bizarre
/bi.zaʁ/feminine, masculine
The French word for weird is bizarre.
bizarre is used to describe something that deviates from the norm or is bizarre. You will often hear the phrase C'est bizarre used as an idiomatic reaction to express suspicion or confusion about a situation.
Meaning: deviating from the normal, bizarre (adj)
Which one should you use?
While bizarre often implies something eccentric or nonsensical, étrange is a more neutral way to say 'strange' or 'unusual'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective bizarre is invariable in gender, meaning it has the same form for both masculine and feminine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/bi.zaʁ/
Did you know?
- The word bizarre traces its roots back to the Italian word 'bizzarro', which originally meant 'brave' or 'bold' before it took on its current meaning of 'strange'.
- While bizarre is common, French speakers often use the expression c'est spécial as a polite euphemism to describe something weird without being openly critical.
- French has a specific word décalé to describe a type of 'weird' that is intentionally offbeat, quirky or avant-garde.
Examples in context
- Tu es si bizarre.You're so weird.This sentence shows how to describe a person using bizarre.Tatoeba #7074459 by Micsmithel, translation #2648871 by CK
- Ce mec est bizarre.That guy's weird.This sentence shows how to describe a man using bizarre.Tatoeba #10505424 by lbdx, translation #9483372 by DJ_Saidez
- C'est bizarre, non ?It's weird isn't it?This sentence demonstrates the idiomatic use of bizarre to express a reaction.Tatoeba #1521178 by sacredceltic, translation #1520769 by Spamster
- Il s'est passé quelque chose d'étrangeSomething weird happened.
- C'est curieux comme situationIt's a weird situation.
- C'est une idée bizarreIt's a weird idea.
- J'ai eu une drôle de journée aujourd'huiI had a weird day today.
- Il a agi bizarrementHe acted weird.
- C'est étrange de le voir si calmeIt's weird to see him so calm.
- La situation est vraiment bizarreThe situation is really weird.
- 156 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nathan and Chloé are looking at a strange piece of art in a gallery.
- NathanCette sculpture est vraiment bizarre.This sculpture is really weird.
- ChloéOui, c'est assez bizarre.Yes, it's quite weird.
- NathanL'artiste a un style bizarre.The artist has a weird style.
- ChloéC'est un choix bizarre, mais intéressant.It's a weird choice, but interesting.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “weird” translations and entries bizarre, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bizarre, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
