French · Real conversations
How to say “The heating isn't working.” in French
Explain that the heating system is not operating.
Le chauffage ne fonctionne pas.
The heating isn't working.
Describe what you observe and where it is happening.
Use it in three situations
Calling a landlord
Le chauffage ne fonctionne pas.
The heating isn't working.
Reporting a room problem
Le chauffage ne fonctionne plus depuis hier.
The heating hasn't worked since yesterday.
Arranging a repair
Le chauffage est allumé, mais la pièce est froide.
The heating is on, but the room is cold.
What to watch for
This reports a problem rather than diagnosing its technical cause.
Read the whole expression before replacing a detail. The natural wording may use a different order or construction from the English sentence.
Your turn
Imagine housing. Say this in French: The heating hasn't worked since yesterday.
Reveal a sample reply
Le chauffage ne fonctionne plus depuis hier.
The heating hasn't worked since yesterday.
Build a useful exchange
Ask about rent and arrange a practical repair.
This expression in other languages
A note on speaking French
Use vous with strangers, staff, and people you address formally; use tu when that relationship is established. Je voudrais and pourriez-vous can make a request considerate. The most appropriate choice depends on the person and the situation.
Keep accents and apostrophes. A familiar spoken expression may differ from its literal English translation. Read the complete line, including the pronoun and the words that connect the request.
