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How to Say ‘That's not fair.’ in French

Ce n'est pas normal.

suh n eh pah nor-MAL

[suh n eh pah nor-MAL]

💬 Usage Tip: Normal here means "acceptable" or "how it should be", not just "usual". Ce n'est pas normal is the everyday way to say something isn't right.

Phrase Breakdown

Ce n'est pas

suh n eh pah

It isn't

This is the negative of 'c'est'. Say it smoothly: 'suh nay pa'.

Example

Ce n'est pas possible.

It isn't possible.

Words in this phrase

[suh]

this / that

Demonstrative adjective used before a masculine singular noun, like ce tir.

Example

Ce match est fou !

This match is crazy!

[n]

not

Shortened form of 'ne', used in negation before a vowel, as in 'n'est pas'.

Example

Ce n'est pas grave selon le médecin.

It is not serious according to the doctor.

est

[eh]

Third person singular present of be.

Example

C'est important.

It is important.

pas

[pah]

not

Used with 'ne' to form a negative.

Example

Je ne comprends pas.

I do not understand.

normal.

nor-MAL

normal / right.

Put the stress on the last syllable: 'nor-MAL'.

Example

C'est normal.

That's normal.

Words in this phrase

normal

[nor-MAL]

normal

Means 'normal'; used to reassure someone.

Example

Dans « C'est normal », « normal » rassure l'autre parent.

In "C'est normal," "normal" reassures the other parent.

Guides for French learners

Ordering in French: Cafés, Bakeries and Restaurants (with Menu Vocabulary)How to order in French at a café, a bakery and a restaurant: the phrases, the questions staff ask, and the menu and food vocabulary to understand the answers.Hello in French: Greetings, Good Evening and How to Answer "How Are You?"How to say hello in French, when to switch to good evening, how to ask how are you and what to answer, with tu vs vous and native audio.

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