Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| cassé | /ka.se/ /kɑ.se/ |
|
| pété | /pe.te/ | informal |
Cassé is the standard term used to describe an object that is physically broken or malfunctioning. For a more formal context, specifically when describing an object that is malfunctioning or not in proper working order, you may use défectueux or défectueuse.
Which one should you use?
While cassé is the standard term for a broken object, pété is a popular informal term used to describe things that are broken or damaged, often implying they are 'blown'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
In contrast, pété is slang or highly informal. Another informal option commonly used in spoken French is foutu(e), which can mean "broken" or "done for".
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective must agree in gender and number with the noun it describes. Use cassée for feminine singular nouns, cassés for masculine plural nouns and cassées for feminine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ka.se/ with two syllables.
Did you know?
- In French, if a voice 'breaks' during puberty or due to emotion, the verb muer is used instead of casser, as it refers to the process of molting or shedding skin.
- When a French speaker says a price is cassé (as in prix cassés), they mean it is heavily discounted or 'slashed', not that the pricing system is malfunctioning.
- When describing a broken heart, French speakers typically use the verb brisé rather than cassé to convey a more poetic or profound sense of damage.
Examples in context
- Lequel est cassé ?Which one is broken?This sentence asks which object is broken using the form cassé.Tatoeba #673297 by sacredceltic, translation #619670 by ulyssemc1
- Ma télé est cassée.My TV is broken.This sentence describes a TV that is broken using the form cassé.Tatoeba #1072168 by sacredceltic, translation #1176297 by paula_guisard
- La télé est cassée.The TV is broken.This sentence describes the TV as being broken using the form cassé.Tatoeba #4080580 by sbamsbamsbam, translation #4079239 by CK
- La vitre de la fenêtre est cassée.The window pane is broken.
- Ce livre est abîmé.This book is damaged.
- Le lave-linge est défectueux.The washing machine is broken.
- J'ai essayé de réparer cette chaise, mais elle est foutue.I tried to fix this chair, but it's broken.
- La poignée de porte est brisée.The door handle is broken.
- 201 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nathan and Manon are in their kitchen looking at a broken appliance.
- NathanLe grille-pain est cassé.The toaster is broken.
- ManonC'est dommage, il est neuf.That's a shame, it is new.
- NathanJe pense qu'il est cassé depuis hier.I think it has been broken since yesterday.
- ManonJe vais essayer de le réparer.I will try to repair it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “broken” translations and entries cassé, pété, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
