Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| désastre | /de.zastʁ/ | masculine |
| catastrophe | /ka.tas.tʁɔf/ | feminine |
Both désastre and catastrophe are used to describe an unexpected catastrophe that causes physical damage, etc. In informal settings, you might hear the phrase C'est la catastrophe to mean 'It's a disaster'. If you want to describe a situation as a total mess, the colloquial expression C'est le bordel is used. For a nightmare-like situation, the informal idiom C'est la galère is common, while C'est la fin du monde is an informal phrase used humorously to describe an exaggerated sense of disaster.
Which one should you use?
While both words mean a catastrophe, désastre is masculine and catastrophe is feminine.
How does it change in a sentence?
Because désastre is masculine, you must use masculine adjectives to describe it, such as complet or total. Conversely, because catastrophe is feminine, you must use feminine adjectives like complète or totale.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /de.zastʁ/ and consists of two syllables.
Did you know?
- The word désastre is etymologically linked to the stars, literally meaning a 'bad star' or an ill-fated celestial influence.
- The expression C'est la galère refers to a disaster or a struggle and comes from the 'galères' or galley ships where convicts were forced to row.
- The colloquial phrase C'est le bordel uses the word for 'brothel' to describe a disastrously disorganized situation.
Examples in context
- Ce fut un désastre.It was a disaster.This sentence shows how to use désastre to state that something was a disaster.Tatoeba #7763110 by sacredceltic, translation #2549036 by CK
- Ce serait un désastre.It'd be a disaster.This sentence shows how to use désastre to express that something would be a disaster.Tatoeba #3213884 by slegros, translation #2548655 by CK
- C'est un désastre complet.It's a complete disaster.This sentence shows how to use désastre with an adjective to describe a complete disaster.Tatoeba #4154452 by Pat91, translation #4153213 by Hybrid
- Notre projet a été un véritable désastre.Our project failed miserably.
- C'est un désastre total, l'organisation du mariage.The wedding organization was a total disaster.
- 42 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gabriel and Léa are discussing a recent flood in the city.
- GabrielAs-tu vu les images du désastre ?Did you see the images of the disaster?
- LéaOui, Léa est sous le choc.Yes, Léa is in shock.
- GabrielC'est un véritable désastre pour la ville.It is a true disaster for the city.
- LéaOn doit aider les victimes, Gabriel.We must help the victims, Gabriel.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “disaster” translations and entries désastre, catastrophe, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries catastrophe, désastre, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
