I don't care in French
Table of contents
In French, there are several ways to express "I don't care," depending on the level of formality and the specific context. The most common translation is Je m'en fiche, which is a relatively neutral expression that can be used in various situations.
Different Ways to Say "I Don't Care" in French
Neutral/Casual
Je m'en fiche - This is the most versatile and commonly used expression. Example: Je m'en fiche de ce qu'il pense. (I don't care what he thinks.)
Ça m'est égal - Literally translates to "It's equal to me," meaning you're indifferent. Example: Tu veux aller au cinéma ou au restaurant? Ça m'est égal. (Do you want to go to the cinema or restaurant? I don't care.)
Informal/Slang
Je m'en fous - This is a more informal and stronger version, similar to "I don't give a damn." Example: Je m'en fous de ses excuses! (I don't care about his excuses!) 🙄
Bof - A short, dismissive sound that conveys indifference. Example: "What do you think about the new policy?" " Bof." (Meh, I don't care.)
Formal/Polite
- Cela m'indiffère - A more formal way to express indifference. Example: Votre opinion sur ce sujet m'indiffère. (I don't care about your opinion on this subject.)
Expressions in Context
To help you understand when and how to use these expressions, here's a helpful table:
| English | French | Pronunciation (IPA) |
|---|---|---|
| I don't care | Je m'en fiche | /ʒə mɑ̃ fiʃ/ |
| I don't care (informal) | Je m'en fous | /ʒə mɑ̃ fu/ |
| It's all the same to me | Ça m'est égal | /sa mɛ eɡal/ |
| I'm indifferent to it | Cela m'indiffère | /səla mɛ̃difɛʁ/ |
| Meh (indifferent) | Bof | /bɔf/ |
Remember, the choice of expression depends on the situation and your relationship with the person you're talking to. In professional or formal settings, stick to Je m'en fiche or Cela m'indiffère. With friends or in casual situations, you can use Je m'en fous or Bof, but be aware that these can come across as rude if used inappropriately.
Practice using these phrases in different scenarios to become more comfortable with expressing indifference in French. Before you know it, you'll be shrugging your shoulders and saying Je m'en fiche like a true Parisian! 🇫🇷💁♂️
