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A2 noun #6,000 mais comum 12 min de leitura

panne

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Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas panne em 30 segundos

Explicação panne in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should learn 'panne' as a simple vocabulary word for 'breakdown'. You will mostly use it in very short sentences to explain why you are late or why something doesn't work. Focus on the phrase 'être en panne' (to be broken). For example, 'Mon téléphone est en panne' (My phone is broken). At this stage, you don't need to worry about complex technical terms. Just remember that 'panne' is feminine ('la panne') and it usually refers to machines like cars, computers, or phones. Think of it as the opposite of 'ça marche' (it works). If 'ça ne marche pas' because of a technical problem, it is 'en panne'. You might also see it on signs in public, like 'Ascenseur en panne' (Elevator out of order). This is a very practical word for travelers. If you are in a hotel and the air conditioning doesn't work, you can tell the receptionist, 'La climatisation est en panne'. It is a simple but powerful way to communicate a problem without needing a lot of verbs. Just remember to use 'en' before 'panne'. Don't say 'est panne', say 'est en panne'. This small difference makes you sound much more like a French speaker. Also, keep in mind that 'panne' is for machines, not for a broken arm or a broken glass. For those, you would use different words. But for anything with a battery or an engine, 'panne' is your best friend. Practice saying 'Ma voiture est en panne' several times until it feels natural. This is one of those 'survival' phrases that every beginner should know. It is common, clear, and very useful in emergencies. You will also hear it in the phrase 'panne d'électricité' if the lights go out. Even at A1, knowing this word helps you understand basic announcements in train stations or airports where technical problems are common. It is a fundamental building block of daily French communication.

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At the A2 level, you can start using 'panne' in slightly more complex ways, specifically by learning the verb 'tomber en panne' (to break down). While 'être en panne' describes the state, 'tomber en panne' describes the action of something breaking. For example, 'Ma voiture est tombée en panne hier' (My car broke down yesterday). You should also begin to combine 'panne' with other nouns using 'de' to specify the problem. 'Une panne d'essence' (running out of gas) and 'une panne d'électricité' (a power outage) are two very important phrases at this level. You are moving beyond just saying something is broken to explaining *what* is wrong. You might also encounter the phrase 'panne d'oreiller', which is a funny way to say you overslept. This shows you are starting to understand how French speakers use words figuratively. At A2, you should be able to describe a simple sequence of events: 'J'ai pris ma voiture, mais elle est tombée en panne, donc j'ai pris le bus.' This demonstrates your ability to use the word in context to tell a story. You will also notice 'panne' in more varied contexts, like 'une panne de chauffage' (heating failure) or 'une panne de réseau' (network failure). These are common issues you might need to discuss with a landlord or a service provider. Practice using the past tense (passé composé) with 'tomber en panne' because it is a very frequent way to report an incident. Remember that 'tomber' uses 'être' as its auxiliary verb: 'Elle est tombée en panne'. This is a great way to reinforce your grammar while learning useful vocabulary. You should also be aware of the word 'dépannage', which you will see on the side of tow trucks. It comes from the same root and means 'fixing a breakdown' or 'assistance'. Knowing this connection helps you expand your vocabulary naturally. By the end of A2, you should feel comfortable using 'panne' to report common technical problems in daily life, whether it's at home, at work, or while traveling.

At the B1 level, you should be able to use 'panne' to discuss more abstract or professional topics. You will move beyond simple mechanical failures to 'panne d'inspiration' (writer's block) or 'panne de communication'. This shows a deeper understanding of the word's flexibility. You can also use it to discuss social and environmental issues, such as the impact of a 'panne d'électricité' on a city's infrastructure. At this level, you should be comfortable using 'panne' in various tenses, including the conditional to talk about hypothetical situations: 'Si nous avions une panne de secteur, que ferions-nous ?' (If we had a power outage, what would we do?). You will also start to distinguish 'panne' from its synonyms like 'dysfonctionnement' or 'incident'. While a 'panne' is a total stop, a 'dysfonctionnement' suggests something is working poorly. Being able to choose the right word shows a higher level of precision. You might also encounter the expression 'panne sèche', which literally means running out of fuel but is often used figuratively to mean running out of ideas or resources. For example, 'Le projet est en panne sèche' (The project has stalled). This kind of idiomatic usage is a hallmark of the B1 level. You should also be able to understand more complex news reports or articles that use 'panne' to describe larger systemic failures, like a 'panne géante' (a massive outage). In a work setting, you might use 'panne' to explain delays in a more nuanced way: 'L'arrêt de la production est dû à une panne récurrente sur la chaîne de montage.' This uses more professional vocabulary ('arrêt de la production', 'récurrente', 'chaîne de montage') alongside 'panne'. You can also start using the verb 'dépanner' more frequently, which means to fix a breakdown or, more generally, to help someone out of a difficult situation. 'Tu peux me dépanner ?' (Can you help me out / lend me a hand?) is a very common B1-level phrase. Overall, at B1, 'panne' becomes a tool for more detailed and expressive communication in both personal and professional contexts.

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At the B2 level, you are expected to use 'panne' with a high degree of accuracy and nuance, especially in formal or technical discussions. You should understand the subtle difference between 'une panne' (an accidental failure) and 'une coupure' (an intentional or supply-side interruption). You might use 'panne' to analyze complex problems: 'La panne du système de refroidissement a entraîné une réaction en chaîne.' (The failure of the cooling system led to a chain reaction). This level involves using 'panne' in argumentative contexts, perhaps discussing the vulnerability of modern society to 'pannes technologiques'. You will also encounter 'panne' in literary or journalistic contexts where it might be used metaphorically to describe a 'panne de l'ascenseur social' (a breakdown of social mobility) or a 'panne de la croissance' (an economic slump). These high-level metaphors require a solid grasp of the word's core meaning applied to abstract sociological or economic concepts. In professional reports, you might use 'panne' alongside technical terms like 'maintenance préventive' or 'taux de disponibilité'. For example, 'Afin de réduire les pannes imprévues, nous avons augmenté la fréquence de la maintenance.' You should also be familiar with the various registers of the word, from the very formal 'défaillance' to the informal 'être en rade'. Being able to switch between these depending on your audience is a key B2 skill. You might also explore the etymology of the word, which originally comes from a maritime term related to sails, to better understand its historical development. This depth of knowledge allows you to use the word more creatively. You should also be able to handle complex grammar structures involving 'panne', such as 'Bien que la panne ait été réparée rapidement, les conséquences ont été lourdes.' (Although the breakdown was repaired quickly, the consequences were heavy). At B2, 'panne' is no longer just a word for a broken car; it's a versatile concept used to describe interruptions in any complex system, whether mechanical, social, or intellectual.

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At the C1 level, you should have a near-native command of 'panne' and its many nuances. You will use it effortlessly in complex discussions about technology, philosophy, and society. You might explore the 'philosophie de la panne', discussing how the breakdown of an object reveals its true nature or our dependence on it (a concept often explored in the works of Heidegger or French theorists like Bruno Latour). In this context, a 'panne' is not just an inconvenience but a moment of revelation. You will also use the word in highly sophisticated metaphorical ways, such as describing a 'panne de sens' (a crisis of meaning) in modern life or a 'panne du dialogue politique'. These uses are common in high-level journalism (like Le Monde or Libération) and academic writing. Your vocabulary should include rare or specific collocations like 'panne intermittente' (a glitch that comes and goes) or 'panne franche' (a clear, total failure). You should also be able to use the word in ironical or humorous ways in sophisticated social settings. For example, describing a boring party as being in 'panne d'ambiance'. At C1, you should also be aware of the legal and contractual implications of the word 'panne' in business law, such as 'garantie contre les pannes'. You can participate in debates about 'l'obsolescence programmée' (planned obsolescence) and how it leads to frequent 'pannes' to force consumerism. Your ability to integrate 'panne' into complex, flowing sentences with advanced syntax is crucial. For instance: 'Au-delà de la simple panne technique, c'est toute l'architecture du réseau qui semble frappée d'obsolescence.' (Beyond a simple technical failure, the entire network architecture seems to be struck by obsolescence). You should also be able to understand and use regional variations or very specific technical jargon related to 'panne' in industries like aeronautics or telecommunications. At this level, the word is a flexible tool that you can adapt to any situation, from a casual chat to a formal lecture on systemic risks.

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At the C2 level, your mastery of 'panne' is complete, allowing you to use it with the precision and flair of a highly educated native speaker. You can use the word to navigate the most subtle linguistic and cultural nuances. You might use it in literary analysis to discuss the 'panne de la narration' in a postmodern novel, where the failure of the story to progress is a deliberate stylistic choice. Or you might use it in a high-level scientific or engineering context to discuss 'l'analyse des modes de défaillance, de leurs effets et de leur criticité' (FMEA), where 'panne' is analyzed with mathematical precision. Your understanding of the word's historical evolution—from its maritime origins (mettre en panne - to heave to) to its modern technological and metaphorical uses—is profound. You can use 'panne' to construct complex rhetorical devices, perhaps in a speech or an editorial, to highlight the 'panne de l'imaginaire collectif' in contemporary society. You are also fully aware of the most obscure idioms and slang terms related to the word, and you can use them appropriately to create a specific tone. For example, using 'être en rade' in a very specific, gritty narrative context. You can handle the most complex grammatical constructions with ease, such as using 'panne' in the subjunctive, the passive voice, or within intricate relative clauses: 'Il est regrettable que la panne, dont on craignait qu'elle ne paralysât le pays, n'ait pas été anticipée par les autorités.' (It is regrettable that the breakdown, which it was feared might paralyze the country, was not anticipated by the authorities). At C2, you don't just know the word; you 'feel' its weight and its resonance within the French language. You can use it to express everything from a minor glitch to a total existential collapse with perfect stylistic control. Your use of 'panne' reflects a deep immersion in French culture and thought, where the concepts of failure, interruption, and repair are woven into the fabric of daily life and intellectual discourse.

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Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas

panne em 30 segundos

Panne is a feminine noun meaning a breakdown or failure of a machine, vehicle, or system like electricity or internet.
The most common phrases are 'être en panne' (to be broken) and 'tomber en panne' (to break down).
It can be used metaphorically, such as 'panne d'inspiration' for writer's block or 'panne sèche' for running out of resources.
It is distinct from 'cassé' (physically broken) and 'coupure' (intentional interruption or supply cut).

The French word panne is a feminine noun that primarily refers to a breakdown, a failure, or a malfunction of a machine, a vehicle, or a complex system. While English speakers might use different words depending on the context—such as 'outage' for electricity, 'breakdown' for a car, or 'failure' for a computer—French speakers use panne as a versatile umbrella term. It captures the moment when something that is supposed to function suddenly stops working. This word is essential for daily life because it covers everything from a toaster that won't heat up to a nationwide electrical grid failure.

Mechanical Failure: This is the most common usage, referring to engines, appliances, or tools that cease to operate. If your car won't start in the morning, you are facing a panne de voiture.

Ma voiture est tombée en panne au milieu de l'autoroute hier soir.

Beyond the physical, panne is used metaphorically to describe a lack of something necessary for progress. For instance, a writer who cannot find words is in a panne d'inspiration (writer's block). This extension of the word highlights the French tendency to view the mind or creative processes as a sort of delicate machinery that can occasionally stall or fail. Understanding this word requires recognizing that it implies a temporary state of non-functionality that usually requires repair or a external spark to fix.

Utility Outage: When the lights go out or the internet stops working, the French call this a panne de courant or a panne de réseau. It describes a service interruption.

Il y a eu une panne d'électricité générale dans tout le quartier pendant trois heures.

In social contexts, you might hear about a panne d'oreiller, which literally means a 'pillow failure'. This is a humorous and very common way to say that someone overslept because their alarm didn't wake them up or they simply stayed in bed too long. It illustrates how the word has permeated French culture to describe any situation where a planned action (like waking up) fails to occur. Whether it is a technical glitch or a personal lapse, panne is the go-to word for the 'stop' in 'stop and go'.

Resource Depletion: A panne d'essence means you have run out of gas. Here, the 'failure' is caused by the lack of fuel rather than a broken part.

Nous avons dû marcher jusqu'à la station car nous étions en panne sèche.

L'ascenseur est encore en panne, nous devons prendre les escaliers jusqu'au cinquième.

Après dix ans de bons services, mon vieux lave-vaisselle a finalement rendu l'âme après une dernière panne.

Using the word panne correctly involves mastering a few key verbs and structures. The most frequent way you will use it is with the verbs être (to be) and tomber (to fall). When you say être en panne, you are describing the state of something that is currently broken. For example, 'L'ordinateur est en panne' means the computer is currently non-functional. On the other hand, tomber en panne describes the event of breaking down. 'L'ordinateur est tombé en panne' means the computer broke down at a specific point in the past.

Describing the State: Use 'être en panne' to inform someone that a device or system is not working at this very moment.

Désolé pour le retard, le métro était en panne de signalisation.

You can also specify the type of breakdown by adding 'de' and a noun after panne. This is how you distinguish between a power cut, a mechanical failure, or a lack of fuel. Common combinations include panne d'électricité, panne d'essence, panne de moteur, and panne de secteur. It is important to note that the preposition 'de' usually contracts if the following word starts with a vowel, as in panne d'inspiration. This structure allows for great precision when reporting problems to technicians or landlords.

Reporting an Incident: Use 'tomber en panne' when you are telling the story of how something stopped working.

Si nous ne faisons pas la révision, la machine risque de tomber en panne bientôt.

Another interesting usage is the phrase panne sèche. This literally translates to 'dry breakdown' and specifically refers to running out of fuel. However, it is often used figuratively in politics or business to describe a situation where a project or a person has run out of ideas, money, or momentum. For example, 'Le gouvernement est en panne sèche de réformes' suggests the government has no more ideas for reforms. Learning these nuances will help you move from basic communication to a more natural, idiomatic level of French.

The Figurative Use: Use 'panne' to describe mental blocks or the stopping of abstract processes.

L'écrivain est en panne d'inspiration depuis qu'il a terminé son dernier roman.

Il y a une panne de communication flagrante entre la direction et les employés.

La panne informatique a paralysé tous les services de la mairie ce matin.

In the French-speaking world, panne is a word you will hear almost daily, unfortunately often accompanied by a sigh of frustration. One of the most common places to hear it is in public transportation. In cities like Paris, the RATP (the transit authority) frequently announces 'une panne de signalisation' or 'une panne de matériel' over the loudspeakers to explain why a train is delayed. Commuters have become very familiar with these announcements, and the word panne has become synonymous with the minor inconveniences of urban life.

Public Announcements: Listen for this word in train stations and airports when there are delays due to technical issues.

En raison d'une panne de secteur, le trafic est interrompu sur toute la ligne 4.

Another frequent setting is the workplace. Whether you are in an office or a factory, technical glitches are inevitable. Colleagues might warn you that the photocopier is en panne or that the entire company is suffering from a panne de serveur. In these contexts, the word is used to manage expectations and explain why certain tasks cannot be completed. It’s a very practical word that helps navigate the hurdles of technology. You will also find it in news headlines, especially during extreme weather events when thousands of homes might be in a panne d'électricité due to storms.

Office Life: Commonly used to describe non-functional shared equipment like printers, coffee machines, or internet routers.

La machine à café est encore en panne ; c'est vraiment une mauvaise journée qui commence !

In more casual, domestic settings, the word is used for any household appliance that fails. If the heating goes out in winter, it's a panne de chauffage. If the Wi-Fi is down, it's a panne de Wi-Fi. The word carries a sense of 'interruption' that is very useful for explaining why things aren't going as planned. Interestingly, it's also used in the world of sports and competition to describe a sudden loss of form or a 'slump'. A football team that hasn't scored in five games might be described as being in a panne d'efficacité.

Domestic Issues: Used when calling a plumber, electrician, or repairman to explain the problem with your home appliances.

On ne peut pas cuisiner ce soir car il y a une panne de gaz dans l'immeuble.

L'équipe de France de football traverse une petite panne de résultats ces derniers mois.

J'ai dû appeler le service de dépanange suite à ma panne sur le périphérique.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make with the word panne is confusing it with the English word 'pain' (which means bread in French) due to the similar spelling, or with the adjective 'cassé' (broken). While 'cassé' means something is physically shattered or fractured, panne refers to a functional failure. If you say 'ma voiture est cassée', a French person might think you were in a car accident and the body of the car is smashed. If the engine simply won't start, you must say 'ma voiture est en panne'.

Broken vs. Breakdown: 'Cassé' is for physical damage (a broken glass); 'en panne' is for mechanical or system failure (a broken computer).

Ne dis pas 'mon téléphone est cassé' s'il ne s'allume plus, dis 'il est en panne'.

Another common error is using the wrong gender. Since panne ends in 'e', many learners correctly guess it is feminine, but they often forget to use the feminine article in fast speech. Always remember: une panne, la panne. Additionally, learners often struggle with the preposition 'en'. They might try to translate 'in a breakdown' literally as 'dans une panne'. However, the correct idiomatic expression is en panne. Using 'dans' sounds very unnatural to a native speaker's ears.

Preposition Pitfall: Always use 'en panne', never 'dans une panne' or 'sur une panne' when describing the state of an object.

Il est en panne (Correct) vs. Il est dans une panne (Incorrect).

A subtle mistake involves the difference between panne and coupure. For electricity, both panne d'électricité and coupure d'électricité are used, but a coupure often implies a deliberate cut (like if you didn't pay the bill or for maintenance), whereas panne is almost always accidental. Finally, avoid using panne for humans to mean 'sick'. If a person is 'broken down' in the sense of being exhausted, you would use 'épuisé' or 'au bout du rouleau'. Panne for people is strictly for specific functional 'blocks' like inspiration or sexual dysfunction (panne sexuelle).

Accidental vs. Intentional: Use 'panne' for accidents and 'coupure' for intentional or scheduled interruptions of service.

Ce n'est pas une simple panne, c'est une coupure programmée pour travaux.

Je ne peux plus avancer, je suis en panne d'idées pour mon projet.

L'usine a dû s'arrêter à cause d'une panne technique majeure.

While panne is the most versatile word for a breakdown, French offers several alternatives depending on the level of formality and the specific nature of the problem. Understanding these synonyms will help you describe issues more accurately. For example, un incident is a more general term that can include a breakdown but also covers accidents, delays, or minor problems. It is often used in professional or administrative contexts where 'panne' might sound too informal or specific.

Panne vs. Défaillance: Panne: Common, everyday term for a breakdown.
Défaillance: Technical or formal term, often used for systems or biological organs (e.g., cardiac failure).

Le rapport indique une défaillance technique plutôt qu'une simple panne d'usure.

In casual conversation, you might hear the word un pépin. Literally meaning a 'pip' or a 'seed', metaphorically it refers to a 'hitch' or a small problem. If your car won't start, you could say 'J'ai un petit pépin avec ma voiture'. It sounds less serious and more colloquial than panne. Another related word is un dysfonctionnement. This is a longer, more academic word used to describe when something is working, but not working correctly. A computer that keeps freezing is experiencing a dysfonctionnement, whereas a computer that won't turn on at all is en panne.

Panne vs. Dysfonctionnement: Panne: Total stop of function.
Dysfonctionnement: Incorrect or erratic function.

Il y a un dysfonctionnement dans le logiciel, mais ce n'est pas une panne totale.

Finally, consider the word un arrêt (a stop). While a panne causes an arrêt, they are not the same. An arrêt de travail is a leave of absence from work, and an arrêt de bus is a bus stop. However, in an industrial context, a panne de machine will lead to an arrêt de production. For electricity, une coupure (a cut/outage) is the most common synonym. If you want to sound very native, you can use the slang term en rade. 'Ma voiture est en rade' is a very common, informal way to say your car is broken down and you are stuck.

Panne vs. Coupure: Panne: Focuses on the failure of the mechanism.
Coupure: Focuses on the interruption of the supply (water, gas, electricity).

La panne d'hier a provoqué une coupure d'eau dans tout le quartier.

Désolé, je suis en rade, mon vélo a une panne de chaîne.

Après la panne, le technicien a dû procéder à une réinitialisation complète.

How Formal Is It?

Curiosidade

The transition from 'sails of a ship' to 'car engine' happened over centuries as technology evolved, but the core idea of 'stopping movement' remained. It's a great example of how nautical terms have deeply influenced general French vocabulary.

Guia de pronúncia

UK /pan/

US /pɑːn/

The stress is on the single syllable 'pan'.

Rima com

canne banne vane manne tisane gitane cabane savane

Erros comuns

Pronouncing the final 'e' too strongly. In modern French, the final 'e' is silent.
Confusing the pronunciation with the English word 'pain'.
Pronouncing it like 'pagne' (pan-ye).
Nasalizing the 'an'. It is not a nasal vowel; the 'n' should be clearly articulated.
Making the 'a' sound too long.

Nível de dificuldade

Leitura 2/5

Very easy to recognize in text, especially on signs and in news.

Escrita 3/5

Requires remembering the feminine gender and the correct preposition 'en'.

Expressão oral 2/5

Short word, easy to pronounce once you master the silent 'e'.

Audição 3/5

Must be distinguished from 'pain' or 'pagne' in fast speech.

O que aprender depois

Pré-requisitos

voiture marcher casser électricité moteur

Aprenda a seguir

dépanner réparer mécanicien défaillance incident

Avançado

obsolescence systémique maintenance préventif intermittence

Gramática essencial

Using 'en' with states

On dit 'en panne' comme on dit 'en colère' ou 'en avance'.

Feminine agreement

La panne est 'grosse' (féminin), pas 'gros'.

Preposition 'de' after panne

Une panne 'de' courant, une panne 'd''essence.

Tomber en panne (Auxiliary 'être')

Elle 'est' tombée en panne (Passé Composé).

Articles with abstract nouns

On dit 'la' panne pour parler du concept général.

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Exemplos por nível

Mon vélo est en panne.

My bike is broken down.

Uses 'être en panne' to describe the current state.

La télévision est en panne ce soir.

The TV is broken tonight.

Feminine noun 'la télévision' matches 'en panne'.

Il y a une panne d'électricité.

There is a power outage.

Uses 'il y a' + 'une panne de' + noun.

Le bus est en panne.

The bus is broken down.

Simple subject-verb-adjective structure.

Mon téléphone est encore en panne.

My phone is broken again.

The adverb 'encore' (again) is placed before 'en panne'.

L'ascenseur est en panne.

The elevator is out of order.

Common public sign usage.

C'est une petite panne.

It is a small breakdown.

Uses the adjective 'petite' before the noun.

Je suis désolé, ma voiture est en panne.

I am sorry, my car is broken down.

Common excuse for being late.

Ma voiture est tombée en panne sur l'autoroute.

My car broke down on the highway.

Uses 'tomber en panne' (passé composé) for the event.

Nous avons une panne d'essence.

We have run out of gas.

Specific type of breakdown: 'panne d'essence'.

Hier, il y a eu une panne de courant dans ma rue.

Yesterday, there was a power cut in my street.

Uses 'il y a eu' (past tense of il y a).

Je ne peux pas imprimer, l'imprimante est en panne.

I can't print, the printer is broken.

Linking a cause and an effect.

Le technicien répare la panne.

The technician is repairing the breakdown.

Uses 'la panne' as a direct object.

Elle a eu une panne d'oreiller ce matin.

She overslept this morning.

Idiomatic expression for oversleeping.

L'ordinateur tombe souvent en panne.

The computer often breaks down.

Uses the present tense for a recurring event.

Il y a une panne de réseau Wi-Fi au bureau.

There is a Wi-Fi network outage at the office.

Specifying the type of network outage.

L'écrivain souffre d'une panne d'inspiration.

The writer is suffering from writer's block.

Figurative use: 'panne d'inspiration'.

La panne a causé beaucoup de retard.

The breakdown caused a lot of delay.

Using 'panne' as the subject of a causal sentence.

Si la machine tombe en panne, appelez-moi.

If the machine breaks down, call me.

Conditional sentence structure (Si + present, imperative).

Le gouvernement est en panne d'idées pour la réforme.

The government is out of ideas for the reform.

Metaphorical use in a political context.

Nous sommes en panne sèche de solutions.

We are completely out of solutions.

Idiom 'en panne sèche' meaning 'completely out of'.

La panne de chauffage a duré tout le week-end.

The heating failure lasted all weekend.

Describing the duration of a breakdown.

Il faut trouver l'origine de cette panne technique.

We must find the origin of this technical failure.

Using 'panne' with the adjective 'technique'.

Le métro est à l'arrêt à cause d'une panne de signalisation.

The subway is stopped because of a signaling failure.

Common transit announcement vocabulary.

La panne généralisée a paralysé la ville pendant des heures.

The widespread outage paralyzed the city for hours.

Using 'panne généralisée' for a large-scale event.

Le projet est en panne à cause d'un manque de financement.

The project is stalled due to a lack of funding.

Abstract use: a project being 'en panne'.

Une défaillance humaine est souvent à l'origine d'une panne matérielle.

Human error is often the cause of equipment failure.

Comparing 'défaillance' and 'panne'.

Malgré la panne, nous avons réussi à finir le travail à temps.

Despite the breakdown, we managed to finish the work on time.

Using 'malgré' (despite) with 'la panne'.

Cette panne récurrente suggère un défaut de fabrication.

This recurring failure suggests a manufacturing defect.

Using 'récurrente' to describe frequency.

L'économie du pays semble être en panne de croissance.

The country's economy seems to be lacking growth.

Economic metaphor: 'en panne de croissance'.

Le système de sécurité est tombé en panne au pire moment.

The security system broke down at the worst moment.

Emphasizing the timing of the failure.

La direction doit gérer cette panne de communication interne.

Management must handle this internal communication breakdown.

Applying 'panne' to organizational issues.

La panne de l'ascenseur social est un sujet de préoccupation majeure.

The breakdown of social mobility is a major subject of concern.

Sophisticated sociological metaphor.

L'incident a révélé une panne profonde au sein des institutions.

The incident revealed a deep failure within the institutions.

Using 'panne' to describe institutional rot.

Il s'agit d'une panne intermittente, ce qui rend le diagnostic difficile.

It is an intermittent failure, which makes the diagnosis difficult.

Technical precision: 'panne intermittente'.

La panne de sens dans le travail moderne pousse beaucoup à la démission.

The crisis of meaning in modern work is pushing many to quit.

Philosophical usage: 'panne de sens'.

On craint une panne géante du réseau électrique cet hiver.

A giant power grid failure is feared this winter.

Using 'panne géante' for large-scale systemic risk.

La panne de l'imagination politique empêche toute réforme d'envergure.

The failure of political imagination prevents any large-scale reform.

Abstract metaphorical usage.

Cette panne franche nécessite le remplacement complet du serveur.

This total failure requires the complete replacement of the server.

Technical term 'panne franche' (total/clear failure).

L'entreprise a su rebondir après une longue panne d'innovation.

The company managed to bounce back after a long innovation slump.

Describing a period of stagnation as a 'panne'.

L'œuvre explore la panne du langage face à l'indicible de la guerre.

The work explores the failure of language when faced with the unspeakable nature of war.

Literary and philosophical analysis.

La panne de la démocratie représentative alimente les mouvements populistes.

The breakdown of representative democracy fuels populist movements.

High-level political science application.

Il existe une panne de la volonté collective face au changement climatique.

There is a failure of collective will in the face of climate change.

Sophisticated abstract concept.

Le film met en scène la panne de l'intimité dans un monde ultra-connecté.

The film portrays the breakdown of intimacy in an ultra-connected world.

Thematic analysis in art/media.

On observe une panne de la transmission des savoirs entre générations.

A failure in the transmission of knowledge between generations is observed.

Sociological observation.

La panne systémique du secteur financier a conduit à la crise de 2008.

The systemic failure of the financial sector led to the 2008 crisis.

Economic history terminology.

L'auteur dénonce une panne éthique au sommet de l'État.

The author denounces an ethical failure at the highest level of the state.

Moral and political critique.

La panne de l'Europe sociale est au cœur des débats actuels.

The failure of social Europe is at the heart of current debates.

Complex geopolitical topic.

Colocações comuns

panne d'électricité

panne d'essence

panne de moteur

panne informatique

panne d'inspiration

panne générale

panne de secteur

panne technique

panne de réveil

panne sèche

Frases Comuns

être en panne

— To be currently broken down or not working. It describes the state of the object.

Mon lave-linge est en panne depuis trois jours.

tomber en panne

— To break down. It describes the moment or event when the failure occurs.

Ma voiture est tombée en panne juste avant d'arriver au travail.

réparer une panne

— To fix a breakdown. Used when referring to the action taken to resolve the issue.

Le mécanicien a mis deux heures pour réparer la panne.

détecter une panne

— To find or diagnose the cause of a breakdown. Used by technicians.

Il est difficile de détecter l'origine de cette panne électronique.

signaler une panne

— To report a breakdown to the authorities or a repair service.

Vous devez signaler la panne d'ascenseur au concierge.

prévenir les pannes

— To prevent breakdowns through maintenance or careful use.

Un entretien régulier permet de prévenir les pannes coûteuses.

cause de la panne

— The reason why something broke down. Often used in reports.

La cause de la panne reste pour l'instant inconnue.

victime d'une panne

— To be affected by a breakdown. It emphasizes the impact on the person.

Nous avons été victimes d'une panne de courant toute la nuit.

panne de signalisation

— A signaling failure. Very common in train and subway announcements.

Le trafic est perturbé à cause d'une panne de signalisation.

panne de batterie

— A dead battery. Used for cars, phones, or any battery-powered device.

Je ne peux plus t'appeler, j'ai une panne de batterie.

Frequentemente confundido com

panne vs pain

Spelled similarly, but 'pain' is bread and sounds nasal, while 'panne' is a breakdown and sounds like 'pan'.

panne vs pagne

A type of cloth. The 'gn' sound makes it different from the 'n' in 'panne'.

panne vs cassé

Means physically broken (like a glass). Use 'en panne' for functional failure (like a car).

Expressões idiomáticas

"être en panne sèche"

— Literally to run out of gas, but figuratively to be completely out of ideas or money.

Après avoir écrit dix chapitres, l'auteur est en panne sèche.

Neutral

"panne d'oreiller"

— To oversleep because you didn't hear your alarm or simply stayed in bed.

Désolé pour le retard, j'ai eu une petite panne d'oreiller.

Casual

"être en panne d'inspiration"

— To have writer's block or a lack of creative ideas.

Le peintre est en panne d'inspiration devant sa toile blanche.

Neutral

"mettre en panne"

— A maritime term meaning to 'heave to' or stop a ship by positioning the sails.

Le capitaine a décidé de mettre le navire en panne pour attendre la fin de la tempête.

Technical/Literary

"panne de sens"

— An existential crisis or a feeling that life or work lacks meaning.

La société moderne traverse une véritable panne de sens.

Formal/Philosophical

"panne sexuelle"

— A temporary sexual dysfunction or failure to perform.

Il a eu une panne sexuelle due au stress.

Neutral/Medical

"panne d'efficacité"

— A slump in performance, often used in sports for a player or team.

L'attaquant est en panne d'efficacité depuis le début de la saison.

Neutral/Sports

"panne de l'ascenseur social"

— The failure of a society to provide upward social mobility for its citizens.

Les sociologues s'inquiètent de la panne de l'ascenseur social en France.

Formal/Political

"panne de croissance"

— An economic period with no growth or stagnation.

La zone euro craint une nouvelle panne de croissance.

Formal/Economic

"rester en panne"

— To remain broken down or stuck without being fixed.

Le projet est resté en panne pendant des mois faute de budget.

Neutral

Fácil de confundir

panne vs cassé

Both mean 'broken' in English.

Cassé is for physical destruction/fracture. Panne is for mechanical/electronic failure.

Mon verre est cassé (shattered). Mon téléphone est en panne (won't turn on).

panne vs coupure

Both can refer to electricity or water stopping.

Coupure implies a cut in the supply (intentional or not). Panne implies a failure of the machine or system.

Une coupure d'eau (no water in the pipes). Une panne de lave-vaisselle (the machine itself is broken).

panne vs défaillance

Both mean failure.

Défaillance is technical, formal, or medical. Panne is everyday and general.

Une défaillance cardiaque (heart failure). Une panne de voiture (car breakdown).

panne vs arrêt

Both imply something has stopped.

Arrêt is the act of stopping. Panne is the reason (the failure) for the stop.

L'arrêt du moteur est dû à une panne d'essence.

panne vs incident

Both describe problems.

Incident is broader and can include non-technical problems (delays, disputes). Panne is specifically technical.

Un incident voyageur (passenger issue) vs une panne de train (mechanical issue).

Padrões de frases

[Subject] est en panne.

La radio est en panne.

[Subject] est tombé(e) en panne.

Le bus est tombé en panne.

Il y a une panne de [Noun].

Il y a une panne de réseau.

À cause de la panne, [Result].

À cause de la panne, je suis en retard.

Souffrir d'une panne de [Abstract Noun].

Il souffre d'une panne d'imagination.

La panne de [System] révèle [Observation].

La panne du système révèle sa fragilité.

Any

Réparer une panne de [Noun].

Il faut réparer la panne de chauffage.

Any

[Subject] risque de tomber en panne.

Ton vieux téléphone risque de tomber en panne.

Família de palavras

Substantivos

dépannage (m) - the act of fixing a breakdown or providing assistance.

dépanneur (m) / dépanneuse (f) - a person who fixes breakdowns or a tow truck.

Verbos

dépanner - to fix a breakdown or to help someone out of a difficulty.

empanner - a maritime term meaning to jibe (change direction in a sailing ship).

Adjetivos

dépanné(e) - fixed or helped out (past participle used as an adjective).

Relacionado

mécanique

électricité

réparation

moteur

technique

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Como usar

frequency

Extremely common in daily life, especially regarding transport and technology.

Erros comuns

Using 'dans une panne' instead of 'en panne'. → Je suis en panne.
The preposition 'en' is the only correct one to describe this state in French.
Saying 'mon bras est en panne'. → Mon bras est cassé.
'Panne' is for machines/systems. Use 'cassé' for body parts or physical objects like glass.
Pronouncing 'panne' like the English 'pain'. → Pronounce it like 'pan' (short a).
The English 'pain' sounds like the French 'pain' (bread), which is very different from 'panne'.
Using 'un panne' (masculine). → Une panne (feminine).
'Panne' is a feminine noun. You must use 'la' or 'une'.
Confusing 'panne' with 'coupure' for scheduled maintenance. → C'est une coupure programmée.
'Panne' implies an accident. 'Coupure' is for interruptions of supply, often scheduled.

Dicas

Remember the Preposition

Always use 'en' when describing the state: 'en panne'. Don't use 'dans' or 'avec'.

Specific Pannes

Learn the most common ones: essence (gas), électricité (power), moteur (engine), and inspiration.

Public Transport

If you hear 'panne' in the metro, expect delays. It's the most common excuse for late trains.

Dry Breakdown

'Panne sèche' is a great idiom to use when you are totally out of ideas or money.

Silent E

The 'e' at the end of 'panne' is silent. Focus on the 'n' sound.

Landlord Correspondence

Use 'panne' when writing to your landlord about things like the heater or the elevator.

Panne vs Coupure

Use 'coupure' if the supply was cut off (like a bill not paid) and 'panne' if it's a technical accident.

Native Flair

Use 'en rade' with friends to sound more natural when your phone or car dies.

Context Clues

If someone says 'panne', look at what they are pointing to. It's almost always a machine.

Road Signs

A sign saying 'Véhicule en panne' means there is a broken-down car ahead. Slow down!

Memorize

Mnemônico

Think of a 'PAN' hitting the engine and causing it to stop. A PAN causes a PANNE.

Associação visual

Imagine a car on the side of the road with a giant red 'X' over the engine and a 'PANNE' sign in the window.

Word Web

voiture électricité ordinateur inspiration réparer moteur essence chauffage

Desafio

Try to use 'panne' in three different ways today: once for a machine, once for electricity, and once metaphorically for yourself (like being out of ideas).

Origem da palavra

The word 'panne' originates from the Old French word 'pan', which meant a piece of cloth, a flap, or a section of a wall. In a maritime context in the 17th century, 'mettre en panne' referred to adjusting the sails (the 'pans' of cloth) so that the wind would hit them in a way that stopped the ship's forward motion. This 'stop' became the basis for the modern meaning of a breakdown.

Significado original: A piece of cloth or a section of a garment/wall.

Indo-European > Latin (pannus) > Old French.

Contexto cultural

There are no major sensitivities, but be careful using 'panne' for people (except for 'inspiration') as it can sound overly mechanical or imply sexual dysfunction.

English speakers often use 'broken' for everything, but French speakers are more precise. They distinguish between 'cassé' (shattered) and 'en panne' (malfunctioning).

Le Petit Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry starts with a 'panne de moteur' in the Sahara desert. La Panne, a famous novel by Friedrich Dürrenmatt (translated into French), explores themes of justice through a car breakdown. Numerous French songs mention 'panne d'essence' as a romantic or frustrating trope.

Pratique na vida real

Contextos reais

Transportation

Panne de signalisation
Ma voiture est en panne
Appeler une dépanneuse
Panne de moteur

Technology

Panne informatique
Le serveur est en panne
Panne de réseau
Bug ou panne ?

Utilities

Panne d'électricité
Panne de courant
Panne de gaz
Panne d'eau

Office/Work

L'imprimante est en panne
La machine à café est en panne
Panne de communication
Arrêt de production

Personal/Creativity

Panne d'inspiration
Panne de réveil
Panne d'idées
Être en panne sèche

Iniciadores de conversa

"Tu as déjà eu une panne de voiture sur l'autoroute ?"

"Qu'est-ce que tu fais quand il y a une panne d'électricité chez toi ?"

"Est-ce que l'ascenseur de ton immeuble est souvent en panne ?"

"Comment gères-tu une panne d'inspiration quand tu travailles ?"

"As-tu déjà eu une panne de réveil pour un rendez-vous important ?"

Temas para diário

Racontez la pire panne que vous avez vécue (voiture, électricité, etc.). Comment avez-vous résolu le problème ?

Imaginez une journée entière sans électricité à cause d'une panne géante. Décrivez votre journée.

Que signifie pour vous l'expression 'panne d'inspiration' ? Comment la surmontez-vous ?

Pensez-vous que nous sommes trop dépendants de la technologie et que chaque panne est une catastrophe ?

Décrivez une situation où une 'panne de communication' a causé un malentendu avec un ami.

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

No, 'panne' is only for machines, systems, or metaphorical 'blocks'. For a broken arm, you must use 'cassé' (J'ai le bras cassé).

'Être en panne' describes the state (The car is currently broken). 'Tomber en panne' describes the event (The car broke down yesterday).

Yes, always. You say 'la panne' or 'une panne'. Never 'un panne'.

Yes, 'une panne informatique' is the standard term for a computer or system crash.

It is a humorous way to say you overslept. Literally, a 'pillow breakdown'.

The most common way is 'être en panne d'essence' or 'être en panne sèche'.

It is a neutral, standard word. In very formal technical reports, 'défaillance' might be used instead.

Yes, 'panne' and 'canne' rhyme perfectly as they both end in the '-an' sound followed by a silent 'e'.

Yes, you can say 'une panne de réseau' or 'une panne d'internet'.

A 'dépanneur' is a person who fixes breakdowns. In Quebec, it also means a convenience store!

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