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French Expression of the Day: Tant pis

The Local France
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French Expression of the Day: Tant pis

This expression is extremely common in France and like so many others, it can be tricky to guess what it means. Here's a look at 'tant pis' and how you can use it.

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Why did we choose tant pis?

It's a expression that you'll hear frequently used in everyday conversation. On top of that, it's one that's almost impossible to guess the meaning of and sometimes it's not even clear which context to use it in because you'll hear it said in such a variety of tones. And you need to know how to pronounce it.

So, what does it mean?

Literally speaking, tant pis means 'so much the worse'. 

The reason why it can be said in different tones depending on the situation is that it can mean something fairly mild like 'oh well' but it can also mean 'tough' or 'tough luck'. 

It can express a disappointed resignation and it can also be an expression that is full of accusation.
 
When used in the most extreme sense, the English equivalent of tant pis would be an angry 'too damn bad' or 'tough'.
 
But most commonly, you'll see it said with a casual shrug and a smile to mean 'oh well' or never mind'.
 
That means that it's important to be comfortable you know how to use it properly before you try it out, in case you end up sounding more rude than you meant to.
 
It's pronounced more like "ton pee" that tant pis, but definitely has nothing to do with urine.

Alternatives 

A synonym in French could be c'est dommage, or quel dommage (what a shame) and  if something disappointing or sad has happened a more appropriate synonym would be c'est dur (that's hard).

Examples

Il n'y a plus de lait. Tant pis, je boirai mon café noir! - There is no more milk. Oh well! I'll drink my coffee black. 

Si ça ne t'intéresse pas, tant pis pour toi, je le proposerai à quelqu'un d'autre. - If it doesn't interest you, too bad for you, I'll suggest it to someone else.

(The above two examples are from wordreference.com)

C'est tant pis pour lui. - That's just too damn bad for him.

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