How to Use the French Expression Tant Pis

Tant pis  (pronounced ta(n) pee),  is an everyday French idiomatic expression that literally means so much worse. The phrase is often used as an exclamation that ranges from the mild oh well to the rude tough, depending on how you articulate it in conversation. Its a  useful phrase to know, but be sure youre comfortable using it in different circumstance or you could end up in an embarrassing situation. Expressions of Mood This expression, one of the most common in the French language, can be either fatalistic, expressing a disappointed resignation, or accusatory, indicating that whatever happened is ones own fault. In the most extreme cases, tant pis would be the equivalent of something along the lines of an angry too damn bad or tough. In most cases, though, its said with a lilt, a shrug, and even a smile suggesting oh well or never mind [its not a big deal]. A synonym in French could be Dommage,  Cest dommage,  or Quel dommage  (What a shame.). When something disappointing or sad has happened, a more likely synonym would be, Cest dur.  (Thats hard.) An appropriate  antonym of tant pis  would be good or all the better. Expressions and Usage Jai oublià © dapporter le cadeau, mais tant pis.   I forgot to bring the gift, but oh well / never mind. Cest tant pis pour lui.   Thats just too damn bad for him. Je dirais  tant pis, mais cest dommage. Id say too bad, but its just so sad. Il rà ©pond que cest  tant pis. He says thats  too bad. Si vous à ªtes jaloux,  tant pis. If you guys are jealous,  thats fine. Si tu veux pas comprendre,  tant pis. If you didnt understand it, too bad for you. Bon.  Tant pis, on y va.   All right,  so much for that. Were off. Le gouvernement veut contrà ´ler chaque sou,  tant pis  si les Canadiens souffrent. The government wants to control every penny;  never mind  if Canadians suffer as a result. Si cest impossible,  tant pis. If thats impossible, no worries [theres nothing we can do about it]. Je reste. Tant pis sil nest pas content.   Im staying.  Too bad if he doesnt like it. Tant pis pour lui. Too bad (for him). Additional Resources Tant versus  autantMost common French phrases