conséquence
/kɔ̃.se.kɑ̃s/
The French word for consequence is conséquence.
conséquence refers to the result of actions, especially unpleasant. You can also use the specific phrase sans conséquence to describe something that is harmless or has no significant impact.
Meaning: result of actions, especially unpleasant (noun)
Which one should you use?
While conséquence is the standard term, you might encounter other expressions depending on the context. In formal medical or psychological settings, the term séquelle can be used to convey a consequence. In informal speech, if you are referring to negative consequences or a backlash, you can use the expression le retour de bâton.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of conséquence is conséquences.
How do you pronounce it?
/kɔ̃.se.kɑ̃s/. It has 3 syllables.
Did you know?
- In French, conséquence can describe a person's character when used in the phrase être homme de conséquence. It refers to someone who is consistent and reliable in their actions.
- In English, 'consequence' is often used as a synonym for 'importance', but in French, using conséquence to mean 'importance' is a linguistic error called a 'faux ami' or false friend.
- The idiomatic expression le retour de bâton literally translates to 'the return of the stick', used to describe the unpleasant consequences of one's own actions.
Examples in context
- Ils sont sans conséquence.They're of no consequence.This sentence shows how to use conséquence to mean something is harmless.Tatoeba #4550631 by sacredceltic, translation #2287016 by CK
- Toute action a ses conséquences.Every action has its consequence.This sentence illustrates the use of the plural form conséquences.Tatoeba #2287142 by sacredceltic, translation #2286993 by CK
- Votre toux est la conséquence du tabagisme.Your cough is the consequence of smoking.This sentence shows how to use conséquence to describe a result caused by a specific action.Tatoeba #585162 by sacredceltic, translation #63261 by Dejo
- Dans le domaine scientifique, la loi de la gravité a de nombreuses conséquences.In the scientific field, the law of gravity has numerous consequences.
- Le réchauffement climatique a des résultats désastreux pour l'environnement.Global warming has disastrous consequences for the environment.
- Les traumatismes crâniens peuvent laisser des séquelles importantes.Head injuries can leave significant consequences.
- Si tu ne travailles pas, tes résultats en souffriront. C'est la suite logique.If you don't work, your results will suffer. It's the logical consequence.
- S'il continue à mentir, il subira le retour de bâton.If he keeps lying, he will face the consequences.
- 11 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Manon are discussing a mistake made at work.
- LucasJ'ai fait une erreur dans le rapport.I made a mistake in the report.
- ManonC'est grave ? Quelle est la conséquence ?Is it serious? What is the consequence?
- LucasLe client refuse de signer le contrat.The client refuses to sign the contract.
- ManonC'est une conséquence regrettable pour nous.That is a regrettable consequence for us.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry conséquence, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
