il est méchant
To say "he is mean" in French, use il est méchant.
To say someone is mean "to" someone, use the preposition avec (with) or envers (towards) rather than a direct translation of "to". For example, il est méchant avec moi means "he is mean to me".
Which one should you use?
While méchant can mean "mean" in an adult context, it is also the standard word used to describe a child being "naughty".
What mistakes should you avoid?
When saying someone is mean to a person, do not use a direct translation of the English word "to".
Did you know?
- The word méchant is frequently used as a slang intensifier in modern French to mean 'very' or 'impressive', similar to how an English speaker might say 'wicked'.
- In a playful or romantic context, méchant can be used as a flirtatious tease, which is a nuance not typically found in the standard English 'mean'.
- The word méchant has a surprising history of 'unluckiness'. It originally derived from a term meaning 'to fall badly', meaning that a 'méchant' person was once someone who was simply 'unlucky' or 'hapless'.
Examples in context
- Il est vraiment pas sympa, il ne fait jamais d'efforts pour aider.He is really not nice, he never makes an effort to help.
- Il est méchant avec les enfants.He is mean to children.
- Ne lui parle pas, il est méchant.Don't talk to him, he is mean.
- Je ne veux pas jouer avec lui car il est méchant.I don't want to play with him because he is mean.
Example conversation
Emma and Lucas are discussing a classmate at school.
- EmmaTu as vu le comportement de Marc ?Did you see Marc's behavior?
- LucasOui, il est méchant avec tout le monde.Yes, he is mean to everyone.
- EmmaC'est vraiment dommage pour lui.That is really a shame for him.
- LucasIl devrait changer.He should change.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries est, il, méchant, CC BY-SA 4.0.
