A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "I'm freezing cold" in French
Express extreme cold in French with 'Je suis gelé(e) !' – perfect for chilly days.
Je suis gelé(e) !
zhuh swee zhuh-LAYcasual
French TTS · 0:01
Use this when you're uncomfortably, intensely cold, like after being outside in winter or if a room is unexpectedly frigid. It's a strong way to convey you're literally freezing.
Alternatives
- J'ai froid !This is the standard way to say 'I'm cold' and is less intense.
- Je me pèle !This is a very common, informal, and strong way to say you're freezing.
Ways to get it wrong
Pronouncing the 'e' in 'gelé'
The final 'é' sounds like the 'ay' in 'say', not like the 'e' in 'bed'.
Forgetting the feminine agreement
If you are female, add an extra 'e' at the end: 'gelée'.
A small cultural note
While 'Je suis gelé(e) !' is understood everywhere, some French speakers might prefer the more common 'J'ai froid !' even when very cold.
The same phrase in other languages
Frequently asked
How to say I'm freezing in French?
The most direct translation is 'Je suis gelé(e) !' which means 'I am frozen'. You can also use the very common informal phrase 'Je me pèle !'.
What's the difference between 'J'ai froid' and 'Je suis gelé'?
'J'ai froid' simply means 'I am cold', while 'Je suis gelé(e)' implies a much more intense, almost freezing, level of cold.
How do I pronounce 'gelé'?
It's pronounced roughly as 'zhuh-LAY', with the stress on the second syllable. Remember to add an 'e' for feminine: 'gelée'.
