This is unfair!

This is unfair! - Understanding Expressions of Injustice in French

In this B1-level lesson, you will explore how to express feelings of unfairness and injustice in French. This topic is useful when discussing personal experiences, social issues, or reacting to situations that seem unjust. The lesson focuses on vocabulary, phrases, and sentence structures that help convey these ideas clearly and naturally.

Key Vocabulary and Expressions

• C'est injuste - "This is unfair"
• Ce n'est pas juste - "That's not right/fair"
• Il est injuste que... - "It is unfair that..."
• Se plaindre - to complain
• Exprimer son mécontentement - to express dissatisfaction
• Se sentir lésé(e) - to feel wronged or treated unfairly

Grammar Focus

The lesson also reviews how to use the subjunctive mood after expressions of judgement or emotion, such as:

• Il est injuste que tu doives payer autant. (It is unfair that you have to pay so much.)

Understanding when to use the subjunctive helps make your statements sound more natural and grammatically correct.

Useful Phrases and Examples

• C'est injuste que mes efforts ne soient pas reconnus. (It is unfair that my efforts are not recognized.)
• Je trouve que ce traitement est vraiment injuste. (I find that treatment really unfair.)
• Ça ne devrait pas être comme ça. (It shouldn't be like this.)

Comparing English and French Expressions of Unfairness

While English uses "this is unfair" directly, French offers options that slightly differ in formality and nuance, such as "C'est injuste" and "Ce n'est pas juste." Also, English speakers are often more direct, whereas French speakers might add expressions of feeling or use subjunctive constructions to express judgment, which adds subtlety to the sentence.

For example, English: "This is unfair!" versus French: C'est injuste! or more softly Je trouve cela injuste.

This lesson highlights these differences and helps you understand how to navigate them authentically in French communication.