dommage
/dɔ.maʒ/
dommage is the French word for "a pity" or "unfortunate."
dommage is used to express that a situation is a pity or regrettable. You will often see it used in the exclamation Quel dommage ! to express strong disappointment or regret.
How does it change in a sentence?
If you use dommage in a clause starting with C'est dommage que…, the verb in that clause must be in the subjunctive mood.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables and is pronounced /dɔ.maʒ/.
Did you know?
- The word dommage is a linguistic cousin to the English word 'damage', though the French term shifted toward an expression of emotion rather than just physical harm.
- While dommage expresses regret, the related French word dommages-intérêts is a legal term meaning 'damages' or monetary compensation paid in a lawsuit.
- French speakers may use dommage ironically to mock someone's misfortune, which can change the tone from sympathetic to sarcastic depending on the intonation.
Examples in context
- C'est regrettable de voir tant de gaspillage alimentaire.It's regrettable to see so much food wastage.
- C'est dommage qu'il ne puisse pas venir.It's a pity that he cannot come.
- C'est dommage pour lui.It's a pity for him.
- Quel dommage d'avoir raté le train !What a shame to have missed the train!
- C'est vraiment dommage qu'elle ne soit pas là.It's a real pity that she isn't here.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a canceled outdoor concert.
- LucasLe concert est annulé à cause de la pluie.The concert is canceled because of the rain.
- ManonOh, c'est vraiment dommage !Oh, that's a real pity!
- LucasOn avait tellement hâte de voir ce groupe.We were so looking forward to seeing this band.
- ManonOui, c'est dommage pour tout le monde.Yes, it's a pity for everyone.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry dommage, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries dommage, CC BY-SA 4.0.
