catastrophe
/ka.tas.tʁɔf/feminine
The English phrase catastrophe is translated into French as catastrophe.
The word catastrophe is a feminine noun used to describe any large and disastrous event of great significance.
Meaning: any large and disastrous event of great significance (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective form of the noun catastrophe is catastrophique.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables and is pronounced /ka.tas.tʁɔf/.
Did you know?
- In certain informal contexts, French speakers may use the word catastrophe to describe a person who is clumsy or habitually causes trouble.
- The word catastrophe comes from the Ancient Greek word katastrophḗ, which originally meant a sudden overturning or reversal of a situation.
- If a French person says C'est la catastrophe!, they might simply be reacting to a small daily annoyance, like losing their keys, using the word for dramatic effect.
Examples in context
- Une catastrophe a été évitée.A catastrophe has been averted.This sentence is useful for seeing how to say that a catastrophe has been averted.Tatoeba #1273121 by sacredceltic, translation #835954 by CM
- Ce fut une catastrophe pour moi.It was a catastrophe for me.This sentence shows how to express that something was a catastrophe for someone.Tatoeba #11406183 by lbdx, translation #7548793 by karloelkebekio
- Les experts ont averti d'une catastrophe.Experts have warned of a catastrophe.This sentence illustrates how to say that experts have warned of a catastrophe.Tatoeba #11732216 by lbdx, translation #11074098 by sundown
- La situation actuelle est une véritable catastrophe pour notre économie.The current situation is a real catastrophe for our economy.
- J'ai encore perdu mes clés, quel pépin !I lost my keys again, what a disaster!
- 9 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Manon are talking about a failed project.
- LucasLe projet a été un échec total.The project was a total failure.
- ManonOui, c'est une véritable catastrophe pour l'équipe.Yes, it is a real catastrophe for the team.
- LucasQue devons-nous faire maintenant ?What should we do now?
- ManonNous devons tout recommencer depuis le début.We have to start everything over from the beginning.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “catastrophe” translations and entries catastrophe, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries catastrophe, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
