French Phrase
Il y a un truc qui est cassé.
Meaning
The sentence means “There is something that is broken.” It points out the existence of an object or item that is not functioning properly. The word *truc* is informal and can refer to any thing whose name you don’t know or don’t want to specify.
When to use
Use this phrase when you notice a broken item in a casual conversation, especially in a home, office, or public place. It’s suitable for informal settings; in a formal context you would replace *truc* with the specific noun or *objet*.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Ilyauntrucquiestcassé
Il y a
A fixed expression meaning “there is/are.” It does not change with gender or number; the noun that follows determines the meaning.
Un truc
Informal word for “thing” or “stuff.” It can replace a specific noun when you don’t know or don’t want to name it.
Relative clause – qui est cassé
The relative pronoun *qui* refers back to *truc* and introduces a descriptive clause. *Est* is the present tense of *être* and *cassé* is the past participle used as an adjective meaning “broken.”
Agreement
*Cassé* agrees in gender and number with the noun it describes; here *truc* is masculine singular, so *cassé* stays unchanged.
🗨In Conversation
Il y a un truc qui est cassé dans la cuisine.
There’s something broken in the kitchen.
Ah, c’est le robinet du lavabo ? Je vais le réparer tout de suite.
Ah, is it the sink faucet? I’ll fix it right away.
✕Common Mistakes
Il y a un truc qui est casse.
Use the past participle *cassé* as an adjective, not the verb form *casse*.
Il y a un chose qui est cassé.
The correct indefinite article for *chose* (feminine) is *une*.
Il y a un truc qui cassé.
The relative clause needs the verb *être* before the adjective.
↔Alternatives
Il y a quelque chose qui ne fonctionne pas.
There is something that isn’t working.
Un objet est cassé.
An object is broken.
Il y a un problème avec cet appareil.
There’s a problem with this device.
Cultural Tip
In French, *il y a* is the go‑to construction for “there is/are.” The word *truc* is very informal; native speakers often use it with friends or family. In a professional email you would name the item (e.g., *le ventilateur est cassé*) or use *objet* instead of *truc* to keep the tone neutral.