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Fatigué – tired.

Adjectives to Describe Issues

Learn handy French phrases for problems and breakdowns. Practise describing what is wrong, from services being unavailable to things not working, using GCSE-ready language.

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Fascinating Fact:

en panne means “broken down”, hors service means “out of order”.

In GCSE Fast French, describing issues is a useful skill for speaking role plays and writing tasks. You learn how to explain a fault clearly, ask for help politely, and choose phrasing that fits real-life situations like travel, shopping, and services.

Key Terms

Phrase: A short group of words used together, often learnt as a chunk because it is common and practical.
Fault: A problem that stops something working properly, such as a machine that will not start or a service that is unavailable.
Register: The level of formality you choose, for example using polite forms when speaking to staff or writing a complaint.

Frequently Asked Questions (Click to see answers)

How do I say something is not working in French?

You can use common GCSE phrases that explain a fault, such as saying a device will not work or a service is unavailable. These set phrases help you sound clear and natural in speaking tasks.

What is the difference between a breakdown and being out of order in French?

A breakdown usually describes something that has stopped working unexpectedly, like a car or machine. “Out of order” is often used for equipment or services that are not available, such as a lift or ticket machine.

How can I complain politely in French for GCSE?

Use polite openings, keep sentences simple, and state the problem clearly. Adding a request, such as asking for help, a repair, or an alternative, makes your French sound more formal and appropriate.

Try These Related Quizzes

In each question you will be given a word or words in English. All you have to do is choose the French equivalent from the four choices offered.

1 .

Empty

Faible

Fatigué

Fort

Vide

Faible = weak
Fatigué = tired
Fort = strong

2 .

Forbidden

Inquiet

Ivre

Interdit

Vrai

Inquiet = worried
Ivre = drunk
Vrai = true

3 .

Poor

Pauvre

Pollué

Pressé

Quotidien

Pollué = polluted
Pressé = in a hurry / rushed / squeezed
Quotidien = daily

4 .

Correct

Gras

Juste

Grave

Injuste

Gras = fatty
Grave = serious
Injuste = unfair

5 .

Heavy / serious

Entouré

Équilibré

Essoufflé

Lourd

Entouré = surrounded
Équilibré = balanced
Essoufflé = breathless

6 .

Compulsory

Mondial

Obligatoire

Effrayant

Égal

Mondial = worldwide
Effrayant = frightening
Égal = equal

7 .

Salty

Sage

Salé

Sain

Sucré

Sage = well behaved
Sain = healthy
Sucré = sugary

8 .

Addicted

Accro

Alcoolique

Malade

Malsain

Alcoolique = alcoholic
Malade = ill / sick
Malsain = unhealthy

9 .

Guilty

Dégoûtant

Déprimé

Coupable

Désagréable

Dégoûtant = disgusting
Déprimé = depressed
Désagréable = unpleasant

10 .

Expensive / dear

Complet

En bonne forme

Cher

En bonne santé

Complet = full
En bonne forme = fit
En bonne santé = in good health

You can find more about this topic by visiting BBC Bitesize - French adjectives

Author: Graeme Haw

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