je suis contrarié
The English phrase "I am upset" can be translated into French in several ways depending on the context, with je suis contrarié being the default form.
In French, the way you express being upset depends heavily on the specific emotion you are feeling. je suis contrarié is used when you are upset because of a setback, an annoyance or because something did not go as planned. If you feel a much deeper sense of being emotionally overwhelmed or disturbed, Je suis bouleversé(e). is the appropriate phrase. If your feeling is specifically one of disappointment, you should use the more precise alternative je suis déçu.
Which one should you use?
While je suis contrarié implies annoyance or frustration due to a setback, other forms express different nuances. je suis fâché is used if your feeling is closer to being angry or cross. Je suis bouleversé(e). conveys much deeper emotional distress than je suis contrarié.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The colloquial phrase Je suis vénère. is used in France.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using the adjective forms, if the speaker is female, you must add an e to the end of the word, such as in je suis contrariée.
Did you know?
- French has a specific noun, le cafard, which literally means 'the cockroach' but is used to describe a state of general melancholy or depression.
- The colloquial term vénère used to express being upset is actually 'verlan', a type of French slang that reverses syllables. It is the word énervé (annoyed/upset) spoken backwards.
- The word bouleversé is used for deep emotional distress because it literally means 'to turn upside down'.
Examples in context
- Mon patron ne m'a pas donné la promotion que j'attendais. Je suis contrarié.My boss didn't give me the promotion I was expecting. I am upset.
- Après avoir entendu la nouvelle tragique, je suis bouleversé.After hearing the tragic news, I am upset.
- J'ai travaillé si dur, mais je n'ai pas réussi à obtenir la note souhaitée. Je me sens déçu.I worked so hard, but I didn't manage to get the grade I wanted. I feel disappointed.
- Mon ami a annulé notre sortie au dernier moment. Je suis énervé.My friend canceled our outing at the last moment. I am upset.
- J'ai encore perdu mes clés. Ça me gave !I lost my keys again. I am so fed up!
- Je suis contrarié par ce retard.I am upset by this delay.
- Je suis contrarié par son comportement.I am upset by his behavior.
Example conversation
Lucas is talking to Emma about a problem at work.
- LucasJe suis contrarié par cette nouvelle.I am upset by this news.
- EmmaOh non, qu'est-ce qui se passe, Lucas ?Oh no, what is happening, Lucas?
- LucasMon projet a été annulé.My project was canceled.
- EmmaJe suis désolée pour toi.I am sorry for you.
