scandale
/skɑ̃.dal/masculine
The English word 'scandal' is translated into French as scandale. If unsure, use scandale. Wiktionary also lists esclandre.
Meaning: incident that brings disgrace (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| scandale | /skɑ̃.dal/ | masculine |
| esclandre | /ɛs.klɑ̃dʁ/ | masculine |
The term refers to an incident that brings disgrace.
Which one should you use?
While scandale is the common word for scandal, esclandre is a more formal and literary term often used to describe a public outcry or a loud, disgraceful scene.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In France, the colloquial expression du rififi is used to describe a scandal or a commotion.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective form of scandale is scandaleux for masculine and scandaleuse for feminine.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /skɑ̃.dal/. It has 2 syllables.
Did you know?
- Both terms share a history with the Latin 'scandalum', which originally referred to a stumbling block or a trap used to trip someone up.
- In French, the word scandaleux is frequently used as a hyperbolic exclamation to complain about high prices or poor service, not just moral crimes.
- The phrase faire un scandale can mean both causing a moral outrage and simply making a loud, disruptive scene in a public place.
Examples in context
- Y avait-il un scandale ?Was there a scandal?This sentence is useful for asking if a scandal existed using scandale.Tatoeba #5389609 by Aiji, translation #2892412 by CK
- Ce fut un scandale national.It was a national scandal.This sentence shows how to describe a national scandal using scandale.Tatoeba #1650835 by sacredceltic, translation #1649988 by Spamster
- Il a été impliqué dans un scandale.He was involved in a scandal.This sentence demonstrates being involved in a scandal using scandale.Tatoeba #7815892 by Aiji, translation #5064761 by AlanF_US
- Le scandale a ébranlé le gouvernementThe scandal has shaken the government
- Une polémique a entouré le discours du politicienA controversy surrounded the politician's speech
- Cette histoire est scandaleuse!This story is scandalous!
- Quel tapage autour de ce film!What a scandal/fuss around this movie!
- Il y a du rififi dans cette équipe de footballThere is a scandal brewing in this football team
- Le scandale politique a secoué toute la nation.The political scandal shook the entire nation.
- Quel tapage médiatique pour cette histoire de célébrité!What a media fuss over this celebrity story!
- Il y a du rififi dans le monde des affaires.There is a scandal in the business world.
- 38 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hugo and Emma are discussing the news at a cafe.
- HugoTu as entendu parler du scandale ?Did you hear about the scandal?
- EmmaOui, c'est un scandale énorme !Yes, it is a huge scandal!
- HugoEmma, je pense que c'est grave.Emma, I think it is serious.
- EmmaHugo, tout le monde en parle.Hugo, everyone is talking about it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “scandal” translations and entries scandale, esclandre, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries esclandre, scandale, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
