ma faute
The English phrase 'my bad' can be translated into French as ma faute.
ma faute is used to express that something is one's fault. Unlike in English, where 'my bad' is often used as a standalone exclamation, French speakers rarely use ma faute on its own. It is typically incorporated into a full sentence such as C'est ma faute (It is my fault).
Meaning: my fault (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase consists of the possessive adjective ma (my) and the noun faute (fault).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
While ma faute is a literal translation of 'my bad', it is more common for French speakers to simply say Désolé to express the same sentiment in casual conversation. In informal settings, you might say Désolé(e), c'est de ma faute (Sorry, it's my fault). For a more formal approach, you can use Veuillez m'excuser, j'ai eu tort (Please excuse me, I was wrong).
How does it change in a sentence?
Because faute is a feminine noun, you must use the feminine possessive adjective ma instead of the masculine mon.
Did you know?
- The word faute can also mean a 'lack' or 'absence' of something, such as in the expression faute de temps, meaning 'for lack of time'.
- In high-pressure professional environments, French speakers often avoid C'est ma faute and instead use the passive Une erreur a été commise to soften the blow.
- The term faute is used in the phrase sans faute, which is a common way to say 'without fail' when confirming an appointment.
Examples in context
- C'était ma faute.That was my bad.This sentence shows how to say 'That was my bad' using ma faute.Tatoeba #6291807 by sicerabibax, translation #10042571 by espamatics
- C'est ma faute.My bad.Tatoeba #2156365 by GLOBULE38, translation #629816 by Snout
Example conversation
Hugo accidentally broke Chloé's favorite mug.
- HugoOh non, j'ai cassé ton mug.Oh no, I broke your mug.
- ChloéC'est vraiment dommage.That is really a shame.
- HugoJe suis désolé, c'est ma faute.I am sorry, it is my fault.
- ChloéCe n'est rien, Hugo.It is nothing, Hugo.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
