When you’re learning a new language, it’s essential to have a good grasp of vocabulary words that can help you express yourself in various situations. In this guide, we will explore different ways to say “guilty” in French, both formally and informally. We’ll also provide you with valuable tips and examples to help you master this expression effortlessly. So, let’s dive in!
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Formal Ways to Say “Guilty” in French
In formal situations or when speaking to someone older or in authority, you may want to use more polished and respectful expressions to convey the idea of “guilty.” Here are some formal ways to do so:
1. Coupable
The most common and straightforward translation of “guilty” in French is “coupable.” It is used in legal contexts and formal settings when admitting guilt:
“Je plaide coupable, votre Honneur.” – “I plead guilty, Your Honor.”
2. Responsable
Another formal term for “guilty” is “responsable.” The word implies being responsible for a wrongdoing or an offense:
“Je me sens responsable de ce problème.” – “I feel guilty for this issue.”
3. Pécheur
In certain religious or poetic contexts, you might come across the word “pécheur,” which means “sinner” in English. It conveys the concept of guilt associated with committing a sin:
“Je suis un grand pécheur.” – “I am a great sinner.”
Informal Ways to Say “Guilty” in French
In less formal or casual conversations, you can opt for different expressions to convey a sense of guilt. Here are some informal ways to say “guilty” in French:
1. Coupable comme un voleur
This idiom, literally meaning “guilty as a thief,” is often used to describe feeling extremely guilty about something:
“Je me sens coupable comme un voleur, je suis vraiment désolé.” – “I feel guilty as a thief; I’m truly sorry.”
2. Mauvaise conscience
“Mauvaise conscience” translates to “bad conscience” and is used to express guilt or a troubled conscience:
“J’ai une mauvaise conscience depuis hier soir.” – “I’ve had a guilty conscience since last night.”
Tips for Learning and Using “Guilty” in French
Here are some tips to help you learn and use the word “guilty” in French:
1. Practice in Context
Try to use the word “guilty” in various sentences while speaking or writing French. This will enhance your understanding of its usage and help you remember it better.
2. Listen and Observe
Pay attention to native French speakers, both in real-life conversations and through media like movies or TV shows. Observe how they use words related to guilt and try to mimic their expressions.
3. Expand Your Vocabulary
Learning additional words and phrases related to guilt will provide you with a broader range of options when expressing yourself. Consider studying words like “remorse” (remords) or “regret” (regret).
Examples of Using “Guilty” in French
Let’s explore some examples to see how “guilty” can be used in different sentences:
1. Formal Examples
– “Il a été déclaré coupable du meurtre.” – “He has been declared guilty of murder.”
– “Elle ressentait une profonde responsabilité pour son échec.” – “She felt a deep sense of guilt for her failure.”
2. Informal Examples
– “Je me sens coupable comme un voleur d’avoir mangé tout le gâteau.” – “I feel guilty as a thief for eating all the cake.”
– “J’ai une mauvaise conscience d’avoir menti à mes parents.” – “I have a guilty conscience for lying to my parents.”
Remember, the more you expose yourself to the French language and practice using different expressions, the more confident you’ll become in expressing the concept of “guilty.” So, keep learning, practicing, and embracing the language!
