c'est impossible
The English phrase 'it is impossible' is translated into French as c'est impossible.
c'est impossible is used to state that something cannot happen or be done. For a slightly softer meaning, you can say c'est quasiment impossible to mean 'it is almost impossible'.
Which one should you use?
c'est impossible is a stronger and more absolute way to express impossibility than the phrase ce n'est pas possible, which simply means 'it is not possible'.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the negative 'it is not possible', you can use the phrase ce n'est pas possible.
Did you know?
- While c'est impossible is a literal statement of impossibility, using it to describe a person's behavior, such as 'Il est impossible!', implies they are incredibly difficult or stubborn to deal with.
- In a sarcastic tone, c'est impossible can be used to mean 'no way' or 'you're kidding', acting as an expression of disbelief rather than a statement of fact.
- In casual conversation, French speakers often drop the c'est entirely and just say impossible ! while shrugging their shoulders and raising their eyebrows.
Examples in context
- C'est impossible à faire.It is impossible to do it.This sentence shows how to use c'est impossible with an infinitive verb.Tatoeba #1612342 by hortusdei, translation #41902 by CK
- Il est impossible de résoudre ce problèmeIt is impossible to solve this problem.
- Y'a pas moyen de trouver un parking iciThere's no way to find a parking spot here.
- Il est impossible de changer les règles maintenant.It is impossible to change the rules now.
- C'est pas possible de partir en vacances cette année.It is impossible to go on vacation this year.
- Y'a pas moyen d'apprendre tout ça avant demain!There's no way to learn all of this before tomorrow!
- C'est impossible de partir maintenant.It is impossible to leave now.
- C'est impossible de finir ce travail ce soir.It is impossible to finish this work tonight.
- Regarde la météo, c'est impossible de sortir.Look at the weather, it's impossible to go out.
Example conversation
Manon and Nathan are talking about a very tight deadline.
- ManonOn doit finir ce projet ce soir.We have to finish this project tonight.
- NathanMais c'est impossible !But it is impossible!
- ManonOn n'a pas le choix, Nathan.We have no choice, Nathan.
- NathanOn va essayer quand même.We will try anyway.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
