Ways to say it
| French | IPA |
|---|---|
| dommage | /dɔ.maʒ/ |
| tant pis | /tɑ̃ pi/ |
| quel dommage | /kɛl dɔ.maʒ/ |
The most common and versatile way to express disappointment in French is by using the phrase C'est dommage. For a more colloquial expression that specifically conveys a sense of bad luck, you can use C'est pas de chance. If you are feeling mild disappointment or frustration, you might say Zut, which is similar to saying "darn" in English.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase tant pis literally translates to "so much (is) bad" or "as much badness", where tant means "so much" and pis is the comparative form of mal (bad).
Which one should you use?
While both can translate to "too bad", they have different nuances. Use dommage to express genuine regret or pity. Use tant pis to express resignation or a sense of "oh well, never mind" when something does not work out.
How does it change in a sentence?
When you use dommage que to express regret about a situation, the verb that follows must be in the subjunctive mood.
How do you pronounce it?
/dɔ.maʒ/
Did you know?
- The word tant in tant pis comes from the Latin 'tantum', meaning 'so much', which is the same root found in the English word 'tantamount'.
- While tant pis is the standard for 'too bad', the opposite phrase tant mieux is used to say 'so much the better' or 'thank goodness'.
- While dommage is used for regret, the phrase tant pis can sometimes sound dismissive or cold depending on the tone. It can function as a way to tell someone that their misfortune is their own problem.
Examples in context
- C'est dommage que tu partes.It's too bad you're leaving.This sentence is useful for seeing how to express regret about someone leaving using dommage.Tatoeba #12017738 by lbdx, translation #5924744 by mailohilohi
- Quel dommage que tu doives déjà partir.Too bad you have to leave already.This sentence shows how to use dommage to emphasize regret about a person having to leave.Tatoeba #1439061 by Aiji, translation #1439027 by CS
- Dommage que j'ai gaspillé tant d'argent.Too bad I wasted so much money.This sentence demonstrates the use of dommage to express regret over wasting money.Tatoeba #7811540 by Aiji, translation #3421826 by AlanF_US
- Je ne peux pas venir à la réunion, c'est dommage.I cannot come to the meeting, too bad.
- Quel dommage que le concert ait été annulé.What a pity that the concert was canceled.
- Je ne peux pas aller à la fête, dommage.I can't go to the party, too bad.
- C'est pas de chance, le train est annulé.Too bad, the train is canceled.
- 23 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hugo and Manon are talking about a canceled concert.
- HugoLe concert est annulé.The concert is canceled.
- ManonOh, c'est dommage, Hugo.Oh, that's too bad, Hugo.
- HugoOui, je suis triste.Yes, I am sad.
- ManonOn peut essayer une autre fois.We can try another time.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “too bad” translations and entries dommage, tant pis, quel dommage, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries dommage, pis, quel, tant, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
