French - Basic Problem Statements

Je me suis fait mal à ___.

I hurt my ___.

Meaning: I hurt my ___.

When to use: Use to say you injured a part of your body: fill the blank with a body part (au genou, à la main, aux doigts).

Tip: Beginner mistake: forgetting the correct article (au / à la / aux) before the body part.

Le ___ est cassé.

The ___ is broken.

Meaning: The ___ is broken.

When to use: Say this to report a broken object. Use gender and number correctly (Le / La / Les).

J’ai oublié ___.

I forgot ___.

Meaning: I forgot ___.

When to use: Use to say you left something behind or forgot information (keys, an appointment, a password).

Tip: Learners sometimes say only 'oublié' — include the object (mes clés, le rendez-vous) to be clear.

J’ai raté ___.

I missed ___.

Meaning: I missed ___.

When to use: Use to say you missed transport or an event: le train, le bus, un rendez-vous, etc.

Je suis en retard.

I'm late.

Meaning: I'm late.

When to use: Use this simple phrase to say you are late for work, a meeting, a class, etc.

Je peux pas payer.

I can't pay.

Meaning: I can't pay.

When to use: Say this when you cannot pay now: no money, no card, or a problem with the payment.

Tip: Informal spoken form: learners might be told to add 'ne' (Je ne peux pas); both are understood in speech.

C'est trop ___.

It's too ___.

Meaning: It's too ___.

When to use: Use this to say something is excessive (too expensive, too far, too difficult): add an adjective after 'trop'.