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👉 See also: Zut (shoot, darn) »
Level A2 (Upper Beginner)
Published January 28, 2026 — Lesson written by French teacher David Issokson for students who want to learn French online, with native audio by Marie Assel Cambier, a voice artist from France.
The French Word of the Day is “mince !“, an interjection meaning “shoot!” or “darn!” Mince is informal yet very common and useful, and can definitely help you to sound more natural when speaking French.
📘 Mince meaning in French
Mince is an informal French interjection meaning “darn,” “shoot,” or “oh no.” It’s used to express annoyance, disappointment, or surprise. For example, “Mince ! J’ai oublié mes clés !” Mince is also an adjective meaning “slim” or “slender.” For example, “Elle est très mince.” (She is very slim.)
🎧 Mince pronunciation in French
The pronunciation of mince is /mɛ̃s/ (IPA), which sounds roughly like “mahnss.”
📝 Mince usage examples
Mince, j’ai renversé mon café.
Darn, I spilled my coffee.
Mince, j’ai oublié mon portable.
Shoot, I forgot my phone.
Mince, la boulangerie est déjà fermée.
Oh no, the bakery is already closed.
Mince, ce n’est pas ce que je voulais.
Darn, that’s not what I wanted.
“Zut !” is another informal French interjection meaning “shoot!” or “darn!”
👉 See also: Zut — usage examples »
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🔗 Related words and expressions
- zut — darn / shoot
- mince alors ! — well darn! / seriously!
- oh mince ! — oh darn!
- tant pis — oh well / never mind
- dommage — too bad / what a shame
- flûte — darn (slightly old-fashioned)
- zut alors ! — well shoot!
📚 Related lessons on FrenchLearner!
👉 Zut — shoot, darn »
👉 Tant pis — oh well »
