triste mais vrai
The English phrase "sad but true" is translated into French as triste mais vrai.
This phrase is used as a standalone reaction to a piece of information that is both regrettable and factual.
What does it mean word for word?
The expression is a literal translation where triste means "sad", mais means "but" and vrai means "true".
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the masculine singular form of the adjective vrai.
Did you know?
- The word mais comes from the Latin 'magis', which originally meant 'more'. Over time, the word shifted from expressing a greater quantity to creating a contrast between two ideas.
- The adjective triste can describe not just sadness, but also something 'bleak' or 'pathetic'. If someone describes a situation as triste, they might be judging it as miserably poor rather than feeling emotional sorrow.
- While triste mais vrai is a direct translation, a French person might more naturally say c'est bien triste, mais c'est la vérité to emphasize the harsh reality of a situation.
Examples in context
- C'est un constat triste mais vrai.It is a sad but true observation.
Example conversation
Nathan and Emma are talking about the environment.
- NathanLe climat change très rapidement.The climate is changing very quickly.
- EmmaOui, c'est triste mais vrai.Yes, it's sad but true.
- NathanOn doit faire quelque chose.We have to do something.
- EmmaTu as raison, Nathan.You are right, Nathan.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mais, triste, vrai, CC BY-SA 4.0.
