Is there a difference between the expressions « n'en plus pouvoir » and « en avoir marre »? I think they both generally have the meaning of being fed up with something, but I wasn't sure if there was some other gradation of meaning I'm missing.
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3 Answers
N'en plus pouvoir can be used whatever the context while en avoir marre is colloquial.
N'en plus pouvoir also includes the meaning of en avoir marre but can be stronger. The former might mean you are physically exhausted and can no more do something while the latter might just mean you are fed up with it but will continue to put up with it.
Je n'en peux plus = I can't stand it any more.
J'en ai marre. = I am fed up with it.
Je n'en peux plus has a wider range of meaning. LawlessFrench explains
Synonyms
Despair
- je craque
Fatigue
- je suis à bout de forces
- je suis crevé
- je suis épuisé
Irritation
- je craque
- je m’énerve
The same post adds:
J’en peux plus indicates despair, so it’s not quite the same thing as ras-le-bol or j’en ai marre, which express frustration or anger.
