Une mère surendettée aidée par sa fille

What does “une mauvaise passe” mean in French?

When French speakers go through a hard time, they often say they are in “une mauvaise passe.” It means a short bad period — for money, work, love, or health. The word “passe” here does not mean a pass or a password. It means a moment you pass through. People usually hope it will end soon. You will hear this in France and in Québec.

In the clip, a daughter tries to comfort her mother, who cannot find work and has debts. She says: “C’est juste une mauvaise passe. Ça arrive à tout le monde.” (“It’s just a rough patch. It happens to everyone.”) The mother answers sadly: “Pour moi, c’est une mauvaise passe tous les jours.” (“For me, it’s a rough patch every day.”) “Passe” comes from the verb “passer” (to pass). A “mauvaise passe” is a bad moment you must pass through. People also say “traverser une mauvaise passe” — to live through a rough patch. It is normal, everyday French, used in both France and Québec. Examples: “Le club traverse une mauvaise passe” (The team is going through a bad run). “Il est dans une mauvaise passe en ce moment” (He is having a hard time right now).