Common phrases for making complaints politely in French
French Complaints and Apologies: Speak with Confidence!: Common phrases for making complaints politely in French
Here are common polite phrases for making complaints in French, suitable for both formal and informal situations:
Formal Polite Complaint Phrases
- Je me permets d’attirer votre attention sur un problème. (Allow me to draw your attention to a problem.)
- Je souhaiterais faire une réclamation. (I would like to make a complaint.)
- Je voudrais vous faire part d’une situation inacceptable. (I would like to report an unacceptable situation.)
- Excusez-moi de vous déranger, mais j’ai un petit problème. (Excuse me for bothering you, but I have a small problem.)
- Je suis désolé(e), mais ce n’est pas ce que j’ai commandé. (I’m sorry, but this is not what I ordered.)
- Il semble qu’il y ait une erreur. (It seems there is a mistake.)
- Ce n’est pas normal ! (That’s not normal!)
- Que comptez-vous faire ? (What do you intend to do?)
- Je souhaite que vous changiez/remplaciez… (I wish you to change/replace…)
- Je demande un remboursement. (I demand a refund.)
- Je voudrais parler au responsable. (I would like to speak to the manager.)
Informal Complaint Phrases (more for friends or family)
- J’en ai marre ! (I’ve had enough!)
- Je n’en peux plus ! (I can’t take it anymore!)
- J’en ai ras-le-bol ! (I’m fed up!)
- Tu me soûles ! (You’re getting on my nerves!)
- C’est pas possible ! (I just can’t take it!)
- Tu dépasses les bornes ! (You’re crossing the line!)
These phrases balance politeness and firmness typical of French complaint culture, where being direct but respectful is key.