Tough break Meaning in English
expression
ˈtəf/ /ˈbɹeɪk
TUHF BRAYK
tˈʌf/ /bɹˈeɪk
TUHF BRAYK
Definition
An expression used to sympathize with someone when something unfortunate or unlucky happens to them.
Usage & Nuances
Mostly informal, said about bad luck, not serious tragedy. It expresses sympathy, often after small setbacks like losing a game or missing an opportunity. Common in American English.
Spanish: mala suerte - golpe duroPortuguese (BR): azar ruim - situação difícilPortuguese (PT): azar - contratempoChinese (Simplified): 倒霉 - 不幸的遭遇Chinese (Traditional): 倒楣 - 不幸的遭遇Hindi: बुरी किस्मत - मुश्किल स्थितिArabic: حظ سيئ - موقف صعبBengali: দুর্ভাগ্য - খারাপ সময়Russian: невезение - неудачаJapanese: ついてないね - 残念だったねVietnamese: xui xẻo - không mayKorean: 운이 없네 - 안 됐네Turkish: şanssızlık - talihsizlikUrdu: بدقسمتی - برا وقتIndonesian: sial - kurang beruntung
Example Sentences
That's a tough break. You studied hard for the test.
basic
He missed the train—what a tough break!
basic
It rained on their wedding day—tough break.
basic
Didn't get the job? Tough break, but you'll find something better!
natural
I heard about your injury—tough break right before the tournament.
natural
Wow, car troubles again? That's a tough break.
natural