What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally means 'in anger against'. It is composed of en (in), colère (anger) and contre (against).
Which one should you use?
En colère contre expresses a more intense and active state of anger compared to the slightly milder fâché contre, which means 'angry/upset with'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For a more formal way to express being mad at something, you can use Être irrité(e) par quelque chose. In informal or colloquial situations, Être en rogne contre quelqu'un is a common way to say one is 'pissed off at' someone and it carries a slightly more aggressive tone.
How does it change in a sentence?
The preposition contre is used to indicate the object of the anger, functioning similarly to how the English word 'at' is used in this context.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using the preposition à to translate 'at' in this context. Do not say en colère à.
Did you know?
- While en colère is used for anger, the French have a specific term la moutarde me monte au nez to describe the exact moment someone starts getting mad, literally meaning 'the mustard is rising to my nose'.
- The word colère shares the same root as the disease 'cholera'. Both come from the Ancient Greek word for 'bile', reflecting an ancient medical belief that an excess of bile caused both anger and sickness.
- In French, the word fâché can mean 'angry', but in very specific historical or literary contexts, it can also mean 'sad' or 'unfortunate'.
Examples in context
- Je suis en colère contre toi.I'm mad at you.This sentence is useful for practicing how to say 'I am mad at you' using en colère contre.Tatoeba #13378054 by lbdx, translation #1891024 by CK
- Elle est en colère contre moi.She is mad at me.This sentence shows how to say 'She is mad at me' using en colère contre.Tatoeba #6131 by kurisutofu, translation #6130 by CK
- Tom est en colère contre nous.Tom is mad at us.This sentence demonstrates saying 'Tom is mad at us' using en colère contre.Tatoeba #4005740 by nimfeo, translation #3449925 by Plusquamperfekt
- Je suis en colère contre mon frère pour avoir cassé mon téléphone.I'm mad at my brother for breaking my phone.
- Mon professeur est fâché contre moi parce que je n'ai pas rendu mon devoir.My teacher is mad at me because I didn't hand in my assignment.
- On est en rogne contre notre voisin, il joue de la musique trop fort la nuit.We're mad at our neighbor, he plays music too loudly at night.
- Je suis furieuse contre mon ami pour son comportement irrespectueux.I'm furious at my friend for his disrespectful behavior.
- 29 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gabriel and Léa are discussing a broken vase.
- GabrielPourquoi es-tu en colère contre moi ?Why are you mad at me?
- LéaJe suis en colère contre toi pour le vase.I am angry at you because of the vase.
- GabrielJe ne suis pas en colère contre toi.I am not mad at you.
- LéaPourtant, tu sembles très énervé.Yet, you seem very annoyed.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries colère, contre, en, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
