sous un problème
sous the problem
Literalmente: under a problem
Use this phrase to express that a problem is currently weighing heavily on your mind or schedule.
Em 15 segundos
- Feeling weighed down by a specific difficulty.
- Used to describe stress or being overwhelmed.
- A visual metaphor for carrying a heavy burden.
Significado
This phrase describes the feeling of being weighed down or overwhelmed by a specific difficulty. It suggests that a problem isn't just happening to you, but is physically sitting on top of you like a heavy weight.
Exemplos-chave
3 de 6Explaining why you are stressed to a friend
Je suis sous un gros problème au travail.
I am under a big problem at work.
Texting a partner about a delay
Désolé, je suis sous un problème de voiture.
Sorry, I'm under a car problem.
In a professional meeting explaining a delay
L'équipe est actuellement sous un problème technique.
The team is currently under a technical problem.
Contexto cultural
In French culture, expressing that one is facing a challenge is a common way to build rapport. Using physical metaphors like being 'under' something highlights the French tendency to be descriptive about emotional or professional burdens. It reflects a society that values acknowledging the 'poids' (weight) of responsibilities.
Add an adjective
To sound more natural, add 'gros' (big) or 'énorme' (huge) before 'problème' to show how much it's affecting you.
Don't confuse with 'avoir'
While you can say 'J'ai un problème' (I have a problem), using 'Je suis sous' adds a layer of being overwhelmed.
Em 15 segundos
- Feeling weighed down by a specific difficulty.
- Used to describe stress or being overwhelmed.
- A visual metaphor for carrying a heavy burden.
What It Means
Imagine you are carrying a huge, heavy backpack full of rocks. That is the vibe of sous un problème. It means you are currently dealing with something difficult. It is not just a small annoyance. It is a situation that feels heavy. You feel the pressure of the situation on your shoulders. It is a very visual way to describe stress or a challenge. You are not just 'having' a problem. You are 'under' it, struggling to move forward.
How To Use It
You will mostly use this with the verb être (to be). For example, you can say Je suis sous un problème. You can also add adjectives to show how big the problem is. Use gros for a big problem or petit for a small one. It is a simple structure for beginners. Just remember that sous means 'under'. It describes your position relative to the trouble. It is like a dark cloud hanging right over your head.
When To Use It
Use this when you want to express that you are busy or stressed. It works well when you need to explain why you are late. You can use it at work with your colleagues. You can use it with friends when life gets complicated. It is great for texting when you cannot talk much. It tells people that you are occupied with something serious. It invites a bit of sympathy from the person you are talking to.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for very tiny things. If you lose your pencil, you are not sous un problème. That would sound too dramatic! Also, avoid using it in very formal legal documents. In those cases, use more precise words like difficulté. Do not use it if you are actually having fun. It is strictly for negative or challenging situations. If you use it for a joke, make sure your tone is very obvious.
Cultural Background
French people often use physical metaphors to describe their mental state. Complaining a little bit is actually a social bonding tool in France. It is called râler. By saying you are sous un problème, you are sharing your human side. It shows you are working hard or facing life's realities. It is a way to connect with others through shared struggle. In France, being 'too happy' all the time can sometimes seem insincere.
Common Variations
You might hear people say être sous l'eau, which means 'to be underwater'. This is a very common way to say you are overwhelmed. Another one is sous pression, which means 'under pressure'. You can also say crouler sous les problèmes. This means you are literally 'crumbling' under the weight of many problems. These all use the same idea of weight and pressure. They help you sound more like a native speaker.
Notas de uso
This phrase is quite literal and easy for A1 learners to grasp. It sits in the neutral register, making it safe for almost any conversation where you need to express being overwhelmed.
Add an adjective
To sound more natural, add 'gros' (big) or 'énorme' (huge) before 'problème' to show how much it's affecting you.
Don't confuse with 'avoir'
While you can say 'J'ai un problème' (I have a problem), using 'Je suis sous' adds a layer of being overwhelmed.
The Art of the Râle
In France, admitting you are 'under' a problem is a way to start a conversation. It's not seen as weak, but as being honest about life.
Exemplos
6Je suis sous un gros problème au travail.
I am under a big problem at work.
Using 'gros' emphasizes the weight of the issue.
Désolé, je suis sous un problème de voiture.
Sorry, I'm under a car problem.
A quick way to explain a specific logistical issue.
L'équipe est actuellement sous un problème technique.
The team is currently under a technical problem.
Sounds professional yet explains the current struggle.
Je suis sous un problème de café : la machine est cassée !
I'm under a coffee problem: the machine is broken!
Using a heavy phrase for a light issue creates humor.
Elle se sent vraiment sous un problème familial en ce moment.
She really feels under a family problem right now.
Describes an emotional burden effectively.
Je ne peux pas venir, je suis sous un problème urgent.
I can't come, I'm under an urgent problem.
Sets a clear boundary due to circumstances.
Teste-se
Choose the correct word to complete the phrase meaning 'I am under a problem'.
Je ___ sous un problème.
In French, you 'are' (suis) under a problem, you don't 'have' (ai) under a problem.
Which adjective makes the problem sound very large?
Je suis sous un ___ problème.
'Gros' means big/large, which fits the context of a heavy problem.
🎉 Pontuação: /2
Recursos visuais
Formality Spectrum
Texting a friend about a bad day.
Je suis sous un problème, j'en peux plus.
Explaining a situation to a colleague.
Je suis sous un problème de dossier.
Official report or high-level meeting.
Nous faisons face à une difficulté majeure.
Where to use 'Sous un Problème'
At the office
Dealing with a deadline.
At the garage
Car repairs taking too long.
At home
Leaking pipes or broken appliances.
In a relationship
Discussing a misunderstanding.
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasIt is understood, though phrases like être sous l'eau or avoir un souci are more frequent. It works well as a literal description of feeling burdened.
No, you use it for situations. You wouldn't say you are 'under a person' unless it's literal physical placement!
Avoir un problème is a simple fact. Être sous un problème emphasizes the stress and the weight of the situation.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend without any issues.
Yes! Je suis sous les problèmes means you have multiple things going wrong at once.
It means 'to crumble under'. It is a stronger version of being 'under' a problem, like Je croule sous les problèmes.
It sounds like 'soo'. The 's' at the end is silent. Be careful not to say 'souse'!
Yes, it is fine for a semi-formal email to explain a delay. For example: Je suis actuellement sous un problème technique.
A common slang-adjacent phrase is être en galère, which means being in a real mess or struggle.
Not at all. It just describes your current state of being overwhelmed, regardless of who caused it.
Frases relacionadas
être sous l'eau
avoir des soucis
être débordé
faire face à
être sous pression
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