A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "This is an emergency" in French
Use 'C'est une urgence !' to clearly signal a serious situation requiring immediate attention in France.
C'est une urgence !
say tay oon oor-ZHONSSneutral
French TTS · 0:01
Say this to a police officer, firefighter, or medical professional if you or someone else is in immediate danger or needs urgent help. It's also appropriate to use if a situation is rapidly escalating and clearly requires official intervention.
Alternatives
- Il y a une urgence !Slightly more formal, emphasizes the existence of the emergency.
- C'est grave !Use when the situation is very serious, but not necessarily a life-or-death emergency.
Ways to get it wrong
Pronouncing the 'r'
The French 'r' is guttural, made in the back of the throat, not rolled or pronounced like the English 'r'.
Silent 'e' at the end
The final 'e' in 'urgence' is silent; do not pronounce it.
Nasal vowel in 'une'
The 'un' in 'une' is a nasal vowel; the sound should resonate in your nose, not be a clear 'oon'.
A small cultural note
French emergency services are generally efficient, but it's important to be clear and direct when calling for help. Using this phrase immediately signals the gravity of the situation.
The same phrase in other languages
Frequently asked
When should I call for emergency services in France?
Call emergency services for immediate threats to life or safety, serious accidents, or crimes in progress. For non-life-threatening medical issues, consider contacting your hotel or a local pharmacy first.
What are the emergency numbers in France?
The main numbers are 112 (European emergency number), 15 (SAMU medical emergencies), 17 (police), and 18 (firefighters).
How do I say 'help' in French?
The general word for 'help' is 'aide'. You can say 'Au secours !' which means 'Help!' or 'Help me!' in a desperate situation.
