pépin
/pe.pɛ̃/masculine
The English word glitch can be translated into French as pépin. Wiktionary also lists hic.
Meaning: problem, bug, imperfection, quirk (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| hic | /ik/ | masculine |
| pépin | /pe.pɛ̃/ | masculine |
pépin is used to describe a small, unexpected problem or a minor technical hitch.
Which one should you use?
While pépin is used for minor, unexpected hitches, you may encounter other terms depending on the context. hic is a masculine noun used for a glitch.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
pépin is a colloquial term. For more formal or technical contexts, use anomalie to describe a malfunction or abnormality or dysfonctionnement to refer to a glitch in a system or process. In informal settings, specifically regarding computers or software, you can use un bug or use un couac to describe a glitch or hiccup when things do not go as planned.
How does it change in a sentence?
Both hic and pépin are masculine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
pépin is pronounced /pe.pɛ̃/ and has 2 syllables.
Did you know?
- The word couac is used to describe a glitch, but it specifically mimics the harsh sound of a duck's quack.
- In French, a tiny fruit seed is called a pépin, which is the exact same word used to describe a small, unexpected hitch or glitch.
- The word hic is derived from the Latin phrase hic est quaestio, which literally translates to 'here is the question'.
Examples in context
- C'est un pépin mineur.It's a minor glitch.The sentence is useful for describing a minor pépin.Tatoeba #10720972 by lbdx, translation #3619085 by CK
- Nous avons trouvé un pépin dans le programme qui devra être traité avant que nous puissions procéder.We found a glitch in the program that will have to be dealt with before we move on.The sentence is useful for describing finding a pépin in a program.Tatoeba #809347 by sacredceltic, translation #673246 by darinmex
- L'entreprise a dû faire face à de nombreuses anomalies lors de la mise en place de leur nouveau système informatique.The company had to deal with numerous glitches while implementing their new computer system.
- Le logiciel présente encore quelques bugs mineurs à régler.The software still has a few minor glitches to fix.
- Il y a eu un petit pépin technique.There was a little technical glitch.
Example conversation
Léa and Nathan are working on a shared digital project.
- LéaNathan, est-ce que le site fonctionne ?Nathan, is the website working?
- NathanPas vraiment, j'ai un pépin avec le formulaire.Not really, I have a glitch with the form.
- LéaC'est grave ou c'est juste un détail ?Is it serious or just a detail?
- NathanC'est rapide à corriger, ne t'inquiète pas.It's quick to fix, don't worry.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “glitch” translations and entries hic, pépin, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries hic, pépin, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
