merde

/mɛʁd/
1.
nounfeminineSing

shit

crap

excrement

J'ai marché dans de la merde.

I stepped in some shit.

Synonyms:excrément, caca
2.
interjection

shit!

damn!

(theatrical) good luck / 'break a leg'

Merde ! J'ai raté mon train.

Shit! I missed my train.

Synonyms:putain, mince, zut

Notes

GENERAL INFO

Merde (feminine noun) literally means "shit" or "dung." It is most commonly used as a strong, vulgar interjection.

USAGE

As an interjection, it expresses anger, frustration, or disgust ("Damn it!", "Fuck!").

It can also be used positively to wish someone good luck, especially performers ("Break a leg!").

For example: "Oh, merde, j'ai oublié mes clés!" or "Merde pour ton examen!"

TRAPS

Merde is a very vulgar and offensive word. Avoid using it in formal settings, with strangers, or in polite company. Using it inappropriately can be highly insulting.