French Expression · Intermediate
Une panne
A breakdown / A fault
Pronunciation: oon PAN
Meaning
A mechanical failure or cessation of operation, especially of a vehicle or machine.
Example
Ma voiture est en panne sur le bord de la route.
My car broke down on the side of the road.
Practice tips
- Practice Une panne out loud — read the pronunciation guide above and repeat.
- Use it in your own sentence today; reuse beats rereading.
- Pay attention to context: this French expression is for intermediate-level learners.