French Conversation · Level 30
89 words
French word
cassé
Pronunciation
IPA/kase/
Meaning
- adjectivebroken
Example
La chaise est cassée.
The chair is broken.
More examples
La fenêtre est cassée.
The window is broken.
Core concept
Something once intact now has a visible break or damage that prevents it from working normally.
Common phrases
fenêtre cassée
broken window
machine cassée
broken machine
objet cassé
broken object
Similar words
brisé: Split apart or shattered into pieces by a strong impact.
fêlé: Cracked on the surface but usually still in one piece.
abîmé: Damaged in appearance or condition by scratches, dents, or similar flaws.
défectueux: Defective and unable to perform as intended because of a fault.
Definition in French
Qualifie un objet dont la forme ou le fonctionnement est altéré parce qu'il a été brisé ou endommagé.
Word origin
The adjective cassé comes from casser, whose Old French form continues a Late Latin verb meaning to break or shatter.
Usage tips
- For a machine that simply does not work, en panne is often more natural than cassé; cassé suggests physical damage.