tu es méchant
To say "you're mean" in French, you use tu es méchant.
This phrase is used to tell someone that they are unkind or cruel. The word méchant can also be used to describe a child being naughty.
Which one should you use?
While 'méchant' means mean or unkind, it is also the standard word used to describe a child being 'naughty'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The use of 'tu' makes this phrase informal and suitable for friends, family or children. In formal situations, you should use Vous êtes méchant(e). You can also use Vous êtes désagréable.
How does it change in a sentence?
Use the masculine form tu es méchant when speaking to a male and tu es méchante when speaking to a female. Use vous êtes méchant (singular formal) or vous êtes méchants (plural) to express this to more than one person or to someone you address formally.
Did you know?
- In a playful or ironic context, méchant can be used to describe something as 'wickedly' good or impressive.
- While méchant means 'mean' in a social sense, it is also the word used to describe a 'villain' in a movie or book.
- The root of méchant comes from choir, meaning 'to fall', suggesting that being 'mean' was once seen as 'falling' into a bad state.
Examples in context
- Tu es méchante.You're mean.This example shows the feminine form of the phrase.Tatoeba #8407935 by Aiji, translation #2203075 by CK
- Je suis sûre que tu l'as fait exprès, tu es méchante.I'm sure you did it on purpose, you're mean.This example uses the feminine form.Tatoeba #9725792 by carlosalberto, translation #9725739 by carlosalberto
- Sarah, vous êtes méchante. Votre comportement est déplaisant.Sarah, you are mean. Your behavior is unpleasant.
- Paul, tu es trop méchant! T'es vraiment pas sympa!Paul, you're too mean! You're really not nice!
- Tu es méchant de dire ça.You're mean to say that.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hugo and Emma are arguing over a game.
- HugoTu as triché, c'est pas juste !You cheated, it's not fair!
- EmmaMais non, j'ai gagné honnêtement.No, I won honestly.
- HugoTu mens, tu es méchant !You're lying, you're mean!
- EmmaJe ne suis pas méchante, Hugo.I am not mean, Hugo.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries méchant, tu, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
