A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "It's a little tight" in French
Use 'C'est un peu juste' when something is a bit too small or tight, like clothes or a space.
C'est un peu juste.
seh t(uh)n puh ZHOOSTneutral
French TTS · 0:01
This is perfect when trying on clothes that are a bit snug, or when assessing if an object will fit into a space. For example, you might say it about a jacket that's tight across the shoulders.
Alternatives
- C'est un peu serré.Often used for clothing that feels constricting.
- C'est un peu petit.More general, meaning 'it's a bit small' for any reason.
Ways to get it wrong
Pronouncing 'juste' like 'just'
The 't' at the end of 'juste' is pronounced, and the 'u' sound is different from English 'u'.
Confusing 'juste' and 'justement'
'Juste' means 'tight' or 'exact,' while 'justement' means 'precisely' or 'actually.'
The same phrase in other languages
Frequently asked
What's the difference between 'juste' and 'serré'?
'Juste' implies something is barely fitting or a bit too small, while 'serré' specifically means constricting or tight, like a hug.
How to say something is too small in French?
You can say 'C'est trop petit' for something being generally too small, or use 'C'est un peu juste' if it's just barely fitting.
Can I use 'juste' for space?
Yes, 'C'est un peu juste' works well for describing a space that is a bit too narrow or tight for something to fit comfortably.
