Learning French: the origins and meaning of impossible n’est pas français
This patriotic proverb was also a presidential campaign slogan
It is believed that Napoleon was the first to use this phrase
Kurt Vansteelant / Shutterstock
Some people consider that learning French, with its complex grammar rules and precise pronunciation, is an impossible task. However, the French claim, with impossible n’est pas français, they do not even know the meaning of the word ‘impossible’.
This phrase reflects the idea of France’s national identity, pushing limits, challenging conventional ways of thinking and striving for excellence.
We will take a look at how to use it in everyday French and where else this slogan has popped up, from politics to popular culture.
What does impossible n’est pas français mean?
This patriotic phrase literally translates as: impossible is not French.
It is a great example of an expression which cannot be translated word-for-word for English-speaking audiences. Instead, you could say:
A related French proverb is:
Read also: Exploring cultural differences: The French language does not match the country's values
What are the origins of impossible n’est pas français?
This expression is actually a proverb - a patriotic twist on the Latin: ad impossibilia nemo tenetur (nobody is held to the impossible).
Many assume the mention of français is referring to the French people. However, it actually relates to the French language, as if to say, impossible is not a word that exists in French and failure is not an option.
It paints France as a tenacious, innovative and hard working nation, capable of overcoming all obstacles.
Napoleon Bonaparte was supposedly the first to have said it, although there are no confirmed sources.
Hélène de Champchesnel, a historian, suggests Napoleon used the phrase in 1808 when invading Spain.
He encouraged Polish soldiers to fight the enemy army guarding the Somosierra Pass, near Madrid: "Comment? Impossible ! Je ne connais point ce mot-là. Il ne doit y avoir pour mes Polonais rien d’impossible !" (What? Impossible! I don't know that word. Nothing must be impossible for my Poles!)
The 140 Polish soldiers confirmed Napoleon’s claim by defeating the Spanish army of several thousand.
Michèle Ressi, a French social science researcher, argues that General Le Marois sent Napoleon a letter in July 1813, fearing his hold of Magdeburg in Germany would be defeated by the approaching enemy army.
Napoleon replied, “Ce n’est pas possible, m’écrivez-vous : cela n’est pas français,” (You say it is impossible - that is not French).
Impossible n’est pas français in politics and pop culture
Far-right politician Eric Zemmour chose it as his 2022 presidential campaign slogan. It was printed on the campaign poster, symbolising his goal of conquering the public vote. Zemmour finished fourth in the first round of the election.
Impossible n’est pas français, is also the title of a 1974 film directed by Robert Lamoureux and the title of a song released in 1967 by Sheila.
Some French sports fans also use this slogan to encourage or celebrate their national teams, for example, when France won the Fifa World Cup for the second time in 2018, after their first win in 1998.
Read also: Understanding 'c'est parti': meaning, usage, and fun variations in French
When do you say impossible n’est pas français?
To show that you are not phased by the difficulty of a task:
J'ai un projet en tête et mes amis me disent que c'est impossible à réaliser. Mais bon, impossible n'est pas français. - I have a project in mind and my friends tell me it is impossible to achieve. But hey, there is no such word as impossible.
It can also be used as a standalone phrase in response to someone who feels defeated, or to encourage someone to follow their wildest dreams:
Statement: Mais, c’est pas possible ! Je ne trouverai jamais d'appartement dans cette ville. - It’s hopeless! I will never find an apartment in this city.
Response: Impossible n’est pas français. - Anything is possible.
Statement: J'aimerais créer ma propre marque mais cela semble très difficile. - I would like to create my own brand but it seems really difficult.
Response: Impossible n’est pas français. Dans une école de commerce, tu apprendras beaucoup de choses qui t'aideront à réaliser ton rêve. - Nothing is impossible. In business school you will learn lots of things to help you achieve your dream.
Read also: La politesse: what habits can make you seem rude to French people?
To whom do you say impossible n’est pas français?
It is neutral language which can be used with friends or strangers in a range of situations.
