French Phrase
Ma bagnole est en panne. Je fais quoi ?
Meaning
This phrase is an informal way to express that one's car has broken down and to ask for advice on what to do next. "Bagnole" is a slang term for car, and "être en panne" means to be out of order or broken down. The second part, "Je fais quoi ?", is a direct and slightly informal way to ask "What should I do?".
When to use
Use this phrase when your car unexpectedly stops working and you need help or advice from a friend, family member, or even a mechanic. It's suitable for informal situations due to the use of "bagnole" and the direct question "Je fais quoi ?". You might say it to a friend over the phone or to a passerby if you're in a bind.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Mabagnoleest en panne.Jefaisquoi?
Ma (Possessive Adjective)
"Ma" is a feminine singular possessive adjective, used here because "bagnole" (car) is a feminine noun. It means "my".
Bagnole (Slang Noun)
"Bagnole" is an informal, common slang term for "car" in French. While "voiture" is the standard term, "bagnole" is widely used in casual conversation.
Être en panne (Idiomatic Expression)
"Être en panne" is an idiomatic expression meaning "to be broken down" or "out of order," commonly used for vehicles, machines, or electronic devices.
Je fais quoi ? (Informal Question)
This is an informal way to ask "What should I do?". In standard French, one might say "Que dois-je faire ?" or "Qu'est-ce que je fais ?". The inversion "Je fais quoi ?" is very common in spoken, informal French.
🗨In Conversation
Salut ! Ça va ?
Hi! How are you?
Pas trop. Ma bagnole est en panne. Je fais quoi ?
Not great. My car is broken down. What do I do?
✕Common Mistakes
Ma voiture est cassée.
"Cassée" implies physically broken, not mechanically out of order. "En panne" is the correct term for a vehicle breakdown.
Ma bagnole est en panne. Qu'est-ce que je fais ?
While grammatically correct, "Je fais quoi ?" is more common and natural in informal spoken French for this context, reflecting a more direct and slightly exasperated tone.
Mon bagnole est en panne.
"Bagnole" is a feminine noun, so it requires the feminine possessive adjective "ma".
↔Alternatives
Ma voiture est en panne.
My car is broken down.
J'ai une panne avec ma voiture.
I have a breakdown with my car.
Que dois-je faire ?
What should I do?
Cultural Tip
"Bagnole" is a very common and accepted informal term for "car" in France, similar to "wheels" or "ride" in English. Using it shows a certain level of familiarity with spoken French. When a car breaks down in France, people typically call their insurance company for roadside assistance (assistance dépannage) or a local garage. It's less common to rely on strangers for help compared to some other cultures.