How do you say “A basket case” in French?
The closest natural French equivalent is être à bout de nerfs, which literally means “to be at the end of one’s nerves”. English speakers use a basket case to mean someone unable to cope because of worry or distress. Fits someone whose nerves are exhausted. It describes their state without using the English label for a person. Register: neutral. Usage frequency: common.
Closest natural French
être à bout de nerfs
/ɛtʁ a bu də nɛʁ/
- Literal meaning
- “to be at the end of one’s nerves”
- Register
- neutral
- How often it's used
- common
- Equivalence
Close equivalent
89 out of 100
What a native French speaker would actually say
“Je suis à bout de nerfs” suggests you have reached your limit. It can include anxiety, irritability or strain that has built up over time.
For ordinary nerves before an exam, “je suis très nerveux” is milder. Keep the stronger phrase for someone who is struggling to cope.
How close is the meaning?
- Meaning4 out of 5
- Tone4 out of 5
- Context5 out of 5
- Literal similarity1 out of 5
These ratings are editorial approximations, not measurements.
In context
English
Before the audition, I was a basket case and could barely eat.
French
Avant l'audition, j'étais à bout de nerfs et je pouvais à peine manger.
English
Waiting for news left him a complete basket case.
French
L'attente de nouvelles l'a laissé à bout de nerfs.
Related expressions
Last updated 2026-11-04