démêler
/de.mɛ.le/
The English phrase detangle is translated into French as démêler.
The verb démêler means to untangle or to sort out. You can use it literally when referring to physical objects, such as hair or yarn or figuratively when discussing abstract concepts like a mystery or a complex situation.
What does it mean word for word?
The verb is composed of the prefix dé- (meaning undoing or reversing) and mêler (meaning to mix or mingle).
How do you pronounce it?
The word has three syllables and is pronounced /de.mɛ.le/.
Did you know?
- The related noun mêlée refers to a confused fight or a scramble, which is where the English word 'melee' comes from. It describes the exact opposite of a state that has been démêlé.
- The word mêler can also be used in the reflexive form se mêler de, which means 'to meddle in' someone else's business. It carries a much more intrusive connotation than the English 'to mix'.
- In French, the phrase se démêler is often used as a reflexive verb to mean 'to manage' or 'to figure it out' on one's own, such as when someone is struggling with a difficult task.
Examples in context
- Pouvez-vous démêler ces cheveux ?Can you detangle this hair?
- Je vais défaire les nœuds dans cette laineI am going to detangle the knots in this wool.
- Je vais débrouiller ces cordonsI am going to untangle these cords.
- J'ai besoin de démêler mes cheveux avant de sortir ce soir.I need to detangle my hair before going out tonight.
- Elle essaie de démêler ses cheveux.She is trying to detangle her hair.
- Il faut démêler cette affaire.This matter needs to be sorted out.
- Je dois démêler mes cheveux après la douche.I need to detangle my hair after the shower.
- Peux-tu m'aider à démêler ces fils ?Can you help me detangle these threads?
- Il est difficile de démêler ce nœud.It is difficult to detangle this knot.
Example conversation
Manon is trying to brush her hair in the bathroom.
- GabrielTu as un problème avec tes cheveux ?Are you having a problem with your hair?
- ManonOui, je n'arrive pas à démêler cette mèche.Yes, I can't detangle this strand.
- GabrielLaisse-moi essayer de démêler tout ça pour toi.Let me try to detangle all that for you.
- ManonMerci Gabriel, c'est très gentil.Thank you Gabriel, that is very kind.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry démêler, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
