That's too bad
Disappointment sympathy
Littéralement: That is excessively bad
Use it to show you care about someone's small problems without being overly emotional.
En 15 secondes
- A polite way to show sympathy for minor disappointments.
- Best for small problems like rain or a missed flight.
- Use a soft tone to avoid sounding sarcastic or mean.
- Avoid using it for major life tragedies or serious loss.
Signification
You say this to show you are a little bit sad about a situation. It is a simple way to give someone sympathy when things don't go as planned.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6A friend's favorite team lost the game
Oh, that's too bad! They played really well today.
Disappointment sympathy
A colleague cannot attend a meeting
That's too bad you can't join us, but thanks for letting me know.
Disappointment sympathy
Texting a friend about rain ruining a picnic
That's too bad about the weather. Let's do it next week!
Disappointment sympathy
Contexte culturel
This phrase reflects the Western cultural tendency to offer 'light sympathy' for minor inconveniences. It became a staple of polite conversation in the mid-20th century as a way to maintain social harmony without deep emotional labor. In some regions, like the American Midwest, it is used almost constantly as a polite filler.
Watch the 'That's'
If you drop the 'That's' and just say 'Too bad!', it can sound like you are mocking them or don't care at all. Always include 'That's' to stay polite.
The Sarcasm Trap
In English-speaking cultures, people often use this phrase sarcastically for 'problems' that aren't actually problems (like a rich person losing a dollar). Listen for a high-pitched, exaggerated tone!
En 15 secondes
- A polite way to show sympathy for minor disappointments.
- Best for small problems like rain or a missed flight.
- Use a soft tone to avoid sounding sarcastic or mean.
- Avoid using it for major life tragedies or serious loss.
What It Means
That's too bad is a friendly way to say 'I'm sorry to hear that.' It shows you understand someone is disappointed. It isn't for huge tragedies. Use it for small problems or missed chances. It’s like a verbal hug for life’s little annoyances.
How To Use It
Say it right after you hear bad news. Keep your voice soft and slightly lower. If you say it too fast, you might sound bored. If you say it too loud, it might sound sarcastic. It works perfectly as a stand-alone sentence. You can also add a reason after it. For example: That's too bad you missed the bus.
When To Use It
Use it when a friend cancels dinner plans. Use it when your favorite coffee shop is closed. It’s great for small everyday let-downs. At work, use it if a meeting gets moved. In a text, it shows you care without being overly dramatic. It’s the 'goldilocks' of sympathy—not too much, not too little.
When NOT To Use It
Never use this for very serious events. Don't say it if someone’s pet dies. Avoid it for major illnesses or big breakups. In those cases, it sounds too 'small' and cold. Also, watch your tone! If you roll your eyes, it means 'I don't care.' Don't be that person at the party.
Cultural Background
English speakers love to acknowledge small problems. We don't like silence when someone is disappointed. This phrase fills that gap perfectly. It reflects a culture of 'polite sympathy.' It’s a way to be kind without getting too emotional. It’s very common in North American and British English.
Common Variations
Sometimes people just say Too bad. Be careful, as Too bad can sound meaner. It can mean 'Life is tough, get over it.' Adding That's makes it much softer and kinder. You might also hear That's a shame or That's a bummer. These all live in the same 'sad but okay' neighborhood.
Notes d'usage
This is a neutral-to-informal phrase. It is safe for work, friends, and strangers, provided the 'bad news' is relatively minor.
Watch the 'That's'
If you drop the 'That's' and just say 'Too bad!', it can sound like you are mocking them or don't care at all. Always include 'That's' to stay polite.
The Sarcasm Trap
In English-speaking cultures, people often use this phrase sarcastically for 'problems' that aren't actually problems (like a rich person losing a dollar). Listen for a high-pitched, exaggerated tone!
Follow up
To sound even more natural, follow the phrase with a question like: 'Are you okay?' or 'What will you do now?'
Exemples
6Oh, that's too bad! They played really well today.
Disappointment sympathy
Shows you are sharing their minor disappointment.
That's too bad you can't join us, but thanks for letting me know.
Disappointment sympathy
Professional way to acknowledge a schedule conflict.
That's too bad about the weather. Let's do it next week!
Disappointment sympathy
Short and supportive for digital communication.
You ran out of organic kale? Wow, that's too bad.
Disappointment sympathy
The 'wow' and the context make this funny and sarcastic.
Oh no, that's too bad! Let's get you a new one.
Disappointment sympathy
Comforting a small child over a small 'tragedy'.
That's too bad. I really wanted that blue shirt.
Disappointment sympathy
Expressing personal disappointment to a clerk.
Teste-toi
Choose the best response for a friend who says they have to work late.
Friend: I have to work late tonight. ___.
You use 'That's too bad' to show you are sorry they have to work and can't hang out.
Identify the correct tone for this phrase.
When saying 'That's too bad', you should sound ___.
A soft, sincere tone shows you actually care about the other person's situation.
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Formality of 'That's too bad'
Used with friends and family
Bummer, that's too bad!
Perfect for most situations
That's too bad.
Might sound a bit too simple
I am sorry to hear that.
When to use 'That's too bad'
Sold out tickets
No more seats? That's too bad.
Rainy day
It's raining? That's too bad.
Broken toy
It broke? That's too bad.
Missed call
I missed you? That's too bad.
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, it is generally very polite. However, if you say it with a flat voice or a smirk, it can sound like you are being mean.
No, that is too serious for this phrase. Instead, say I'm so sorry for your loss.
They are almost the same. That's a shame feels slightly more British or slightly more formal, but you can use both interchangeably.
Not really. That's very bad sounds like you are judging a situation or a person's behavior, whereas That's too bad is about sympathy.
Yes, it is fine for small things like a meeting cancellation. For example: That's too bad you can't make the call.
You can just say Yeah, it is or I know, I'm disappointed. It acknowledges their sympathy.
Literally, yes, but in this idiom, it just adds a layer of feeling. It doesn't mean the 'badness' is at an unacceptable level.
It is used in both! Americans might use it more frequently for very small things, while British speakers might prefer That's a pity.
Usually, you use it for other people. If you use it for yourself, it sounds like you are feeling sorry for yourself in a funny way, like I have no chocolate left. That's too bad for me!
You could say That's a bummer or simply Bummer. These are much more informal.
Expressions liées
That's a bummer
Informal way to say you are disappointed for someone.
That's a shame
A common alternative that means the same thing.
I'm sorry to hear that
A slightly more formal and sincere way to show sympathy.
What a pity
A bit more old-fashioned or British way to express disappointment.
Commentaires (0)
Connectez-vous pour CommenterCommencez à apprendre les langues gratuitement
Commence Gratuitement