quelqu'un est méchant
To say someone is mean in French, use quelqu'un est méchant.
The key word is méchant, which describes a mean or nasty person. Depending on context it can also mean bad or evil.
Which one should you use?
In casual speech, Vachement méchant(e) means really mean and Pas très sympa means not nice. Malveillant(e) is stronger and more formal, meaning malicious.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses être, to be, to describe the person and the adjective takes an extra e for a woman.
Did you know?
- In modern French, the word vachement, which means 'really' or 'very' in the phrase vachement méchant, is derived from the word for 'cow'.
- In certain contexts, calling something méchant can be used as slang to mean 'impressive' or 'formidable', similar to how 'wicked' is used in English.
- The word méchant actually has its roots in a concept of bad luck rather than malice. It originally derived from an Old French word meaning 'unlucky' or 'hapless', evolving from the idea of something 'falling' or 'happening' poorly.
Examples in context
- Il est malveillantHe is mean.
- Il est vachement méchantHe is really mean.
- Il n'est pas très sympaHe is not very nice.
- Mon professeur est malveillant. Il donne toujours des devoirs supplémentaires.My teacher is mean. He always gives extra homework.
- Cette personne est vraiment méchante ! Elle critique chaque décision que je prends.That person is really mean! They criticize every decision I make.
- Elle est un vrai tyran avec ses collègues. Elle ne pense qu'à son propre succès.She is a real meanie with her colleagues. She only cares about her own success.
- Je pense que quelqu'un est méchant avec lui.I think someone is mean to him.
- Parfois, quelqu'un est méchant sans raison.Sometimes, someone is mean for no reason.
Example conversation
Lucas and Léa are talking about a classmate.
- LucasLéa, je trouve que quelqu'un est méchant aujourd'hui.Léa, I find that someone is mean today.
- LéaQui est-ce, Lucas ?Who is it, Lucas?
- LucasLe nouveau garçon dans la classe.The new boy in the class.
- LéaC'est dommage, il a l'air gentil.That's a shame, he looks kind.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries est, méchant, quelqu'un, CC BY-SA 4.0.
