difficile
/di.fi.sil/
The English phrase 'picky' can be translated into French as difficile.
difficile is used to describe someone who is hard to please or has very specific requirements. To express that someone is picky, you use the verb être (to be) followed by difficile, such as in the phrase être difficile.
Which one should you use?
While difficile can mean 'difficult' in a general sense, when it is used to describe a person's character or tastes, it specifically translates to being 'picky' or 'hard to please'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective difficile is invariable in gender, which means it stays the same whether you are describing a man or a woman.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /di.fi.sil/ and has 3 syllables.
Did you know?
- While difficile describes the person, the French often use the expression faire la fine bouche to describe the act of being picky, particularly about food.
- A very common way to say someone is 'picky' or 'fussy' in a slang or informal way is to use the word chichis, as in faire des chichis (to make a fuss/to be picky).
- In high-end French gastronomy, being difficile can be viewed as a sign of a refined palette, whereas in a family setting, it is usually seen as a character flaw.
Examples in context
- Elle est trop difficile.She's too picky.This sentence is useful for describing someone who is overly picky.Tatoeba #4759170 by sacredceltic, translation #2967434 by Hybrid
- Ne sois pas si difficile.Don't be so picky.This sentence is useful for telling someone not to be so picky.Tatoeba #11803461 by lbdx, translation #2281540 by CK
- Je ne suis pas difficile.I'm not picky.This sentence is useful for stating that you are not a picky person.Tatoeba #12362574 by lbdx, translation #4964009 by CK
- Il est très sélectif dans ses choix alimentaires.He's very picky with his food choices.
- Mon frère est très difficile quand il s'agit de trouver un restaurant.My brother is very picky when it comes to finding a restaurant.
- 14 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Emma are discussing a restaurant choice.
- LucasTu es très difficile avec la nourriture.You are very picky with food.
- EmmaJe ne suis pas difficile, je préfère juste la qualité.I'm not picky, I just prefer quality.
- LucasPourtant, tu as rejeté tous les menus.Yet, you rejected all the menus.
- EmmaC'est vrai, je suis un peu difficile ce soir.It's true, I am a bit picky tonight.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry difficile, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
