grincheux
/ɡʁɛ̃.ʃø/
The English adjective "grumpy" is translated into French as grincheux.
grincheux is used to describe someone who is dissatisfied and irritable.
Meaning: dissatisfied and irritable (adj)
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine singular form is grincheux, which is also the same for the masculine plural. For a feminine subject, use grincheuse in the singular or grincheuses in the plural.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɡʁɛ̃.ʃø/ (2 syllables)
Did you know?
- The root of grincheux, the verb grincher, is an onomatopoeia that mimics the sound of a disgruntled person grumbling or making low, dissatisfied noises.
- French has a specific verb bouder for the kind of grumpiness where someone remains silent and pouts to show they are unhappy.
- While grincheux describes a general mood, French speakers often use râleur to describe someone who habitually complains or grumbles.
Examples in context
- C'est un vieux grincheux.He's a grumpy old man.This sentence is useful for seeing how to describe an old man using grincheux.Tatoeba #4656744 by thowas, translation #1934783 by Spamster
- Ne sois pas si grincheux.Don't be such a grumpy-face.This sentence is useful for seeing how to tell someone not to be so grincheux.Tatoeba #12562848 by Rovo, translation #10070454 by DJ_Saidez
- Pourquoi a-t-il l'air grincheux ?Why does he look grumpy?This sentence is useful for asking why someone has a grincheux appearance.Tatoeba #550786 by sacredceltic, translation #487778 by CM
- Paul est vraiment maussade aujourd'hui. Je me demande ce qui lui est arrivé.Paul is really grumpy today. I wonder what happened to him.
- Pourquoi tu es si bougon ce matin ?Why are you so grumpy this morning?
- Vous semblez mécontent aujourd'hui, Lucien. Que se passe-t-il ?You seem discontent today, Lucien. What's going on?
Example conversation
Lucas and Emma are talking about Lucas's brother at home.
- LucasMon frère est vraiment grincheux ce matin.My brother is really grumpy this morning.
- EmmaIl est toujours grincheux quand il dort peu.He is always grumpy when he sleeps little.
- LucasC'est vrai, il devient très grincheux.It's true, he becomes very grumpy.
- EmmaLaisse-le tranquille, il n'est pas de bonne humeur.Leave him alone, he is not in a good mood.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry grincheux, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries grincheux, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
