level, learners can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. They can deal with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling in an area where the language is spoken. They can produce simple connected text on topics which are familiar or of personal interest. Learners at B1 should be comfortable using 's'ennuyer' in various tenses (present, passé composé, futur proche). They can express more nuanced feelings of boredom, perhaps related to specific activities or situations, and use it in connected speech or writing. They understand the reflexive nature of the verb and can use it to describe their own experiences or those of others.
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At the B2 level, learners can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in their field of specialisation. They can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party. They can produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options. At B2, 's'ennuyer' can be used in more sophisticated contexts, perhaps discussing the concept of 'ennui' itself, or in more complex narrative structures. They can employ it effectively to add color and depth to their descriptions of feelings and situations, and understand its use in idiomatic expressions or more formal writing.
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At the C1 level, learners can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognise implicit meaning. They can express themselves fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. They can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes. They can produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organisational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices. At C1, 's'ennuyer' can be used to discuss philosophical concepts of boredom, existential angst, or in literary analysis. They can also use it with great precision to describe subtle emotional states and complex social dynamics where boredom plays a role.
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At the C2 level, learners can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read. They can summarise information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation. They can express themselves spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in more complex situations. At C2, 's'ennuyer' is used with absolute mastery, potentially in highly nuanced literary or academic discourse, or in complex idiomatic expressions where its specific cultural connotations are fully understood and employed. They can analyse the socio-cultural implications of boredom as expressed through the verb.
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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

s'ennuyer in 30 Seconds

  • S'ennuyer means to get bored or feel bored.
  • It's a reflexive verb, requiring 'me, te, se, nous, vous, se'.
  • Use it when you lack stimulation or find something tedious.
  • Common in everyday conversation to express lack of interest.

The French reflexive verb 's'ennuyer' translates directly to 'to get bored' or 'to be bored' in English. It describes the feeling of tedium, lack of interest, or a state where time seems to pass very slowly because one is not engaged or entertained. This is a very common verb used in everyday conversations to express a lack of stimulation or satisfaction.

You would use 's'ennuyer' when you are experiencing a lack of activity or interest. For instance, if you are waiting for a long time without anything to do, or if you are in a situation that you find dull or uninteresting, you can say that you are 'ennuyé(e)'. It's a versatile verb that can apply to a wide range of situations, from simple momentary boredom to more prolonged feelings of dissatisfaction.

Reflexive verbs in French, like 's'ennuyer', require a reflexive pronoun (me, te, se, nous, vous, se) that agrees with the subject of the verb. For 's'ennuyer', the conjugation follows this pattern. For example, 'je m'ennuie' means 'I am bored', 'tu t'ennuies' means 'you are bored' (singular, informal), and 'il/elle s'ennuie' means 'he/she is bored'. Understanding this reflexive nature is key to using the verb correctly.

Consider the context: are you bored because there's nothing to do, or are you bored with a particular activity or person? 'S'ennuyer' covers both. It's often used to express a personal feeling, making it a subjective verb. The intensity of the boredom can range from mild to extreme, and the verb can be modified with adverbs to convey this nuance, such as 'beaucoup s'ennuyer' (to be very bored).

It's important to distinguish 's'ennuyer' from simply being tired or sleepy. Boredom implies a mental state of disinterest, whereas tiredness is a physical state. You can be tired but not bored, or bored but not tired. The feeling of 's'ennuyer' is specifically about a lack of mental engagement or stimulation.

Usage Example
When a child has finished all their toys and has nothing else to do, they might say, 'Je m'ennuie!' (I'm bored!).
Nuance
The word 'ennui' in English, borrowed from French, refers to a feeling of listlessness and dissatisfaction arising from a lack of occupation or excitement. This directly relates to the meaning of 's'ennuyer'.

Quand il n'y a rien à faire, on finit par s'ennuyer.

Using 's'ennuyer' correctly involves understanding its reflexive nature and conjugating it properly with the appropriate reflexive pronoun. The reflexive pronoun must agree with the subject of the sentence.

Basic Conjugation
The present tense conjugation is as follows: Je m'ennuie, Tu t'ennuies, Il/Elle/On s'ennuie, Nous nous ennuyons, Vous vous ennuyez, Ils/Elles s'ennuient. This is the most fundamental way to express being bored.
Expressing boredom in different situations
You can use 's'ennuyer' to talk about a general state of boredom or boredom related to a specific activity. For example, 'Je m'ennuie à mourir' means 'I am bored to death'. If you are bored by a movie, you can say, 'Ce film m'ennuie'.

Après une heure de réunion inutile, je commençais à m'ennuyer.

Past Tense Usage (Passé Composé)
In the past tense, you would say 'Je me suis ennuyé(e)' (I got bored). The past participle 'ennuyé' agrees in gender and number with the subject if it's a reflexive verb using 'être'. For example, 'Elle s'est ennuyée pendant le voyage' (She got bored during the trip).

Nous nous sommes ennuyés pendant le long trajet en bus.

Future Tense Usage (Futur Proche and Futur Simple)
For the near future, you can use 'aller' + infinitive: 'Je vais m'ennuyer si je reste ici'. For the simple future, you conjugate 'ennuyer' in the future tense: 'Je m'ennuierai si je n'ai rien à faire.'

Si tu ne trouves pas un nouveau passe-temps, tu vas t'ennuyer.

You will hear 's'ennuyer' frequently in everyday French conversations, particularly among native speakers discussing their feelings, activities, or lack thereof. It's a fundamental verb for expressing a common human emotion.

In informal settings, such as among friends or family, people often use 's'ennuyer' to describe mundane situations. For example, a teenager might say to their parents, 'Je m'ennuie, je peux sortir?' (I'm bored, can I go out?). This is a very typical expression you'd hear in a household.

During extended periods of waiting, like in a doctor's office, at an airport, or during a long train journey, people might express their boredom using this verb. 'J'attends depuis une heure, je commence à m'ennuyer sérieusement' (I've been waiting for an hour, I'm starting to get seriously bored).

In media
Movies, TV shows, and books often feature characters expressing boredom. A common scene might involve someone sighing and saying, 'Je m'ennuie tellement' (I'm so bored), perhaps while looking out of a window or scrolling through their phone.

The character sighed and said, 'Je crois que je vais m'ennuyer ici.'

In educational contexts
While teachers aim to keep students engaged, students might express boredom if a lesson is too long or not interactive enough. 'Cette leçon m'ennuie' (This lesson bores me) is something you might overhear, though perhaps not directly to the teacher.
Discussions about leisure activities
When discussing hobbies or free time, people might mention things they do to avoid boredom. 'Je lis pour ne pas m'ennuyer le soir' (I read so I don't get bored in the evening).

Il se plaignait de s'ennuyer pendant les vacances.

One of the most common mistakes learners make with 's'ennuyer' is forgetting that it is a reflexive verb. This leads to incorrect usage of the reflexive pronoun.

Forgetting the reflexive pronoun
Learners might say, 'Je ennuie' instead of 'Je m'ennuie'. This is like saying 'I bore' instead of 'I am bored' or 'I get bored'. The reflexive pronoun ('me', 'te', 'se', etc.) is essential for the verb to convey the meaning of getting bored. The verb 'ennuyer' without the reflexive pronoun means 'to bore someone'. For example, 'Ce film m'ennuie' (This movie bores me).
Incorrect agreement of reflexive pronoun
Another mistake is using the wrong reflexive pronoun for the subject. For instance, saying 'Tu m'ennuie' when you mean 'You are bored' (tu t'ennuies). Remember: Je -> me, Tu -> te, Il/Elle/On -> se, Nous -> nous, Vous -> vous, Ils/Elles -> se.
Confusing 's'ennuyer' with 's'ennuyer de'
While 's'ennuyer' on its own means 'to get bored', 's'ennuyer de quelque chose/quelqu'un' means 'to miss something/someone'. For example, 'Je m'ennuie de ma famille' means 'I miss my family', not 'I am bored of my family'. This prepositional phrase changes the entire meaning.

Incorrect: Je ennuie. Correct: Je m'ennuie.

Overuse or misuse in contexts where another verb is more appropriate
Sometimes learners might use 's'ennuyer' when they mean 'to be tired' (être fatigué) or 'to be sad' (être triste). Boredom is specifically about a lack of interest or stimulation. If you are tired from physical exertion, you wouldn't say 'Je m'ennuie', you'd say 'Je suis fatigué'.

Incorrect: Je m'ennuie parce que j'ai couru 10 km. Correct: Je suis fatigué(e) parce que j'ai couru 10 km.

While 's'ennuyer' is the primary verb for 'to get bored', there are other ways to express similar feelings or related states of mind in French.

Être blasé(e)
Meaning: To be jaded, unimpressed, or weary due to overexposure to something. It's a more profound and often cynical form of boredom, where one has seen it all and is no longer easily impressed. It implies a loss of enthusiasm or excitement.
Example: 'Après avoir vu tant de films, il est devenu blasé.' (After seeing so many movies, he became jaded.)
Comparison: While 's'ennuyer' is about a lack of stimulation, 'être blasé' is about a lack of reaction or interest due to prior experience.
S'ennuyer de (quelque chose/quelqu'un)
Meaning: To miss something or someone. This is a crucial distinction from the reflexive verb 's'ennuyer' alone.
Example: 'Je m'ennuie de toi.' (I miss you.)
Comparison: This is not about boredom but about longing for presence.
Ne pas s'amuser
Meaning: To not have fun. This is a more general statement about a lack of enjoyment.
Example: 'Les enfants ne s'amusaient pas à la fête.' (The children were not having fun at the party.)
Comparison: You can 'ne pas s'amuser' without necessarily being bored; you might just be indifferent or occupied with something else.
Être fatigué(e)
Meaning: To be tired. This refers to a physical or mental exhaustion, not necessarily a lack of stimulation.
Example: 'Je suis fatigué après ma longue journée de travail.' (I am tired after my long workday.)
Comparison: Boredom is a mental state of disinterest; tiredness is a physical state of weariness.
Languir
Meaning: To languish, to pine away, to be in a state of listlessness or melancholy, often due to sadness or lack of energy.
Example: 'Elle languit depuis la mort de son mari.' (She has been languishing since her husband's death.)
Comparison: 'Languir' implies a deeper, more sorrowful state than simple boredom.

The feeling of ennui is distinct from general tiredness or sadness.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The English word 'ennui', which refers to a feeling of listlessness and dissatisfaction arising from a lack of occupation or excitement, is directly borrowed from the French word 'ennui', the noun form related to 's'ennuyer'. This highlights the strong association between the French language and this specific feeling.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /s‿ɑ̃.nɥi.je/
US /s‿ɑ̃.nɥi.je/
The stress falls on the last syllable, '-nyer'.
Rhymes With
envoyer essayer payer royer ployer détruyer construire appuyer
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing the nasal 'an' as a regular 'an'.
  • Not rounding the lips correctly for the French 'u' sound.
  • Forgetting the liaison between 's' and 'ennuyer', making it sound like 's' and 'ennuyer' separately.
  • Pronouncing the final 'er' too strongly.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

At the A2 level, learners can understand simple texts. Recognizing 's'ennuyer' in basic sentences about daily life is achievable. Comprehending more complex literary uses of 'ennui' would be B2+.

Writing 2/5

Producing simple sentences with 's'ennuyer' in the present tense is manageable at A2. Conjugating it correctly in different tenses and using it in more complex sentence structures requires further practice.

Speaking 2/5

Using 'Je m'ennuie' in simple spoken contexts is appropriate for A2 learners. Spontaneous use in varied situations and tenses requires more practice.

Listening 2/5

Recognizing 's'ennuyer' in spoken French at a normal pace might be challenging for absolute beginners, but at A2, learners can usually pick it out in clear, slow speech related to familiar topics.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

être (to be) avoir (to have) je, tu, il/elle, nous, vous, ils/elles (pronouns) à, de, dans, pour, sur (prepositions) bonjour, merci, oui, non (greetings and basic responses)

Learn Next

ennuyer (to bore someone) ennuyeux/ennuyeuse (boring) ennui (boredom) s'ennuyer de (to miss someone) être fatigué(e) (to be tired)

Advanced

languir (to languish) se morfondre (to mope) être blasé(e) (to be jaded) le spleen (melancholy, ennui) l'existentialisme (existentialism)

Grammar to Know

Reflexive Verbs

'S'ennuyer' is a reflexive verb. This means the action is done by the subject to itself. It requires a reflexive pronoun (me, te, se, nous, vous, se) that agrees with the subject. Example: Je m'ennuie (I bore myself / I get bored).

Passé Composé with Reflexive Verbs

When using the passé composé with reflexive verbs, the auxiliary verb is 'être'. The past participle agrees in gender and number with the subject. Example: Elle s'est ennuyée (She got bored).

Adjective Agreement

The adjective 'ennuyé(e)' must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. Example: Un homme ennuyé, une femme ennuyée, des hommes ennuyés, des femmes ennuyées.

The verb 'ennuyer' (transitive)

The verb 'ennuyer' without the reflexive pronoun means 'to bore someone'. Example: Ce film m'ennuie (This film bores me).

Using 's'ennuyer de' for 'to miss'

The preposition 'de' changes the meaning significantly. Example: Je m'ennuie de toi (I miss you).

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Examples by Level

1

Je m'ennuie.

I am bored.

Simple present tense of the reflexive verb 's'ennuyer'.

2

C'est ennuyeux.

It is boring.

Adjective form of 'ennuyer'.

3

Il s'ennuie.

He is bored.

Third person singular present tense.

4

Elle s'ennuie.

She is bored.

Third person singular present tense.

5

Nous nous ennuyons.

We are bored.

First person plural present tense.

6

Vous vous ennuyez.

You are bored (plural or formal).

Second person plural or formal present tense.

7

Ils s'ennuient.

They are bored (masculine).

Third person plural present tense.

8

Elles s'ennuient.

They are bored (feminine).

Third person plural present tense.

1

Je m'ennuie à la maison.

I am bored at home.

Present tense, expressing location of boredom.

2

Il s'est ennuyé pendant le cours.

He got bored during the class.

Passé composé of 's'ennuyer'.

3

Nous nous ennuyons quand il pleut.

We get bored when it rains.

Present tense, conditional clause.

4

Tu t'ennuies parce que tu n'as rien à faire.

You are bored because you have nothing to do.

Present tense with a causal clause.

5

Le film était tellement long que je me suis ennuyé.

The movie was so long that I got bored.

Passé composé with a result clause.

6

Elle ne veut pas s'ennuyer pendant les vacances.

She doesn't want to get bored during the holidays.

Infinitive after a negation.

7

Vous allez vous ennuyer si vous restez ici.

You will get bored if you stay here.

Futur proche with a conditional clause.

8

J'ai peur de m'ennuyer à cette soirée.

I am afraid I will get bored at this party.

Infinitive after expressing fear.

1

Je m'ennuie de ma vie de tous les jours.

I am bored with my everyday life.

Expressing boredom with a routine.

2

Il s'est ennuyé à mourir lors de la conférence.

He was bored to death during the conference.

Figurative expression for extreme boredom.

3

Nous nous sommes ennuyés car il n'y avait rien d'intéressant à faire.

We were bored because there was nothing interesting to do.

Passé composé with a causal clause.

4

Tu t'ennuies facilement si tu n'es pas stimulé.

You get bored easily if you are not stimulated.

General statement about a personality trait.

5

Elle s'ennuyait tellement qu'elle a décidé de changer de travail.

She was so bored that she decided to change jobs.

Passé composé with a consequence.

6

Ce type de roman finit toujours par m'ennuyer.

This type of novel always ends up boring me.

Expressing recurring boredom with a genre.

7

Si nous ne trouvons pas d'activités, nous nous ennuyerons.

If we don't find activities, we will get bored.

Futur simple with a conditional clause.

8

Il faut éviter de s'ennuyer en voyage.

One must avoid getting bored while traveling.

Infinitive after a modal verb.

1

Je m'ennuie de la vivacité de mes jeunes années.

I miss the liveliness of my younger years.

Using 's'ennuyer de' to express nostalgia for a past state.

2

Il s'est ennuyé à l'idée de devoir refaire le même travail.

He was bored by the thought of having to do the same work again.

Expressing boredom related to anticipation.

3

Nous nous sommes ennuyés par manque de nouveauté.

We were bored due to a lack of novelty.

Passé composé with a reason (prepositional phrase).

4

Tu t'ennuies souvent lorsque tu es seul(e) pendant trop longtemps.

You often get bored when you are alone for too long.

General observation about a personality trait and circumstance.

5

Elle s'est ennuyée de la routine, alors elle a décidé de voyager.

She was bored of the routine, so she decided to travel.

Passé composé with a consequence and motivation.

6

Ce genre de conversation finit toujours par m'ennuyer profondément.

This type of conversation always ends up deeply boring me.

Using an adverb to intensify the feeling.

7

Si nous ne trouvons pas de défis, nous nous ennuyerons rapidement.

If we don't find challenges, we will quickly get bored.

Futur simple with an adverb and conditional clause.

8

Il est important de ne pas s'ennuyer intellectuellement.

It is important not to get intellectually bored.

Infinitive after 'il est important de'.

1

Je m'ennuie de la spontanéité et de l'insouciance de ma jeunesse.

I miss the spontaneity and carefreeness of my youth.

Expressing a nuanced longing for abstract qualities.

2

Il s'est ennuyé à l'idée d'une existence dénuée de sens.

He was bored by the idea of a meaningless existence.

Existential boredom.

3

Nous nous sommes ennuyés par la répétitivité des tâches administratives.

We were bored by the repetitiveness of administrative tasks.

Passé composé with a precise reason.

4

Elle s'ennuie souvent des conversations superficielles qui manquent de substance.

She often gets bored by superficial conversations that lack substance.

General observation about a preference for depth.

5

Le sentiment de ne pas s'ennuyer est souvent lié à un engagement profond.

The feeling of not being bored is often linked to deep engagement.

Abstract concept related to engagement.

6

Cette pièce de théâtre, bien qu'acclamée, finit par m'ennuyer par son manque d'originalité.

This play, although acclaimed, ends up boring me with its lack of originality.

Expressing critical boredom.

7

Si nous ne nous renouvelons pas, nous risquons de nous ennuyer.

If we don't renew ourselves, we risk getting bored.

Futur simple with a risk and conditional clause.

8

Il est crucial de trouver des activités qui empêchent de s'ennuyer.

It is crucial to find activities that prevent boredom.

Infinitive after 'il est crucial de'.

1

Je m'ennuie de l'évanescence des moments de bonheur véritable.

I miss the fleeting nature of moments of true happiness.

Philosophical longing.

2

Il s'est ennuyé à l'idée d'une existence empreinte de conformisme.

He was bored by the idea of an existence marked by conformity.

Existential ennui related to societal pressures.

3

Nous nous sommes ennuyés par l'académisme stérile de certaines disciplines.

We were bored by the sterile academicism of certain disciplines.

Critique of overly academic approaches.

4

Elle s'ennuie souvent des conversations qui ne font qu'effleurer la surface des choses.

She often gets bored by conversations that only skim the surface of things.

Disdain for superficiality.

5

Le véritable ennui n'est pas tant l'absence d'activité que l'absence de sens.

True boredom is not so much the absence of activity as the absence of meaning.

Defining profound boredom.

6

Cette exposition, bien que conceptuellement audacieuse, finit par m'ennuyer par son manque d'émotion.

This exhibition, although conceptually bold, ends up boring me with its lack of emotion.

Nuanced critique of art.

7

Si nous ne cultivons pas notre curiosité, nous risquons de nous ennuyer face à la complexité du monde.

If we don't cultivate our curiosity, we risk getting bored in the face of the world's complexity.

Futur simple with a warning about intellectual stagnation.

8

Il est impératif de trouver des moyens de transcender l'ennui existentiel.

It is imperative to find ways to transcend existential boredom.

Infinitive after 'il est impératif de', discussing existentialism.

Common Collocations

s'ennuyer à mourir
s'ennuyer ferme
s'ennuyer de quelqu'un
s'ennuyer à la maison
s'ennuyer pendant le cours
s'ennuyer au travail
s'ennuyer dans le bus/train
s'ennuyer de la vie
ne pas vouloir s'ennuyer
finir par s'ennuyer

Common Phrases

Je m'ennuie.

— I am bored.

Je m'ennuie. Il n'y a rien à faire.

Tu t'ennuies ?

— Are you bored?

Tu t'ennuies ? Veux-tu jouer avec moi ?

Il/Elle s'ennuie.

— He/She is bored.

Regarde-le, il s'ennuie visiblement.

Nous nous ennuyons.

— We are bored.

Nous nous ennuyons un peu, il fait trop chaud pour sortir.

Vous vous ennuyez ?

— Are you bored? (plural or formal)

Vous vous ennuyez ? On peut regarder un film.

Ils/Elles s'ennuient.

— They are bored.

Les enfants s'ennuient dans la voiture.

Ça m'ennuie.

— That bores me.

Cette tâche répétitive me déprime, ça m'ennuie.

Je m'ennuie à mourir.

— I am bored to death.

Ce cours est si long, je m'ennuie à mourir.

Je m'ennuie de toi.

— I miss you.

Comment vas-tu ? Je m'ennuie de toi.

Ne t'ennuie pas !

— Don't be bored!

Profite de tes vacances, ne t'ennuie pas !

Often Confused With

s'ennuyer vs Ennuyer (transitive verb)

This verb means 'to bore someone'. It's crucial not to confuse it with the reflexive 's'ennuyer' (to get bored). For example, 'This movie bores me' is 'Ce film m'ennuie', whereas 'I am bored by this movie' is 'Je m'ennuie de ce film' or 'Je suis ennuyé(e) par ce film'.

s'ennuyer vs S'ennuyer de

Adding the preposition 'de' changes the meaning to 'to miss someone or something'. For example, 'Je m'ennuie de toi' means 'I miss you', not 'I am bored of you'.

s'ennuyer vs Être fatigué(e)

This means 'to be tired'. While you might be tired and bored simultaneously, the words describe different states. Boredom is a mental state of lack of interest, while tiredness is a physical state of exhaustion.

Idioms & Expressions

"S'ennuyer à mourir"

— To be extremely bored; bored to death. This is a common hyperbole to express intense boredom.

J'ai passé l'après-midi à attendre, je m'ennuyais à mourir.

Informal
"S'ennuyer ferme"

— To be very bored indeed. Similar to 's'ennuyer à mourir', it emphasizes the intensity of the boredom.

Il faisait si mauvais qu'ils s'ennuyaient ferme à l'intérieur.

Informal
"Piquer du nez"

— To nod off, to doze off, often due to boredom or tiredness. It's a physical manifestation of being disengaged.

Pendant la longue présentation, plusieurs personnes piquaient du nez.

Informal
"Avoir le cafard"

— To feel down, to be depressed or melancholic. While not directly 'boredom', it can be a related feeling of listlessness and lack of motivation.

Depuis qu'il a perdu son emploi, il a le cafard.

Informal
"Se morfondre"

— To mope, to languish in sadness or inactivity. It implies a passive, melancholic state, often linked to disappointment or loneliness.

Elle se morfondait depuis son retour.

Formal
"Être sur la touche"

— To be sidelined, to be left out, or to be inactive. This can lead to boredom if one wishes to participate.

Il se sentait sur la touche pendant la discussion.

Informal
"Ne pas savoir sur quel pied danser"

— To not know what to do, to be in a state of uncertainty or confusion. This can lead to a feeling of being stuck and subsequently bored.

Face à tant de problèmes, il ne savait plus sur quel pied danser.

Informal
"Tourner en rond"

— To go in circles, to make no progress, to be stuck in a repetitive and unproductive situation, which can cause boredom.

Nous tournons en rond sur ce projet depuis des semaines.

Informal
"Faire la grasse matinée"

— To sleep in late. While not directly related to boredom, oversleeping can sometimes lead to a feeling of wasted time and subsequent boredom in the afternoon.

Il a fait la grasse matinée et a raté le début de la fête.

Informal
"Avoir le temps de se faire ennuyer"

— To have so much time that one can get bored. This is a slightly ironic way to express having a lot of free time.

Avec toutes ces vacances, j'ai le temps de me faire ennuyer.

Informal

Easily Confused

s'ennuyer vs ennuyer

It's the non-reflexive form of the verb.

When used without a reflexive pronoun, 'ennuyer' means 'to bore someone'. For instance, 'Le cours m'ennuie' means 'The class bores me'. 'S'ennuyer' means 'to get bored'. So, 'Je m'ennuie' means 'I am bored'. The reflexive pronoun is key.

Incorrect: Je ennuyer. Correct: Je m'ennuie. (I am bored.) Incorrect: Ce film m'ennuie. (This movie bores me - this is correct, but the meaning is different from 'I am bored by this movie').

s'ennuyer vs ennuyeux/ennuyeuse

It's the adjective form derived from the verb.

'Ennuyeux/ennuyeuse' is an adjective meaning 'boring'. It describes something or someone that causes boredom. 'S'ennuyer' is the verb meaning 'to get bored'. For example, 'Le film est ennuyeux' (The movie is boring), whereas 'Je m'ennuie pendant le film' (I am bored during the movie).

The movie is boring: Le film est ennuyeux. I am bored by the movie: Je m'ennuie à cause du film.

s'ennuyer vs ennui

It's the noun form, related to the verb.

'Ennui' is a noun meaning 'boredom' or 'ennui'. 'S'ennuyer' is the verb 'to get bored'. You can feel 'ennui' (noun), and when you do, you 's'ennuies' (verb). For example, 'L'ennui le gagne' (Boredom overcomes him), and 'Il s'ennuie' (He is bored).

He feels boredom: Il ressent de l'ennui. He is bored: Il s'ennuie.

s'ennuyer vs s'ennuyer de

It's a very similar construction with a different meaning.

The addition of the preposition 'de' completely changes the meaning from 'to get bored' to 'to miss someone or something'. For example, 'Je m'ennuie' means 'I am bored'. 'Je m'ennuie de toi' means 'I miss you'.

I am bored: Je m'ennuie. I miss you: Je m'ennuie de toi.

s'ennuyer vs s'amuser

It's a related verb dealing with emotions and activities.

'S'amuser' means 'to have fun' or 'to enjoy oneself'. It is essentially the opposite of 's'ennuyer'. If you are not bored, you are likely having fun. For example, 'Les enfants s'amusent' (The children are having fun), while 'Les enfants s'ennuient' (The children are bored).

The children are having fun: Les enfants s'amusent. The children are bored: Les enfants s'ennuient.

Sentence Patterns

A1

Je m'ennuie.

Je m'ennuie.

A1

Il/Elle s'ennuie.

Il s'ennuie.

A2

Je m'ennuie + [reason/location]

Je m'ennuie à la maison.

A2

Je me suis ennuyé(e) + [time/situation]

Je me suis ennuyé(e) hier soir.

B1

Si + [condition], je m'ennuierai.

Si je reste ici, je m'ennuierai.

B1

Je m'ennuie de + [person/thing]

Je m'ennuie de mes vacances.

B2

Je m'ennuie + [adverb]

Je m'ennuie profondément.

B2

Il/Elle finit par s'ennuyer.

Après une heure, il finit par s'ennuyer.

Word Family

Nouns

ennui
ennuyeux
ennuagement

Verbs

ennuyer
s'ennuyer

Adjectives

ennuyé(e)
ennuyeux/ennuyeuse

Related

ennuyer (to bore someone)
ennuyé(e) (bored)
ennuyeux/ennuyeuse (boring)
ennui (boredom, ennui)
ennuyeusement (boringly)
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How to Use It

frequency

Very High

Common Mistakes
  • Forgetting the reflexive pronoun. → Je m'ennuie.

    The most common error is omitting the reflexive pronoun. 'S'ennuyer' is reflexive, so 'Je ennuie' is incorrect. You must say 'Je m'ennuie' (I am bored).

  • Using 'ennuyer' instead of 's'ennuyer' for 'to get bored'. → Je m'ennuie.

    Saying 'Je ennuye' implies 'I bore someone', which is not the intended meaning. The reflexive form 's'ennuyer' is necessary for expressing personal boredom.

  • Confusing 's'ennuyer' with 's'ennuyer de'. → Je m'ennuie de toi.

    'Je m'ennuie' means 'I am bored'. 'Je m'ennuie de toi' means 'I miss you'. The preposition 'de' is crucial for the meaning of 'missing'.

  • Incorrect agreement of the past participle in the passé composé. → Elle s'est ennuyée.

    With reflexive verbs using 'être' as the auxiliary, the past participle agrees with the subject. So, 'Elle s'est ennuyée' (feminine singular) is correct, not 'Elle s'est ennuyé'.

  • Using 's'ennuyer' when 'être fatigué(e)' is more appropriate. → Je suis fatigué(e).

    While boredom and tiredness can coexist, they are distinct. 'S'ennuyer' refers to a lack of mental stimulation, whereas 'être fatigué(e)' refers to physical or mental exhaustion. If you've been running, you're tired, not necessarily bored.

Tips

Master Reflexive Verbs

The key to 's'ennuyer' is understanding reflexive verbs. Always pair the verb with the correct reflexive pronoun (me, te, se, nous, vous, se) that agrees with the subject. Practice conjugating 's'ennuyer' in different tenses to solidify this concept.

Distinguish Meanings

Be aware of the subtle differences between 's'ennuyer' (to get bored), 'ennuyer' (to bore someone), and 's'ennuyer de' (to miss someone). Context is crucial. Listen to how native speakers use these variations.

Nasal Sounds and French 'u'

Pay attention to the nasal 'an' sound and the distinct French 'u' sound in 'ennuyer'. Practicing these sounds will significantly improve your pronunciation and make you more understandable.

Use in Everyday Contexts

'S'ennuyer' is a very common verb. Use it to describe your own feelings of boredom in simple situations like waiting, during long activities, or when you have free time with nothing to do. This will help you internalize its usage.

Visual and Auditory Cues

Associate 's'ennuyer' with the sound of a sigh or a yawn. Visualize a slow-moving clock or a person staring blankly. These memory aids can help you recall the word and its meaning.

Sentence Building

Create your own sentences using 's'ennuyer' in different tenses and contexts. Try to describe situations where you have felt bored or anticipate feeling bored. This active practice is essential for retention.

Understand 'Ennui'

Recognize that the concept of 'ennui' in French culture can go beyond simple boredom, sometimes implying a deeper existential weariness. While 's'ennuyer' is for everyday use, understanding this cultural nuance adds depth to your comprehension.

Contrast with 'S'amuser'

Understand that 's'amuser' (to have fun) is the direct opposite of 's'ennuyer'. Contrasting these two verbs can help reinforce their meanings and usage.

Listen for Context

When listening to French, focus on the context surrounding the word 's'ennuyer'. This will help you understand its meaning and how it's used naturally by native speakers.

Express Your Feelings

Don't hesitate to use 'Je m'ennuie' when appropriate. Being able to express common feelings like boredom is a key part of fluency and connecting with others.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a lazy lion saying 'Sssss... annnn...nuyer!' while yawning. The 'ssss' sound mimics a sigh, and the 'annnn' sound is like a drawn-out yawn, both associated with boredom. The lion is bored and just wants to sleep.

Visual Association

Picture a clock with its hands moving incredibly slowly, or a person staring blankly at a wall. Add a thought bubble above their head with a sighing emoji or the word 'Bored'.

Word Web

Boredom Tedium Lack of interest Monotony Waiting Dullness Lack of stimulation Listlessness

Challenge

Try to describe a time you felt bored using 's'ennuyer' in French. You could write a short paragraph or even record yourself speaking. Focus on using it in different tenses.

Word Origin

The verb 'ennuyer' derives from the Latin word 'inodiare', which means 'to make hateful' or 'to cause weariness'. This Latin root itself comes from 'odium', meaning 'hatred' or 'dislike'. Over time, the meaning evolved to encompass the feeling of tedium and boredom.

Original meaning: To make hateful, to cause weariness or dislike.

Indo-European > Italic > Latin > Romance > French

Cultural Context

While 's'ennuyer' is a common and generally neutral term, using it to describe someone else's situation without context can sometimes be perceived as dismissive. It's generally safer to use it for your own feelings or in clearly defined situations.

In English-speaking cultures, 'boredom' is the primary term. While the feeling is universal, the French 'ennui' often carries a connotation of a more sophisticated or existential weariness, as reflected in the borrowed word 'ennui' itself.

Charles Baudelaire's 'Spleen' poems explore the theme of ennui. Jean-Paul Sartre's existentialist philosophy often touches upon themes related to boredom and the search for meaning. The film 'Lost in Translation' visually depicts a sense of ennui experienced by the characters in Tokyo.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Waiting for something or someone.

  • Je m'ennuie d'attendre.
  • Ça fait une heure que j'attends.
  • Quand est-ce que ça finit ?

During a long or uninteresting activity.

  • Ce cours m'ennuie.
  • Cette réunion est interminable.
  • J'ai hâte que ça se termine.

Having free time with nothing planned.

  • Je m'ennuie ce week-end.
  • Qu'est-ce qu'on fait ?
  • Je n'ai rien de prévu.

Expressing homesickness or missing someone.

  • Je m'ennuie de ma famille.
  • Tu me manques.
  • J'ai hâte de te revoir.

Describing a general state of dissatisfaction.

  • Je m'ennuie un peu de la vie.
  • J'ai besoin de changement.
  • Je cherche quelque chose de nouveau.

Conversation Starters

"Qu'est-ce que tu fais quand tu t'ennuies ?"

"Y a-t-il des choses qui te font t'ennuyer facilement ?"

"Comment fais-tu pour éviter de t'ennuyer pendant les longs trajets ?"

"Est-ce que tu t'ennuies de ton pays d'origine ?"

"Qu'est-ce qui te passionne au point de ne jamais t'ennuyer ?"

Journal Prompts

Décris une journée où tu t'es beaucoup ennuyé. Qu'as-tu fait ? Comment te sentais-tu ?

Pense à une personne qui ne s'ennuie jamais. Comment fait-elle ? Qu'est-ce qui la motive ?

Si tu pouvais voyager n'importe où pour éviter de t'ennuyer, où irais-tu et pourquoi ?

Écris une courte histoire où le personnage principal s'ennuie terriblement et trouve une solution inattendue.

Quelles activités te permettent de ne jamais t'ennuyer ? Explique pourquoi.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

'Ennuyer' (without the reflexive pronoun) is a transitive verb meaning 'to bore someone'. For example, 'Ce film m'ennuie' means 'This film bores me'. 'S'ennuyer' is a reflexive verb meaning 'to get bored' or 'to be bored'. It requires a reflexive pronoun that agrees with the subject. For example, 'Je m'ennuie' means 'I am bored'.

Yes, absolutely. 'S'ennuyer' is a reflexive verb, so you always need a reflexive pronoun that matches the subject: je m'ennuie, tu t'ennuies, il/elle/on s'ennuie, nous nous ennuyons, vous vous ennuyez, ils/elles s'ennuient.

You say 'Je m'ennuie de toi'. The construction 's'ennuyer de' means 'to miss someone or something'. It's important not to confuse this with simply 'Je m'ennuie', which means 'I am bored'.

The past tense (passé composé) of 's'ennuyer' uses the auxiliary verb 'être'. The past participle is 'ennuyé'. It agrees in gender and number with the subject. For example: Je me suis ennuyé(e), tu t'es ennuyé(e), il s'est ennuyé, elle s'est ennuyée, nous nous sommes ennuyés/ennuyées, vous vous êtes ennuyés/ennuyées, ils se sont ennuyés, elles se sont ennuyées.

Yes, you can use 's'ennuyer' in relation to a specific thing or situation, often with a preposition. For example, 'Je m'ennuie de la routine' (I'm bored of the routine) or 'Je m'ennuie à la maison' (I'm bored at home).

Both translate to being bored. 'S'ennuyer' is the verb 'to get bored' or 'to be bored' (reflexive). 'Être ennuyé(e)' uses the verb 'être' (to be) with the past participle used as an adjective. They are often interchangeable in meaning, but 's'ennuyer' emphasizes the process of becoming bored or the state of being bored, while 'être ennuyé(e)' states the condition. For example, 'Je m'ennuie' (I am getting bored/I am bored) and 'Je suis ennuyé(e)' (I am bored - describing the state).

Yes, 'ennui' is a French noun that means boredom or a feeling of listlessness and dissatisfaction. The English word 'ennui' is borrowed directly from French.

You can use intensifiers. Common expressions include 'Je m'ennuie à mourir' (I'm bored to death) or 'Je m'ennuie ferme' (I'm very bored).

The infinitive form is 's'ennuyer'.

Yes. For example, 'Je ne m'ennuie pas' means 'I am not bored'. Another example: 'Il faut faire quelque chose pour ne pas s'ennuyer' (We must do something so as not to get bored).

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