French Phrase
La fenêtre est coincée.
Meaning
This phrase is used to describe a window that is jammed and cannot be opened or closed. It uses the feminine noun 'fenêtre' paired with the adjective 'coincée', which agrees in gender.
When to use
Use this phrase in a practical context when dealing with home maintenance or ventilation issues. It is appropriate for both formal and informal settings, such as talking to a landlord or a roommate.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Lafenêtreestcoincée
Gender Agreement
Since 'fenêtre' is feminine, the adjective 'coincé' takes an extra 'e' to become 'coincée'.
The verb Être
'Est' is the third-person singular present form of 'être' (to be), used here to describe a state.
🗨In Conversation
Il fait lourd ici, tu peux ouvrir ?
It is stuffy in here, can you open (it)?
J'essaie, mais la fenêtre est coincée.
I am trying, but the window is stuck.
✕Common Mistakes
La fenêtre est coincé.
The adjective must agree with the feminine noun 'fenêtre' by adding an 'e' at the end.
Le fenêtre est coincée.
Window is a feminine noun in French, so you must use the article 'la' instead of 'le'.
↔Alternatives
Je n'arrive pas à ouvrir la fenêtre.
I can't manage to open the window.
La fenêtre ne s'ouvre pas.
The window doesn't open.
Cultural Tip
In older French cities like Paris, windows often use a 'crémone' bolt system and open inward. Because many buildings are historic, wooden frames can swell with humidity, making 'la fenêtre est coincée' a very common complaint in the winter or rainy seasons.