dépassé
The English phrase overwhelmed is translated into French as dépassé.
dépassé is used to describe feeling unable to cope with a situation because it is too difficult or there is too much to do. If you want to specify what is overwhelming you, use the preposition par (for example, dépassé par le travail).
How does it change in a sentence?
If the subject is masculine plural, use dépassés. If the subject is feminine plural, use dépassées.
Did you know?
- The word dépassé literally means 'passed by' or 'overtaken'. In a physical sense, it is the word used when one car overtakes another on the highway.
- While dépassé means 'overwhelmed' in a modern sense, it is also used to describe someone who is 'old-fashioned' or 'out of date'.
- To express being overwhelmed by a massive amount of work, many French people use the colloquial term être sous l'eau, which means 'to be under the water'.
Examples in context
- Tom est dépassé.Tom is overwhelmed.This sentence shows how to use dépassé to describe a person.Tatoeba #9420262 by Micsmithel, translation #2236801 by CK
- Je suis dépassé par les évènements.I’m overwhelmed by the situation.This sentence demonstrates using dépassé with the preposition par to specify the cause of being overwhelmed.Tatoeba #11760916 by Igider, translation #13362999 by Igider
- Je suis vraiment débordé(e) avec toutes ces tâches à accomplir.I am really overwhelmed with all these tasks to accomplish.
- Les projets s'accumulent, je suis totalement submergé(e) de travail.The projects are piling up, I am completely overwhelmed with work.
- Je me sens complètement dépassé(e) par toutes ces exigences.I feel completely overwhelmed by all these demands.
- J'ai tellement de dossiers à traiter, je suis vraiment débordé(e) de boulot.I have so many files to handle, I am really overwhelmed with work.
- J'ai beaucoup de problèmes en ce moment, je me sens submergé(e).I have a lot of problems right now, I feel overwhelmed.
- Je me sens complètement débordé(e) avec tout ce qui se passe dans ma vie en ce moment.I feel completely overwhelmed with everything that is happening in my life right now.
- Elle se sent dépassée par son nouveau travail.She feels overwhelmed by her new job.
Example conversation
Hugo and Chloé are talking about their busy schedules at a cafe.
- HugoJe suis complètement dépassé par mes examens.I am completely overwhelmed by my exams.
- ChloéTu devrais prendre une pause, Hugo.You should take a break, Hugo.
- HugoC'est difficile de tout gérer seul.It is difficult to manage everything alone.
- ChloéJe peux t'aider si tu veux.I can help you if you want.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
