French Phrase
Le signal GPS est faible ici.
Meaning
The sentence means ‘The GPS signal is weak here.’ It is used to comment on poor satellite reception, often when you’re trying to navigate with a GPS device.
When to use
Use this phrase when you’re driving, walking, or using a navigation app in places where the GPS struggles – for example inside tunnels, dense urban canyons, heavily forested areas, or deep inside a building.
✦Grammar Breakdown
LesignalGPSestfaibleici
Le (definite article)
The masculine singular definite article used before a noun that is known to the listener.
signal (noun)
A masculine noun meaning ‘signal’; it agrees with the article ‘le’ and the adjective that follows.
GPS (abbreviation)
Treat the abbreviation as a masculine noun in French, so it takes the article ‘le’ and the verb agrees in the third‑person singular.
est (être)
Third‑person singular present of the verb ‘être’; used to link the subject ‘le signal GPS’ with its description.
faible (adjective)
An adjective meaning ‘weak’; it must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies (masc. singular → ‘faible’).
ici (adverb)
An adverb of place meaning ‘here’; it does not change form.
🗨In Conversation
Le signal GPS est faible ici.
The GPS signal is weak here.
Oui, on va devoir demander notre chemin à quelqu’un.
Yes, we’ll have to ask someone for directions.
✕Common Mistakes
Le signal GPS sont faible ici.
The verb must agree with the singular subject ‘le signal GPS’, so use ‘est’ not ‘sont’.
Le signal GPS est faibles ici.
The adjective must stay singular because the noun ‘signal’ is singular.
Le signal GPS ici est faible.
Adverbs like ‘ici’ stay at the end of the clause; do not place the verb after it.
↔Alternatives
Le signal du GPS est faible ici.
The GPS signal is weak here.
Le GPS capte mal ici.
The GPS is picking up poorly here.
Le signal GPS est mauvais ici.
The GPS signal is bad here.
Cultural Tip
In French, GPS is usually spoken as ‘le GPS’ (pronounced ‘le zhay-pay-ess’). ‘Faible’ sounds a bit more formal; in everyday conversation many people say ‘mauvais’ or ‘ça capte mal’. Also, when you’re in a car, it’s polite to inform passengers that the signal is weak before changing the route.