pas de chance

Translations

• bad luck
• tough luck
• no luck

Literal Translation

no of luck

Forms

Usage Notes

This expression is typically used as a standalone phrase or at the beginning of a sentence to acknowledge someone's misfortune. It can be said with genuine sympathy or sometimes with a hint of irony.

Etymology

Derived from the negation of 'avoir de la chance' (to have luck), this expression emerged as a way to acknowledge someone's misfortune.

Cultural Context

Commonly used to express sympathy when someone experiences bad luck or an unfortunate outcome. It's a gentler way of acknowledging failure than directly pointing it out.

• Think of 'pas' as 'no' and 'chance' as 'luck' - literally 'no luck'
• Remember the English phrase 'tough luck' which serves the same sympathetic function