French word

embrouille

Pronunciation

IPA/ɑ̃bʁuj/

Meaning

  • feminine nounargument

Example

Il y a une embrouille entre eux.

There is an argument between them.

Illustration for embrouille (argument)

More examples

On a eu une embrouille hier, mais tout est réglé.

We had a squabble yesterday, but everything is resolved.

Core concept

A small knot in a relationship, where crossed signals leave people at odds.

Common phrases

  • une embrouille

    a squabble

  • avoir une embrouille

    have a squabble

Similar words

brouille: A strained, awkward state between people who have fallen out.
malentendu: A misunderstanding caused by a difference in how something was conveyed.
querelle: A quarrel fueled by personal feelings.
dispute: An argument arising from a difference of opinion.

Definition in French

Petit conflit informel ou problème relationnel souvent causé par un malentendu.

Word origin

Embrouille comes from the verb embrouiller, formed with em- and Old French broillier, meaning 'to mix up'; the noun names a resulting interpersonal tangle.

Usage tips

  • Embrouille is feminine, so the usual article is une, as in une embrouille.

Other meanings

  • messnoun
  • troublenoun

Opposites

  • accordagreementnoun
  • ententereconciliationnoun

Related words

  • embrouillerconfuseverb
  • embrouillémixed-upadjective
  • embrouillageconfusionnoun

Word lists with this word