merde
/mɛʁd/
The French word for 'dammit' is merde.
merde is an expression of anger or disappointment. Other expressions exist depending on the level of intensity and the region.
Meaning: expression of anger or disappointment (intj)
Which one should you use?
While merde is a common way to say 'dammit', it is considered quite strong. For a milder alternative that can be used in both formal and informal settings, you can use Mince! If you want a strongly worded and somewhat vulgar expression to convey frustration, you might use Bordel! For general disappointment or frustration, Nom d'un chien! is also used.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
merde is an informal word that is considered vulgar. It should be avoided in formal or polite settings.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In France, speakers often use Punaise! to convey frustration or annoyance. In Quebec, Sapristi! is a common expression used as an equivalent of 'dammit'.
How do you pronounce it?
/mɛʁd/
Did you know?
- In the world of theater, telling an actor merde is actually a way to wish them good luck. This tradition stems from the era of horse-drawn carriages, where a lot of horse manure outside a theater meant a large, successful crowd had arrived.
- The word Bordel! is often used as an exclamation of frustration, but its literal meaning is 'a brothel'. Using it as an interjection is like saying 'what a mess!' but with a much more vulgar connotation.
- In Quebec, Sapristi! is a 'sacre', a type of swear word derived from distorted religious terms like sacristie to avoid using the holy words directly.
Examples in context
- Merde, cette peste de Nagisa, elle est vraiment allée me balancer aux profs.Dammit, that pest Nagisa, she really went and snitched on me to the teachers.This sentence shows the use of merde to express frustration regarding someone's actions.Tatoeba #9755441 by lbdx, translation #328234 by fcbond
- Merde, j'ai renversé mon café sur ce document crucial!Dammit, I spilled my coffee on this crucial document!
- Merde, j'ai encore oublié mes clés.Dammit, I forgot my keys again.
- Oh merde, le train est déjà parti.Oh dammit, the train has already left.
Example conversation
Gabriel and Manon are trying to assemble a piece of furniture.
- GabrielMerde, je me suis trompé de vis.Dammit, I used the wrong screw.
- ManonTu devrais relire le manuel, Gabriel.You should reread the manual, Gabriel.
- GabrielJe pensais que c'était évident.I thought it was obvious.
- ManonC'est pour ça qu'il faut faire attention.That is why you have to be careful.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry merde, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
