mince
/mɛ̃s/
The English phrase 'damn' can be translated into French using several non-vulgar expressions of contempt, such as mince. Wiktionary also lists purée and zut.
Meaning: non-vulgar expression of contempt etc. (intj)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA |
|---|---|
| mince | /mɛ̃s/ |
| purée | /py.ʁe/ |
| zut | /zyt/ |
Mince is a mild exclamation used to express annoyance or frustration. Zut is a relatively polite way to express frustration or disappointment.
Which one should you use?
Mince is a safe, non-vulgar way to express frustration, it is much milder than the English 'damn' and is often used to avoid swearing in front of children or in formal settings. Purée is a euphemism for the swear word putain, used in the same way an English speaker might use 'shoot' or 'sugar' to avoid actual profanity.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/mɛ̃s/
Did you know?
- The exclamation purée literally means 'puree' or 'mashed potatoes'. It is used as a sound-alike replacement for the swear word putain.
- The word mince shares an ancient root with the English word 'mince' meaning 'to cut into small pieces'.
Examples in context
- Mince, je me suis trompé.Damn, I was wrong.This sentence shows how to use mince to express that you have made a mistake.Tatoeba #338411 by sysko, translation #843923 by J_S
- Zut, j'ai encore raté le train !Damn, I missed the train again!This sentence uses zut to express frustration about missing a train.Tatoeba #2568957 by Rovo, translation #2568875 by Eldad
- Mince, où ai-je mis mes lunettes ?Damn, where did I put my glasses?This sentence demonstrates using mince when you have misplaced something.Tatoeba #11392850 by lbdx, translation #3379228 by aengelberg
- Zut, j'ai renversé mon verre.Damn, I spilled my drink.
- Zut alors, le train est déjà parti !Damn, the train has already left!
- Mince, j'ai oublié mes clés !Damn, I forgot my keys!
- Merde!Damn!
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nathan and Léa are looking for a lost key.
- NathanMince, je ne trouve pas la clé.Damn, I can't find the key.
- LéaRegarde bien dans ton sac, Nathan.Look carefully in your bag, Nathan.
- NathanElle n'est pas là non plus.It's not there either.
- LéaOn va devoir appeler un serrurier.We're going to have to call a locksmith.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “damn” translations and entries mince, purée, zut, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mince, purée, zut, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
