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How to Say ‘It's not working.’ in French

Elle ne fonctionne plus.

ell nuh fohnk-syohn ploo

[ell nuh fohnk-syohn ploo]

💬 Usage Tip: A straightforward expression of malfunction.

🇫🇷 In France: Direct communication about issues is appreciated in shops.

Phrase Breakdown

Elle ne

ell nuh

Words in this phrase

Elle

[ell]

It

Refers to non-human subjects.

Example

Elle ne fonctionne plus depuis hier.

It has not been working since yesterday.

ne

[nuh]

Not

Negates the verb that follows.

Example

Elle ne marche pas, malheureusement.

It does not work, unfortunately.

fonctionne

[fohnk-syohn]

Works

Describes the function of devices or mechanisms.

Example

La montre fonctionne bien après la réparation.

The watch works well after the repair.

Plus.

ploo

Words in this phrase

plus

[ploo]

Anymore

Signifying a cease in continuation.

Example

L'horloge ne sonne plus.

The clock no longer chimes.

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