French words for kids · Feelings
How to say “sad” in French
Sad is an important word to have, and songs give kids a calm, safe way to talk about it before they need it.
Sad in French
triste
Sounds like ≈ TREEST
Good to know: Triste is the same for boys and girls.
Hear it in a song
Real lines from our French songs, with the English meaning shown in the app:
Tu es triste?
Are you sad?
from Parfois triste (Sometimes Sad)
Tu dis triste!
You say sad!
from Le Jeu des Contraires (The Opposites Game)
2 songs that teach it
“Sad” is one of the key words in these songs. Every line is shown in French with its English meaning.
Practice ideas for parents
- 1When a book character is sad, name the feeling and talk about what might help.
- 2Show a sad face and a happy face and ask which is triste.
- 3Offer a hug and use the word gently when your child is sad.
Related French words
“Sad” in other languages
Sing it in French, free
The first unit, 6 greeting songs with lyrics and English translation, is free forever. No card needed. Premium unlocks all 134 songs.
About the pronunciation: the “sounds like” spellings are rough English approximations for parents (capital letters show the stressed syllable). Frenchhas sounds English doesn't, so treat them as a starting point and let the songs be the model. Songs are original and produced with AI music tools. Ideas for using French songs with your family.