French word

casse-tête

Pronunciation

IPA/kastɛt/

Meaning

  • masculine nounpuzzle

Example

Ce casse-tête est difficile.

This puzzle is difficult.

Illustration for casse-tête (puzzle)

More examples

Trouver la solution de ce casse-tête prend du temps.

Finding the solution to this puzzle takes time.

Core concept

A demanding puzzle or situation whose solution emerges only after careful reasoning and ingenuity.

Common phrases

  • un casse-tête

    a puzzle

  • résoudre un casse-tête

    solve a puzzle

  • un vrai casse-tête

    a real headache

Similar words

problème: A troublesome matter or question requiring a solution or response.
difficulté: A difficult condition or obstacle that hinders progress.
complication: A factor or event that makes an issue more complex and harder to resolve.

Definition in French

Problème ou jeu qui demande une réflexion approfondie pour être résolu.

Word origin

Casse-tête is a compound of casse and tête; its literal head-breaking image developed into the modern sense of a problem or game requiring deep thought.

Usage tips

  • In everyday French, casse-tête can describe a complicated plan or procedure, not only a physical puzzle.

Other meanings

  • brain-teasernoun
  • headachenoun

Opposites

Word lists with this word