10 French Expressions You Can’t Translate Into English

One of the most beautiful (and sometimes frustrating) things about learning French is discovering phrases that just don’t have an exact English equivalent. These are the little expressions that capture a feeling, a moment, or a mindset so perfectly—but when you try to translate them word-for-word, you end up scratching your head.

Let’s dive into 10 French expressions that are totally untranslatable… and totally charming.

1. L’esprit d’escalier

Literal translation: The spirit of the staircase
Meaning: That perfect comeback you think of after the moment has passed.
You’re halfway down the stairs when it hits you: “That’s what I should’ve said!” Too late. 😩

2. Être bien dans sa peau

Literal translation: To be well in one’s skin
Meaning: To feel comfortable in your own skin
It’s not just about confidence—it’s a whole vibe of inner peace, self-acceptance, and just feeling good in who you are.

3. Avoir le cafard

Literal translation: To have the cockroach
Meaning: To feel down, blue, or a little depressed
It sounds weird, but it captures that sluggish, gloomy feeling perfectly. J’ai le cafard aujourd’hui… 🐞💔

4. Dépaysement

Literal translation: Un-country-ing
Meaning: The feeling of being out of your usual environment
It’s that sense of disorientation (good or bad) you get when you’re in a new place, especially abroad. Like culture shock—but more poetic.

5. C’est la fin des haricots

Literal translation: It’s the end of the beans
Meaning: That’s the last straw / Everything’s gone wrong
When even the beans are gone… yeah, it’s bad. Funny and dramatic all at once!

6. Se prendre un râteau

Literal translation: To get hit with a rake
Meaning: To get rejected (especially in love)
Ouch. It perfectly captures how it feels to get turned down—sudden, painful, and a little embarrassing.

7. Faire du lèche-vitrines

Literal translation: To do some window-licking
Meaning: Window shopping
No actual licking involved! It’s just the French way of describing the dreamy act of gazing longingly at beautiful things you’re not buying. 💄👠

8. Avoir la flemme

Literal translation: To have the laziness
Meaning: To not feel like doing something
Not quite tired, not quite lazy—just ugh, I can’t be bothered. It’s a very relatable mood.

9. Bof

Literal translation: —
Meaning: Meh / indifferent / not impressed
It’s a sound and a word. Use it when someone asks you if you liked the movie and you’re like… bof. 🤷

10. Coup de foudre

Literal translation: Lightning strike
Meaning: Love at first sight
It’s sudden. It’s electric. It’s intense. When it hits you, bam—you’re in love, just like that. ⚡💘

Untranslatable expressions are part of what makes learning a language so magical. They give you a peek into the culture, mindset, and humor of the people who speak it. And even if you can’t translate them word-for-word, once you feel them, you’ll never forget them.