elle est méchante
The English phrase "she is being mean" is translated into French as elle est méchante.
This phrase describes a person acting in an unkind or cruel way. In French, the continuous aspect 'is being' is often expressed using the simple present tense 'elle est' rather than a progressive construction.
Which one should you use?
The phrase elle est méchante can describe both a person's character and a temporary state of being. This differs from elle fait la méchante, which specifically emphasizes the act of 'playing' mean or acting out a role.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective méchante must end in -e to agree with the feminine subject elle.
Did you know?
- In French, the adjective méchant can also be used to describe something 'wicked' in a delicious way, such as a very rich cake or a strong drink.
- The word méchante is frequently used in French idioms to mean 'strong' or 'powerful', such as un méchant orage for a violent storm.
- The word est contains a silent 's' that is a rare survivor of Latin in modern French. Aside from the name 'Jésus-Christ', it is the only common word where this internal 's' remains in the spelling despite being silent.
Examples in context
- Elle se montre désagréable depuis notre dernière discussion.She has been unpleasant since our last conversation.
- Elle est méchante comme tout! Elle ne cesse de faire des remarques désagréables.She is being mean as can be! She keeps making unpleasant remarks.
- Elle se comporte de façon méchante en ignorant délibérément les autres.She is behaving meanly by deliberately ignoring others.
- Elle est méchante avec les enfants.She is being mean to the children.
- Pourquoi est-ce qu'elle est méchante aujourd'hui ?Why is she being mean today?
Example conversation
Hugo and Léa are discussing a classmate at school.
- HugoTu as vu comment elle a parlé à Marie ?Did you see how she spoke to Marie?
- LéaOui, elle est méchante avec tout le monde.Yes, she is being mean to everyone.
- HugoC'est vraiment triste de voir ça.It is really sad to see that.
- LéaJe suis d'accord avec toi, Hugo.I agree with you, Hugo.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries elle, est, CC BY-SA 4.0.
