perturbation
The English word 'disturbance' can be translated into French as perturbation.
In French, different words are used to describe a disturbance depending on the specific nature of the disruption. Perturbation is a term used to describe a disruption or disturbance in a formal context. Other formal terms include dérangement for a disturbance caused by an interruption or hindrance, intrusion for a disturbance or interruption and trouble to indicate a disturbance.
Meaning: a noisy commotion (noun)
Which one should you use?
While perturbation can mean a disturbance, it is often used in technical or formal contexts (like a disturbance in a system or a psychological state) rather than to describe a loud, physical commotion in a street.
Did you know?
- The word perturbation is a 'false friend' if you want to describe a rowdy party or a street fight. Using it to describe a loud commotion might make you sound like an astronomer describing a wobble in a planetary orbit.
- In French, the word trouble can describe a physical 'disturbance' of clarity, such as the murkiness of cloudy water.
- French law uses the word trouble rather than perturbation to describe a 'disturbance of the peace' in the phrase trouble à l'ordre public.
Examples in context
- Il y a eu une perturbation lors de la réunionThere was a disturbance during the meeting
- Excusez-moi du dérangementSorry for the disturbance
- L'intrusion dans la conversation a causé une perturbationThe intrusion into the conversation caused a disturbance
- Nous sommes désolés pour le trouble occasionnéWe apologize for the disturbance caused
- Ça me crée une gêneIt creates a disturbance for me
- La fête bruyante chez mon voisin crée une perturbationThe noisy party at my neighbor's place creates a disturbance
- Il est important de signaler toute perturbation à votre responsable immédiatIt is important to report any disturbance to your immediate supervisor
Example conversation
Chloé and Hugo are trying to study in a library.
- ChloéC'est quoi cette perturbation ?What is this disturbance?
- HugoDes gens crient dehors, Hugo pense.People are shouting outside, Hugo thinks.
- ChloéJe ne peux pas me concentrer.I cannot concentrate.
- HugoOn devrait demander le silence.We should ask for silence.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry perturbation, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
