Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| tyran | /ti.ʁɑ̃/ | masculine |
| brimeur | /bʁi.mœʁ/ | masculine |
| brute | /bʁyt/ | feminine |
In French, the term used depends on whether you are describing the person's behavior, their method of bullying or the phenomenon itself. To describe a person who is intentionally cruel to others, you can use tyran, brimeur or brute. If you are referring to the act of bullying or the phenomenon of harassment, use the noun harcèlement. Related verbs for acting aggressively towards others include tourmenter, terroriser and maltraiter.
Which one should you use?
The choice of word changes the nuance of the person's behavior. tyran literally means 'tyrant' and describes a bully who exerts absolute control or dominance over others. brute is used for a bully who relies on physical strength or violence rather than psychological manipulation. brimeur is a general masculine noun for a person who bullies.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
brimeur is a masculine noun used to describe a person who bullies others. brute is the feminine form. tyran is a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
tyran is pronounced /ti.ʁɑ̃/ and has 2 syllables.
Did you know?
- While brute is used as a noun for a bully, it is also an adjective meaning 'raw' or 'unrefined' when describing materials like sugar or oil.
- The word brute shares a root with the Latin 'brutus', meaning 'dull' or 'stupid', reflecting an old belief that bullies lack intelligence.
- In French legal contexts, harcèlement moral is a specific crime that can be prosecuted in the workplace, going beyond simple bullying.
Examples in context
- Je savais que Tom n'était pas un tyran.I knew Tom wasn't a bully.This sentence is useful for stating that someone was not a tyran.Tatoeba #7524771 by tras, translation #7521540 by CK
- Toutes les cours de récréation ont leur tyran.Every playground has its bully.This sentence is useful for noting that every playground has a tyran.Tatoeba #550046 by sacredceltic, translation #546789 by darinmex
- Les écoles doivent lutter contre les harceleurs.Schools must combat bullies.
- Le harceleur a été sanctionné par le directeur.The bully was disciplined by the principal.
Example conversation
Lucas and Léa are talking about a mean classmate.
- LucasTu as vu comment il parle aux autres ?Did you see how he talks to others?
- LéaOui, c'est un vrai tyran.Yes, he is a real bully.
- LucasOn devrait en parler au professeur.We should talk to the teacher about it.
- LéaJe suis d'accord avec toi, Lucas.I agree with you, Lucas.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bully” translations and entries tyran, brimeur, brute, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
