French Conversation · Level 111
59 words
French word
chagrin
Pronunciation
IPA/ʃagʁɛ̃/
Meaning
- masculine nounsorrow
Example
Il ressent un profond chagrin.
He feels deep sorrow.
More examples
Elle cache son chagrin derrière un sourire.
She hides her sorrow behind a smile.
Core concept
A quiet weight carried inside after a painful loss or regret.
Common phrases
avoir du chagrin
be sad
un chagrin d'amour
heartbreak
cacher son chagrin
hide one's sorrow
Similar words
peine: A heavy feeling of sadness or emotional distress.
tristesse: A prolonged sadness that keeps the spirits low.
regret: A feeling of sorrow about a past action or event.
Definition in French
Peine profonde et souvent silencieuse, ressentie comme une blessure morale ou un regret qui pèse.
Word origin
The emotional noun chagrin has an uncertain origin, and its history is distinct from chagrin meaning shagreen leather, which comes through Turkish sağrı.
Usage tips
- Chagrin is more literary and emotionally marked than tristesse, while everyday speech often uses être triste or avoir de la peine.