NeedFrench
  • Home
  • Tips
  • Grammar
  • Vocabulary
  • Reading
  • Quiz
  • Questions
No Result
View All Result
NeedFrench
  • Home
  • Tips
  • Grammar
  • Vocabulary
  • Reading
  • Quiz
  • Questions
No Result
View All Result
NeedFrench
No Result
View All Result

Ways to Say “Could Be Better” in French

in Vocabulary
0
1
SHARES
5
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on PinterestShare on WhatsappShare on TelegramShare on Linkedin

Sometimes things aren’t great, but they’re not terrible either. French has many diplomatic ways to express mild disappointment or lukewarm approval, from polite criticism to casual indifference. This guide will help you express these subtle feelings appropriately.

Table of Contents

Toggle
  • Expressions by Formality Level
    • Formal/Polite
      • 1. Ça pourrait être mieux
      • 2. Il y a de la marge d’amélioration
      • 3. C’est perfectible
    • Semi-Formal/Standard
      • 4. Peut mieux faire
      • 5. C’est moyen
      • 6. Bof
    • Casual/Informal
      • 7. C’est pas fou
      • 8. C’est pas dingue
      • 9. C’est pas folichon
      • 10. C’est pas foufou

Expressions by Formality Level

Formal/Polite

1. Ça pourrait être mieux

Pronunciation: /sa puʁɛ ɛtʁə mjø/ (sah poo-ray et-ruh myuh)

  • Diplomatic, constructive criticism
  • Appropriate in professional settings
  • Example: “Le rapport est correct, mais ça pourrait être mieux.” (The report is okay, but it could be better.)

2. Il y a de la marge d’amélioration

Pronunciation: /il ja də la maʁʒ dameliɔʁasjɔ̃/ (eel yah duh lah marzh dah-may-lee-or-ah-see-on)

  • Very diplomatic way to suggest improvement
  • Professional/academic context
  • Example: “Il y a de la marge d’amélioration dans ce projet.” (There’s room for improvement in this project.)

3. C’est perfectible

Pronunciation: /sɛ pɛʁfɛktibl/ (say pair-fek-tee-bluh)

  • Means “it can be perfected”
  • Gentle, constructive tone
  • Example: “Votre présentation est perfectible.” (Your presentation can be improved.)

Semi-Formal/Standard

4. Peut mieux faire

Pronunciation: /pø mjø fɛʁ/ (puh myuh fair)

  • Classic school report phrase
  • Means “can do better”
  • Example: “Son travail, peut mieux faire.” (His/her work – could do better.)

5. C’est moyen

Pronunciation: /sɛ mwajɛ̃/ (say moy-yan)

  • Means “it’s average/mediocre”
  • Neutral, commonly used
  • Example: “Le film était moyen.” (The movie was so-so.)
See also  48 Daily use French Sentences for Students

6. Bof

Pronunciation: /bɔf/ (bof)

  • Simple expression of indifference
  • Means “meh” or “so-so”
  • Example: “Comment c’était ? Bof…” (How was it? Meh…)

Casual/Informal

7. C’est pas fou

Pronunciation: /sɛ pa fu/ (say pah foo)

  • Casual way to say “it’s not great”
  • Common in everyday conversation
  • Example: “Ce resto, c’est pas fou.” (This restaurant isn’t great.)

8. C’est pas dingue

Pronunciation: /sɛ pa dɛ̃g/ (say pah dang)

  • Similar to “c’est pas fou”
  • Means “it’s not amazing”
  • Example: “Son nouveau single, c’est pas dingue.” (His/her new single isn’t amazing.)

9. C’est pas folichon

Pronunciation: /sɛ pa fɔliʃɔ̃/ (say pah foh-lee-shon)

  • Slightly old-fashioned but still used
  • Means “it’s not exciting”
  • Example: “La soirée était pas folichon.” (The party wasn’t very exciting.)

10. C’est pas foufou

Pronunciation: /sɛ pa fufu/ (say pah foo-foo)

  • Very casual, playful
  • Similar meaning to “pas fou”
  • Example: “Ton idée, c’est pas foufou.” (Your idea isn’t great.)

Remember: These expressions help you give feedback without being too harsh or too enthusiastic. They’re perfect for those “in-between” situations where something is neither great nor terrible!

Ways to Say "Could Be Better" in French
Ways to Say “Could Be Better” in French
ShareTweetPin1SendShareShare

Related Posts

Interrogative Words in French
Vocabulary

How to Form Questions in French Using Interrogatives

Other ways to say “It’s hot” in French
Vocabulary

11 Ways to say “It’s hot” in French

6 Friendly Ways to Say "Nice to Meet You" in French
Vocabulary

6 Friendly Ways to Say “Nice to Meet You” in French

Ways to Say Job in French
Vocabulary

Ways to Say “Job” in French

Other ways to say “YOU’RE AWESOME” in French
Vocabulary

12 Ways to say “YOU’RE AWESOME” in French

How To Say Egg In French
Vocabulary

How Do You Say Egg In French?

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


Follow us

Best Sellers

French Conversation with Paul Noble: Learn to Speak Everyday French Step-by-Step
5.0 out of 5 stars(5052)
$20.32 (as of June 5, 2025 23:50 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Learn French in Your Car: How to Learn French Fast While Driving to Work
4.2 out of 5 stars(4254)
$13.08 (as of June 5, 2025 23:50 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Popular Posts

30 Ways to say it's delicious in French

30 Ways to say it’s delicious in French

Daily use of French Sentences Conversations

100+ Daily use French Sentences Conversations

Other ways to say “Good Recovery” in French

8 Ways to say “Get Well Soon” in French

100 Simple French Sentences for Kids

100 Simple French Sentences for Kids

“Les Étages” in French

Understanding “Les Étages” “The floors” in French

75 Words of Encouragement in French

75 Words of Encouragement in French

  • Home
  • About us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy

© 2025 NeedFrench - Learn French online with free resources.

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Tips
  • Grammar
  • Vocabulary
  • Reading
  • Quiz
  • Questions

© 2025 NeedFrench - Learn French online with free resources.