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Avoir la flemme (To be lazy)

Avoir la flemme (To be lazy)

Avoir la flemme is a commonly used French expression that translates literally to “to have phlegm” and means “to be lazy”, “not feel like”, “can’t be asked” and “can’t be bothered”. La flemme translates to “laziness”.

Avoir la flemme

to be lazy to, can’t be bothered

Avoir la flemme

Example sentences

Je devrais apprendre tous ces nouveaux verbes que le prof m’a donnés mais j’ai la flemme.

I should learn all these verbs that the teacher gave me but I can’t be bothered.

Avoir la flemme can also be followed by de + infinitive, meaning “to be too lazy to + verb”.

J’ai la flemme de travailler aujourd’hui. Je reste sur le canapé devant la télévision.

I can’t be bothered to work today. I’ll stay on the sofa in front of the TV.

Exmple sentence using "avoir la flemme"

Expression origin

The expression avoir la flemme dates back to the Middle Ages. At that time, doctors thought that certain body fluids had an impact on mood and behavior. Somebody with little “phlegm” was said to be full of energy.

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David Issokson
David Issokson is the founder and French teacher of Frenchlearner.com. With over 30 years of experience as a French learner and speaker, he is passionate about making the language accessible and enjoyable for everyone. David is dedicated to providing clear, practical, and effective resources to help you master French. Learn more about FrenchLearner on our about us page. Visit davidissokson.com, David's personal website.

David Issokson

David Issokson is the founder and French teacher of Frenchlearner.com. With over 30 years of experience as a French learner and speaker, he is passionate about making the language accessible and enjoyable for everyone. David is dedicated to providing clear, practical, and effective resources to help you master French. Learn more about FrenchLearner on our about us page. Visit davidissokson.com, David's personal website.

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