French Conversation · Level 88
60 words
French word
galère
Pronunciation
IPA/galɛʁ/
Meaning
- feminine nounhassle
Example
Oublier les clés, c'est vraiment une galère.
Forgetting the keys is really a hassle.
More examples
Appeler le service client, c'est souvent une galère.
Calling customer service is often a hassle.
Core concept
A tedious obstacle that drains effort from an otherwise ordinary part of life.
Common phrases
quelle galère
what a hassle
se retrouver en galère
end up in a difficult situation
une galère administrative
an administrative hassle
Similar words
problème: A problem that requires action or a solution.
calvaire: A long, painful ordeal that is hard to endure.
embêtement: A small, bothersome event that causes irritation.
tracas: An everyday hassle that takes time and effort.
Definition in French
Désigne une situation, une tâche ou une chose qui cause des difficultés, qui demande beaucoup d'effort ou qui rend la vie quotidienne plus compliquée.
Word origin
The word shifted from the name of a galley to the difficult labor imposed on its rowers, then developed its familiar French meaning of a burdensome situation.
Usage tips
- Galère belongs to familiar spoken French, while difficulté or problème is usually more suitable in formal writing.