At the A1 level, the goal is to understand that 'phobique' is a word used to describe someone who is very, very afraid of something. You don't need to know all the complex medical details, but you should recognize it when you hear it. Think of it as a stronger version of 'peur' (fear). If you say 'J'ai peur des araignées' (I am afraid of spiders), that is basic. If you say 'Je suis phobique des araignées,' you are emphasizing that your fear is very strong. At this stage, you should practice using it with the verb 'être' (to be). For example: 'Il est phobique' or 'Elle est phobique.' Notice that the word doesn't change whether you are talking about a boy or a girl. It always ends in 'e'. You might also see it in simple lists of personality traits or feelings. The most important thing for A1 learners is to remember that it is an adjective and that it describes a person's feeling. You can use it to talk about yourself or your friends in a simple way. Don't worry about the scientific names of phobias yet; just use 'phobique de' followed by the thing you are afraid of, like 'phobique des chiens' (phobic of dogs). This is a great way to start expressing more intense emotions in French.
At the A2 level, you can begin to use 'phobique' to describe specific situations and people with more detail. You should be comfortable using the preposition 'de' after the word to specify the object of the fear. Remember to contract 'de' with articles: 'phobique du vide' (phobic of heights), 'phobique des chats' (phobic of cats). You can also use it to describe a 'réaction phobique' (a phobic reaction). At this level, you might encounter the word in simple texts about health, hobbies, or personal stories. You should also start to notice that 'phobique' can be used as a noun, meaning 'a phobic person.' For example, 'C'est un phobique' (He is a phobic). You can use this to categorize people in a simple way. Practice making short sentences that explain why someone avoids something. For example: 'Il ne va pas à la mer car il est phobique de l'eau' (He doesn't go to the sea because he is phobic of water). This level is about building the connection between the adjective and the reason for the behavior. You should also be able to distinguish 'phobique' from 'peureux' (scared). While 'peureux' is for someone who is generally a 'scaredy-cat,' 'phobique' is for someone with a specific, intense fear.
At the B1 level, you are expected to use 'phobique' in a variety of contexts, including social and psychological discussions. You should understand terms like 'phobique social' (someone with social anxiety) and 'phobique scolaire' (a student who is afraid of school). You can participate in conversations about fears and anxieties, using 'phobique' to add nuance to your descriptions. You should also be aware of the colloquial use of the word, such as 'phobique de l'engagement' (commitment-phobic). This is a common phrase in modern French used to describe dating and relationships. At this stage, you should be able to write a short paragraph explaining a phobia and its impact on someone's life. For example, you could describe how being 'phobique des transports' makes it difficult for someone to work in a big city. You should also be comfortable with the plural form 'phobiques' and ensure your adjectives agree with the nouns they modify in number, even if they don't change for gender. This level is where you start to use the word to discuss more complex human behaviors and societal issues, moving beyond just simple fears of animals or heights.
At the B2 level, you should have a firm grasp of the medical and social nuances of 'phobique.' You can discuss the difference between a clinical phobia and a simple dislike in a structured argument. You should be familiar with the cultural reference 'phobie administrative' and be able to use it or explain it in a discussion about French society or politics. Your vocabulary should include related terms like 'angoisse' (anxiety), 'évitement' (avoidance), and 'thérapie' (therapy). You should be able to analyze a text that uses 'phobique' in a metaphorical sense, such as describing a society that is 'phobique du changement' (phobic of change). In speaking, you can use the word to express irony or to describe complex personality traits with precision. You should also be able to handle more complex grammatical structures involving 'phobique,' such as using it in relative clauses: 'C'est une situation phobique dont il ne peut pas s'échapper' (It's a phobic situation from which he cannot escape). At this level, your use of the word should feel natural and integrated into a broader discussion of psychology, sociology, or personal development.
At the C1 level, you can use 'phobique' with academic and professional precision. You should be able to discuss the etiology of phobic disorders or the sociological implications of collective phobias. You can use the word in formal writing, such as an essay on mental health policy or a literary analysis of a character's neuroses. You should be aware of the subtle distinctions between 'phobique,' 'anxieux,' and 'névrosé.' You can also explore the historical development of the word and its roots in psychoanalysis. In discussions, you can use 'phobique' to describe systemic issues, such as a 'système phobique' that avoids addressing certain problems. Your understanding of the word should include its use in various registers, from the highly technical language of a medical journal to the witty, self-deprecating slang of Parisian intellectual circles. You should be able to critique the over-medicalization of everyday fears and discuss how the term 'phobique' is used and sometimes misused in modern media. At this level, the word is not just a vocabulary item but a tool for sophisticated analysis and expression.
At the C2 level, you possess a native-like mastery of 'phobique' and its place in the French language. You can use it to create complex metaphors and engage in deep philosophical or psychological debates. You understand the most obscure uses of the word and can identify it in classical or contemporary literature where it might be used to describe an existential state rather than just a simple fear. You can discuss the nuances of translation—how 'phobique' in French might carry different cultural weight than 'phobic' in English. You are comfortable using the word in any context, from a formal speech at a medical conference to a casual, idiomatic conversation. You can also play with the word, creating your own neologisms or puns that rely on a deep understanding of its meaning and structure. Your command of the word allows you to use it with perfect timing and tone, whether you are being serious, ironic, or analytical. At this stage, 'phobique' is a fully integrated part of your expressive repertoire, used with total confidence and precision in any situation.

phobique en 30 segundos

  • Phobique is a French adjective and noun meaning 'phobic,' used for intense, irrational fears of specific objects or social situations.
  • It is grammatically invariable in gender (masculine and feminine are both 'phobique') and adds an 's' for the plural form.
  • Commonly used with the preposition 'de' to specify the fear, such as 'phobique des araignées' or 'phobique du vide.'
  • Beyond clinical use, it appears in colloquial French to describe strong aversions, like 'phobique administratif' or 'phobique de l'engagement.'

The word phobique is a versatile French adjective and noun that originates from the Greek 'phobos,' meaning fear. In its most literal, clinical sense, it describes someone who suffers from a phobia—an intense, irrational, and persistent fear of a specific object, situation, or activity. However, in contemporary French, its usage has expanded far beyond the walls of a psychiatrist's office. It is now frequently used in everyday conversation to describe anyone who has a strong aversion or a deep-seated reluctance toward something, even if that aversion doesn't meet the clinical criteria for a mental health diagnosis. Understanding phobique requires recognizing this spectrum between medical reality and colloquial exaggeration.

Clinical Context
Used by healthcare professionals to describe patients with specific anxiety disorders, such as agoraphobia or social phobia.

Le patient est sévèrement phobique des espaces clos, ce qui l'empêche de prendre l'ascenseur.

In a social context, you might hear someone describe themselves as phobique to explain why they avoid certain responsibilities or social settings. A famous, albeit controversial, example in France is the term 'phobie administrative,' which entered the national lexicon after a politician used it to justify his failure to file tax returns. This highlights how the word can be used to pathologize common procrastination or dislike. When using phobique, it is important to distinguish between a genuine struggle and a figure of speech. For instance, saying someone is phobique de l'engagement (commitment-phobic) is a standard way to describe someone who fears long-term relationships.

Social Context
Often used to describe personality traits or behavioral patterns, such as an avoidance of crowds or technology.

Elle est devenue phobique des réseaux sociaux après avoir subi du harcèlement en ligne.

Furthermore, the word is invariable in gender; both a man and a woman are described as phobique. It only changes in the plural form by adding an 's' (phobiques). This makes it a relatively easy word for learners to integrate into their vocabulary without worrying about complex gender agreements. Whether you are discussing psychology, literature, or your friend's weird fear of clowns, phobique is the precise term to use for an irrational level of dread.

Grammatical Note
The word functions as both an adjective (un comportement phobique) and a noun (un phobique des araignées).

Les phobiques sociaux trouvent souvent du réconfort dans les interactions virtuelles.

Il a une réaction phobique dès qu'il voit un serpent à la télévision.

Using phobique correctly involves understanding its syntax, particularly the use of prepositions. In most cases, when you want to specify what someone is phobic of, you use the preposition de. This de will contract with articles as usual: de le becomes du, de les becomes des, and de la remains de la. For example, 'phobique des araignées' (phobic of spiders) or 'phobique du vide' (phobic of heights/the void). This structure is essential for building natural-sounding sentences in French.

Structure: Phobique + de + Noun
This is the most common way to link the fear to its object. The preposition 'de' is mandatory here.

Mon frère est phobique des microbes et se lave les mains vingt fois par jour.

Another common usage is as a standalone adjective following the verb être. In this case, it describes the person's general state or temperament. You might say, 'Il est très phobique,' implying that he is generally prone to phobias or is currently in a state of phobic panic. When used as an adjective modifying a noun, it follows the noun, as is standard for most French adjectives: 'un comportement phobique' (a phobic behavior) or 'une réaction phobique' (a phobic reaction). Note that even when modifying a feminine noun like 'réaction,' the spelling remains phobique because the word ends in 'e' in its base form.

Standalone Adjective
Describes a person's nature or a specific reaction without necessarily naming the object of fear in the same breath.

Face à la foule, elle a eu une crise phobique soudaine.

In more advanced or technical writing, phobique can be paired with other adjectives to create compound descriptions. For example, 'phobique social' is the standard term for someone with social anxiety disorder. In these instances, the two words act as a single unit of meaning. It is also important to remember the plural agreement. If you are talking about a group of people, you must add an 's': 'Les personnes phobiques.' This consistency in agreement, despite the lack of gender variation, is a hallmark of proper French grammar that learners should master early on.

Compound Adjectives
Terms like 'phobique social' or 'phobique scolaire' (school-phobic) are common in educational and medical contexts.

L'école doit mettre en place des protocoles pour les élèves phobiques scolaires.

Il se définit comme un phobique de l'engagement, préférant rester célibataire.

You will encounter the word phobique in a variety of settings in France, ranging from the highly formal to the humorously informal. In the medical and psychological fields, it is a standard term used in diagnoses and therapy sessions. If you watch a documentary on mental health or read a health column in a magazine like Psychologies Magazine, the word will appear frequently. It is used to categorize patients and describe the nature of their anxiety. In these contexts, it carries a weight of clinical seriousness and is often used to advocate for better understanding and treatment of anxiety disorders.

Media and Journalism
Journalists use 'phobique' to describe public figures' fears or to report on societal trends, such as 'phobies administratives' or 'phobies climatiques'.

Le journal télévisé a consacré un reportage aux adolescents phobiques scolaires.

In everyday French life, however, the word is often used more lightly. You might hear it during a dinner party when someone explains why they can't sit on the terrace (perhaps they are phobique des guêpes—phobic of wasps). It serves as a shortcut to express a strong dislike or a refusal to engage with something. In pop culture, particularly in French cinema and literature, 'phobique' characters are often used for comedic effect or to create relatable, neurotic protagonists. Woody Allen-esque characters in French films are frequently described as phobiques of various mundane things, which helps to humanize them and provide a source of humor.

Pop Culture and Comedy
Comedians often use the term to exaggerate their own neuroses, making 'phobique' a common word in stand-up routines.

Dans ce film, le héros est un grand phobique qui n'ose pas sortir de chez lui.

Additionally, the term is increasingly used in political and social discourse. You might hear about 'phobies' in the context of social prejudices, although the word phobique itself is less common here than the suffixes -phobe (as in homophobe or xénophobe). However, the psychological state of being phobique is sometimes invoked to explain irrational political fears or collective anxieties. In essence, whether you are in a doctor's office, at a café with friends, or watching the evening news, phobique is a word that bridges the gap between science and daily life, capturing a very human experience of fear and avoidance.

Political/Social Discourse
Used to discuss collective anxieties regarding technology, climate change, or globalization.

Certains experts analysent le comportement phobique de la société face au progrès technique.

Elle ne supporte pas d'être seule, elle est littéralement phobique de la solitude.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when using phobique is confusing it with the English word 'phobic' in its suffix form. In English, we often attach '-phobic' to the end of words (e.g., 'homophobic', 'xenophobic'). In French, while the suffix -phobe exists for these social prejudices, phobique is the adjective used to describe the psychological state of having a phobia. You wouldn't typically call someone 'homophobique' (though it might be understood); the correct term is 'homophobe.' Use phobique when referring to the clinical or emotional state of fear, and -phobe for social or ideological aversions.

Phobique vs. -phobe
'Phobique' is the psychological adjective/noun. '-phobe' is the suffix for ideological or social intolerance.

Correct: Il est phobique des hauteurs. Incorrect: Il est haut-phobe.

Another common error is the misuse of prepositions. Many learners try to use par or avec instead of de. Remember: you are phobique DE quelque chose. Forgetting to contract the preposition with the following article is also a frequent slip-up. Saying 'phobique de les chiens' instead of 'phobique des chiens' will immediately mark you as a non-native speaker. Mastering the contraction des and du is vital when using this word to describe specific fears.

Prepositional Errors
Always use 'de' (and its contractions). Avoid using 'à', 'par', or 'pour'.

Correct: Elle est phobique du sang. Incorrect: Elle est phobique au sang.

Finally, some learners use phobique as a verb, which it is not. You cannot say 'Je phobique les araignées.' Instead, you must use the verb être with the adjective, or the phrase avoir une phobie (to have a phobia). Using the word as a verb is a structural error that stems from trying to translate English 'to be phobic' too literally without the auxiliary verb. Furthermore, be careful not to overuse the word for minor dislikes. If you just don't like broccoli, saying you are 'phobique du brocoli' might come off as overly dramatic or confusing unless you are clearly joking.

Word Class Error
'Phobique' is an adjective or noun, never a verb. Use it with 'être'.

Correct: Je suis phobique des serpents. Incorrect: Je phobique les serpents.

Correct: Il est un grand phobique. Incorrect: Il phobique beaucoup.

While phobique is a very specific term, there are several other words in French that you can use to express varying degrees of fear or anxiety. Understanding the nuances between these words will help you choose the right one for the situation. For instance, peureux is the most general term for 'fearful' or 'scared.' It describes someone who is easily frightened or lacks courage. Unlike phobique, which implies a specific, irrational trigger, peureux is a general personality trait. You might call a child peureux if they are afraid of the dark, but you would call them phobique if they have a clinical panic attack at the sight of a dog.

Phobique vs. Peureux
'Phobique' implies an intense, specific, irrational fear. 'Peureux' is a general tendency to be afraid or cowardly.

Il n'est pas phobique, il est juste un peu peureux devant les films d'horreur.

Another alternative is angoissé or anxieux. These words relate more to a general sense of worry or unease about the future or a situation, rather than a specific object. An anxieux person might worry about their exams or their health, while a phobique person is specifically triggered by a certain stimulus. Effrayé and terrorisé are past participles used to describe a temporary state of fear. If a loud noise startles you, you are effrayé, but that doesn't necessarily mean you are phobique of loud noises. These terms are useful for describing a moment-to-moment experience of fear.

Phobique vs. Anxieux
'Anxieux' refers to a general state of worry. 'Phobique' is tied to a specific object or situation.

Elle est très anxieuse pour son entretien, mais elle n'est pas phobique du travail.

Finally, when discussing specific types of phobias, French often uses the clinical names directly, such as claustrophobe (claustrophobic) or arachnophobe (arachnophobic). These are often more precise than simply saying phobique des espaces clos or phobique des araignées. In a medical or technical discussion, using the specific term is preferred. However, in casual speech, phobique followed by the object of fear is more common and sounds more natural. By mastering these distinctions, you can navigate conversations about fear with the precision of a native speaker.

Specific Phobia Terms
Words like 'claustrophobe' or 'agoraphobe' are adjectives that already include the 'phobique' meaning.

Il est tellement phobique qu'il refuse même de voir des photos de serpents.

Elle est agoraphobe, ce qui est une forme spécifique de comportement phobique.

How Formal Is It?

Dato curioso

The word 'phobia' and its adjective 'phobique' entered modern medical language in the late 19th century as psychology became a formal science.

Guía de pronunciación

UK /fɔ.bik/
US /foʊ.bik/
The stress is typically on the last syllable in French, but it is very subtle.
Rima con
unique magique typique clinique public plastique physique critique
Errores comunes
  • Pronouncing the 'ph' as a 'p' sound.
  • Making the 'o' sound like the English 'o' in 'phone' (it should be shorter).
  • Adding an extra syllable at the end (it's not 'fo-bi-kuh').
  • Stress on the first syllable.
  • Pronouncing the final 'e' as 'ee'.

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 2/5

Easy to recognize due to its similarity to the English 'phobic'.

Escritura 3/5

Requires correct preposition use ('de') and plural agreement.

Expresión oral 3/5

Pronunciation of 'ph' and 'que' is straightforward but needs practice.

Escucha 2/5

Distinctive sound makes it easy to spot in a sentence.

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

peur être de très pourquoi

Aprende después

angoisse anxiété évitement traumatismes psychologie

Avanzado

agoraphobie claustrophobie névrose psychosomatique étiologie

Gramática que debes saber

Adjective Agreement

Un homme phobique / Une femme phobique (No change).

Preposition 'de' with 'phobique'

Phobique de la foule, phobique du vide.

Plural Adjectives

Des enfants phobiques (Add 's').

Contractions of 'de'

Phobique + les = Phobique des.

Adjectives following the noun

Un comportement phobique (Not 'un phobique comportement').

Ejemplos por nivel

1

Je suis phobique des araignées.

I am phobic of spiders.

Uses 'être' + 'phobique' + 'des'.

2

Il est très phobique.

He is very phobic.

Adverb 'très' modifies the adjective.

3

Elle n'est pas phobique.

She is not phobic.

Negative structure 'ne...pas'.

4

Es-tu phobique des chiens ?

Are you phobic of dogs?

Question form with inversion.

5

Mon chat est phobique de l'eau.

My cat is phobic of water.

'Phobique de l'eau' uses the definite article.

6

Les enfants sont parfois phobiques.

Children are sometimes phobic.

Plural agreement 'phobiques'.

7

C'est un phobique des serpents.

He is a phobic of snakes.

Used as a noun with 'un'.

8

Elle est phobique, c'est difficile.

She is phobic, it is difficult.

Simple adjective usage.

1

Il est phobique du vide et ne monte jamais sur le balcon.

He is phobic of heights and never goes on the balcony.

'Du vide' is a common expression for fear of heights.

2

Ma sœur est phobique des clowns depuis son enfance.

My sister has been phobic of clowns since her childhood.

'Depuis' indicates a starting point in the past.

3

Est-ce que tu connais un phobique des oiseaux ?

Do you know someone phobic of birds?

'Un phobique' acts as a noun here.

4

Elle a une réaction phobique quand elle voit du sang.

She has a phobic reaction when she sees blood.

Adjective modifying the feminine noun 'réaction'.

5

Nous ne sommes pas phobiques, nous sommes juste prudents.

We are not phobic, we are just cautious.

Plural adjective agreement.

6

Il est devenu phobique des microbes après être tombé malade.

He became phobic of germs after getting sick.

Uses the verb 'devenir' (to become).

7

C'est une personne phobique qui a besoin d'aide.

She is a phobic person who needs help.

Relative clause starting with 'qui'.

8

Les phobiques des insectes évitent souvent les jardins.

People phobic of insects often avoid gardens.

Noun used in the plural as a subject.

1

Elle souffre d'être phobique sociale et évite les grandes fêtes.

She suffers from being socially phobic and avoids big parties.

'Phobique sociale' is a standard term for social anxiety.

2

Il est tellement phobique de l'avion qu'il voyage toujours en train.

He is so phobic of planes that he always travels by train.

'Tellement... que' expresses a consequence.

3

Le psychologue aide les patients phobiques à affronter leurs peurs.

The psychologist helps phobic patients face their fears.

Adjective 'phobiques' modifying 'patients'.

4

Je pense qu'il est phobique de l'engagement, il ne veut pas se marier.

I think he is commitment-phobic; he doesn't want to get married.

Idiomatic use for relationships.

5

Certains enfants deviennent phobiques scolaires à cause du harcèlement.

Some children become school-phobic because of bullying.

'Phobique scolaire' refers to school refusal.

6

Elle a un comportement phobique dès qu'on parle de maladies.

She has phobic behavior as soon as diseases are mentioned.

'Dès que' means 'as soon as'.

7

Les phobiques des ascenseurs préfèrent prendre les escaliers.

People phobic of elevators prefer to take the stairs.

Plural noun usage.

8

Il est phobique des aiguilles, donc il déteste les vaccins.

He is phobic of needles, so he hates vaccines.

Logical connector 'donc' (so/therefore).

1

L'expression 'phobique administratif' est devenue célèbre en France.

The expression 'administrative phobic' became famous in France.

Refers to a specific cultural and political incident.

2

Bien qu'il soit phobique, il a réussi à monter au sommet de la tour.

Although he is phobic, he managed to climb to the top of the tower.

Uses the subjunctive 'soit' after 'bien que'.

3

Sa nature phobique l'empêche de profiter pleinement de la vie.

His phobic nature prevents him from fully enjoying life.

'Empêcher de' means 'to prevent from'.

4

Elle suit une thérapie cognitive pour ne plus être phobique des orages.

She is undergoing cognitive therapy to no longer be phobic of storms.

'Ne plus' means 'no longer'.

5

Les réactions phobiques peuvent être déclenchées par un simple mot.

Phobic reactions can be triggered by a single word.

Passive voice 'peuvent être déclenchées'.

6

Il est phobique du bruit, ce qui rend son travail en open-space difficile.

He is phobic of noise, which makes his work in an open-plan office difficult.

'Ce qui' is a relative pronoun referring to the whole previous idea.

7

La littérature regorge de personnages phobiques et névrosés.

Literature is full of phobic and neurotic characters.

'Regorger de' means 'to be full of'.

8

Être phobique n'est pas un choix, c'est une véritable souffrance.

Being phobic is not a choice; it is genuine suffering.

Infinitive 'être' used as a subject.

1

Le discours politique instrumentalise parfois des réflexes phobiques.

Political discourse sometimes exploits phobic reflexes.

Use of 'instrumentaliser' (to exploit/manipulate).

2

Il s'agit d'un trouble phobique complexe nécessitant une prise en charge.

It is a complex phobic disorder requiring professional care.

Formal structure 'Il s'agit de'.

3

L'individu phobique construit des stratégies d'évitement sophistiquées.

The phobic individual constructs sophisticated avoidance strategies.

Academic tone and vocabulary.

4

Certaines sociétés sont décrites comme phobiques face à l'altérité.

Some societies are described as phobic when facing otherness.

Abstract usage of 'phobique'.

5

La dimension phobique de son œuvre souligne son angoisse existentielle.

The phobic dimension of his work highlights his existential anxiety.

Literary analysis context.

6

Il est impératif de ne pas stigmatiser les personnes phobiques.

It is imperative not to stigmatize phobic people.

Formal impersonal structure 'Il est impératif de'.

7

L'agoraphobie est souvent associée à d'autres traits phobiques.

Agoraphobia is often associated with other phobic traits.

Technical medical description.

8

Sa réaction, bien que phobique, cache une blessure plus profonde.

His reaction, although phobic, hides a deeper wound.

Concessive clause 'bien que'.

1

L'hyper-modernité génère de nouvelles formes de sujets phobiques.

Hyper-modernity generates new forms of phobic subjects.

Sociological/Philosophical register.

2

On ne saurait réduire son comportement à une simple pulsion phobique.

One cannot reduce his behavior to a simple phobic impulse.

Formal negative 'ne saurait' (cannot).

3

L'architecture contemporaine peut parfois induire un sentiment phobique.

Contemporary architecture can sometimes induce a phobic feeling.

Use of 'induire' (to induce/bring about).

4

Cette peur irrationnelle témoigne d'une structure psychique phobique.

This irrational fear testifies to a phobic psychic structure.

Psychoanalytical terminology.

5

Il navigue dans un univers phobique où chaque objet est une menace.

He navigates a phobic universe where every object is a threat.

Metaphorical/Literary usage.

6

La déconstruction de l'objet phobique est au cœur de son analyse.

The deconstruction of the phobic object is at the heart of his analysis.

Highly academic 'déconstruction'.

7

Elle explore les lisières entre le dégoût et l'état phobique.

She explores the edges between disgust and the phobic state.

Nuanced vocabulary ('lisières').

8

Le caractère phobique de la foule est un thème récurrent chez cet auteur.

The phobic character of the crowd is a recurring theme for this author.

Literary criticism.

Colocaciones comunes

phobique social
phobique scolaire
phobique administratif
phobique de l'engagement
réaction phobique
comportement phobique
phobique des transports
trouble phobique
sujet phobique
phobique du vide

Frases Comunes

être phobique de

— To be phobic of something. This is the standard way to express a specific phobia.

Je suis phobique des serpents.

un grand phobique

— A person with many phobias or a very intense one. Used to emphasize the state.

C'est un grand phobique qui ne sort jamais de chez lui.

devenir phobique

— To become phobic. Indicates the development of a fear over time.

Il est devenu phobique après son accident.

rester phobique

— To remain phobic despite efforts or time passing.

Elle est restée phobique des chiens toute sa vie.

soigner un phobique

— To treat a phobic person, usually through therapy.

Le docteur se spécialise dans l'art de soigner les phobiques.

comprendre les phobiques

— To understand people with phobias. Often used in social contexts.

Il est important de comprendre les phobiques sociaux.

une personnalité phobique

— A phobic personality type, characterized by avoidance and anxiety.

Il a une personnalité phobique assez marquée.

phobique de tout

— Phobic of everything. An exaggeration used to describe a very anxious person.

Mon oncle est phobique de tout, il ne prend aucun risque.

être phobique du changement

— To be phobic of change. Often used for people or organizations stuck in their ways.

Cette entreprise est phobique du changement.

un comportement d'évitement phobique

— Phobic avoidance behavior. A technical term for staying away from triggers.

L'évitement phobique renforce souvent la peur.

Se confunde a menudo con

phobique vs peureux

Peureux is general cowardice; phobique is a specific, intense anxiety.

phobique vs phobe (suffix)

Use -phobe for social prejudices (homophobe), but phobique for clinical fear.

phobique vs anxieux

Anxieux is general worry; phobique is triggered by a specific object.

Modismos y expresiones

"phobie administrative"

— An excuse used to explain procrastination or failure to handle paperwork. Coined by a politician.

Désolé pour le retard, j'ai une petite phobie administrative.

informal/ironic
"phobique de l'engagement"

— Someone who is afraid of long-term commitment in relationships.

Ne l'attends pas, c'est un phobique de l'engagement.

neutral
"avoir la phobie de"

— To have a phobia of... Equivalent to being phobic of.

J'ai la phobie de la foule.

neutral
"être une vraie phobique"

— To be a 'true' phobic person. Used for emphasis.

Elle est une vraie phobique des araignées, elle hurle dès qu'elle en voit une.

informal
"phobique du dentiste"

— Commonly used to describe the intense fear many have of dental visits.

Beaucoup de gens sont phobiques du dentiste.

neutral
"phobique des microbes"

— Used for someone with germaphobia, often cleaning excessively.

Il ne touche jamais les poignées de porte, il est phobique des microbes.

neutral
"phobique de la solitude"

— Describing someone who cannot stand being alone.

Elle a toujours besoin de monde autour d'elle, elle est phobique de la solitude.

neutral
"phobique du noir"

— Someone who is afraid of the dark, often used for children or adults with nyctophobia.

Même à trente ans, il reste phobique du noir.

neutral
"réflexe phobique"

— An automatic, irrational reaction of fear.

C'est un réflexe phobique, je ne peux pas le contrôler.

neutral
"cercle vicieux phobique"

— The cycle where avoidance increases the fear, making the phobia worse.

Il faut briser le cercle vicieux phobique pour guérir.

formal

Fácil de confundir

phobique vs phobe

Both relate to fear/aversion.

Phobique is an adjective for an individual's psychological state. -phobe is a suffix for social intolerance.

Il est arachnophobe (noun) vs Il a un comportement phobique (adj).

phobique vs peureux

Both mean 'scared'.

Peureux is a general character trait. Phobique is an intense, often irrational, medical or psychological state.

Un enfant peureux vs Un patient phobique.

phobique vs angoissé

Both involve anxiety.

Angoissé is a feeling of being overwhelmed or worried. Phobique is focused on a specific trigger.

Je suis angoissé par l'avenir vs Je suis phobique des araignées.

phobique vs effrayé

Both describe being afraid.

Effrayé is a temporary reaction to a scare. Phobique is a long-term condition.

Je suis effrayé par ce bruit vs Je suis phobique des chiens.

phobique vs timide

Both can involve social avoidance.

Timide is just being shy. Phobique social is a severe anxiety that prevents social interaction.

Elle est timide en classe vs Elle est phobique sociale.

Patrones de oraciones

A1

Je suis phobique de [noun].

Je suis phobique de l'eau.

A2

Il est phobique des [plural noun].

Il est phobique des chats.

B1

[Subject] est devenu phobique après [event].

Elle est devenue phobique après le vol.

B1

C'est un phobique de [noun].

C'est un phobique de l'engagement.

B2

Bien que [subject] soit phobique, [action].

Bien qu'il soit phobique, il voyage.

B2

Avoir une réaction phobique face à [noun].

Avoir une réaction phobique face au danger.

C1

Le caractère phobique de [concept] est [adjective].

Le caractère phobique de ce discours est évident.

C2

Réduire [concept] à une simple pulsion phobique.

Réduire sa haine à une simple pulsion phobique.

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

phobie (f) - phobia
phobique (m/f) - a phobic person
arachnophobie (f) - fear of spiders
agoraphobie (f) - fear of open spaces

Verbos

No direct verb. Use 'avoir une phobie' or 'être phobique'.

Adjetivos

phobique - phobic
aphobique - lacking fear (rare/technical)

Relacionado

peur
angoisse
anxiété
terreur
évitement

Cómo usarlo

frequency

Common in medical, psychological, and dating contexts.

Errores comunes
  • Je phobique les araignées. Je suis phobique des araignées.

    You cannot use 'phobique' as a verb. You must use it with 'être'.

  • Elle est phobique de les chiens. Elle est phobique des chiens.

    The preposition 'de' must contract with 'les' to become 'des'.

  • Il est un homophobique. Il est homophobe.

    For social prejudices, the suffix '-phobe' is used instead of the adjective 'phobique'.

  • C'est une femme phobiquée. C'est une femme phobique.

    Don't try to make it look like a past participle; the adjective is 'phobique'.

  • Je suis phobique au vide. Je suis phobique du vide.

    The correct preposition is 'de', not 'à'.

Consejos

Gender Invariance

Remember that 'phobique' is the same for both masculine and feminine. This is a common feature of French adjectives ending in 'e'.

Use 'de'

Always follow 'phobique' with 'de' when specifying the object of fear. 'Phobique des chiens' is the correct structure.

Noun vs Adjective

Don't be afraid to use 'phobique' as a noun. 'Un phobique' is a perfectly natural way to describe someone with a phobia.

Phobie Administrative

Use this phrase to joke about your paperwork. It's a great way to show you understand modern French cultural references.

Phobique vs Peureux

Use 'phobique' for intense, specific fears and 'peureux' for general fearfulness or cowardice.

Engagement Phobia

In the context of dating, 'phobique de l'engagement' is a very common and useful phrase to know.

Sharp 'K' sound

The 'que' at the end of 'phobique' should be a clean, sharp 'k'. Avoid adding an extra vowel sound at the end.

Plural Agreement

Always add an 's' when describing multiple people: 'Les patients phobiques'.

Clinical Context

In a medical context, 'trouble phobique' is the technical term for a phobic disorder.

Contractions

Listen carefully for 'du' and 'des' after 'phobique' to understand exactly what the person is afraid of.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Think of 'phobique' as 'fo-beak'. Imagine a bird with a giant beak (beak = 'bique') that you are 'fo' (fearful) of. 'Phobique' is just the French way of saying 'phobic'.

Asociación visual

Picture someone standing on the edge of a tall building, looking down and trembling. They are 'phobique du vide'. The word 'phobique' should evoke that image of freezing in fear.

Word Web

Peur Angoisse Évitement Psychologie Irrationnel Symptôme Objet Réaction

Desafío

Try to list three things you are 'phobique' of in French. Then, write a sentence explaining one thing you are definitely NOT 'phobique' of.

Origen de la palabra

Derived from the Greek word 'phobos' (φόβος), which means fear, panic, or dread. In Greek mythology, Phobos was the personification of fear.

Significado original: Relating to intense fear or dread.

Indo-European (via Greek and Latin).

Contexto cultural

While 'phobique' is used lightly in slang, be sensitive when talking to someone who genuinely suffers from an anxiety disorder, as it can be a debilitating condition.

English speakers use 'phobic' similarly, but 'phobique' in French is perhaps used slightly more often as a standalone noun ('c'est un phobique').

Thomas Thévenoud and 'phobie administrative'. The film 'Les Émotifs anonymes' (Romantics Anonymous) features phobic characters. Woody Allen movies, which are very popular in France, often feature 'personnages phobiques'.

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

At the doctor's office

  • Je suis phobique des aiguilles.
  • Avez-vous des patients phobiques ?
  • C'est une réaction phobique.
  • Je souffre d'un trouble phobique.

Dating and relationships

  • Il est phobique de l'engagement.
  • Elle a peur de s'attacher, elle est phobique.
  • C'est un comportement phobique classique.
  • Je ne veux pas d'un phobique de l'engagement.

Discussing animals/nature

  • Je suis phobique des serpents.
  • Elle est phobique des insectes.
  • Mon chien est phobique de l'orage.
  • Les phobiques des araignées souffrent en forêt.

Office/Work life

  • J'ai une phobie administrative.
  • Il est phobique des réunions.
  • Elle est phobique sociale, l'open-space est dur.
  • Ne sois pas phobique du changement.

Travel/Transportation

  • Je suis phobique de l'avion.
  • Il est phobique des tunnels.
  • Elle est phobique des transports en commun.
  • Les phobiques du bateau préfèrent le train.

Inicios de conversación

"Es-tu phobique de quelque chose en particulier ?"

"Connais-tu quelqu'un qui est phobique social ?"

"Que penses-tu de l'expression 'phobie administrative' ?"

"Est-ce qu'on peut arrêter d'être phobique avec le temps ?"

"Quelle est la différence pour toi entre être peureux et être phobique ?"

Temas para diario

Décrivez une situation où vous vous êtes senti phobique ou très effrayé.

Pensez-vous que la société moderne nous rend plus phobiques qu'avant ?

Si vous étiez phobique de l'engagement, comment cela changerait-il votre vie ?

Analysez l'impact d'une phobie spécifique sur le quotidien d'une personne.

Inventez un personnage qui est phobique de quelque chose de très étrange.

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

No, 'phobique' is invariable in gender. You say 'un homme phobique' and 'une femme phobique'. It only changes for plural: 'des gens phobiques'.

The preposition 'de' is used. For example: 'phobique de la foule' or 'phobique des oiseaux'. Don't forget the contractions (du, des).

Yes, it can. You can say 'C'est un phobique' to mean 'He is a phobic person'. It is very common in French.

It is a humorous or ironic term for someone who hates doing paperwork, taxes, or administrative tasks. It became famous after a French politician used it as an excuse.

Yes, 'phobique' implies a much stronger, more irrational, and often paralyzing fear compared to the general 'peureux' (scared).

You say 'phobique social'. It is the standard term for social anxiety disorder.

It can be used in both formal medical contexts and informal everyday conversations. Its meaning remains consistent.

Usually, 'phobique' is used for objects, animals, or situations. For people, we usually use terms like 'misanthrope' or specific '-phobe' suffixes.

No, there is no verb. You must use 'être phobique' or 'avoir une phobie'.

Common ones include 'phobique du vide' (heights), 'phobique des araignées' (spiders), and 'phobique de l'avion' (flying).

Ponte a prueba 190 preguntas

writing

Write: 'I am phobic of spiders.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write: 'He is phobic of heights.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write: 'She is commitment-phobic.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write: 'I have an administrative phobia.'

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writing

Write: 'The patient suffers from a phobic disorder.'

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writing

Write: 'Are you phobic?'

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writing

Write: 'They are phobic of dogs.'

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writing

Write: 'It is a phobic reaction.'

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writing

Write: 'He is phobic of the dentist.'

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writing

Write: 'Societies can be phobic of change.'

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¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write: 'My cat is phobic.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write: 'A phobic person needs help.'

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¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write: 'She is socially phobic.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write: 'He became phobic after the accident.'

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writing

Write: 'Avoidance is a phobic behavior.'

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writing

Write: 'I am not phobic.'

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writing

Write: 'He is phobic of birds.'

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writing

Write: 'School phobia is a problem.'

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writing

Write: 'She is phobic of germs.'

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¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write: 'The phobic subject projects anxiety.'

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¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say: 'Je suis phobique.'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say: 'Il est phobique des chiens.'

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say: 'Elle est phobique sociale.'

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say: 'J'ai une phobie administrative.'

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say: 'C'est un trouble phobique complexe.'

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say: 'Tu es phobique ?'

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say: 'Ils sont phobiques du vide.'

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say: 'Il est phobique de l'engagement.'

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say: 'Elle a une réaction phobique.'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say: 'L'évitement phobique est un symptôme.'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say: 'Mon ami est phobique.'

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say: 'Je suis phobique des chats.'

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say: 'C'est un grand phobique.'

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say: 'Il est devenu phobique.'

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say: 'L'individu phobique souffre.'

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say: 'Elle n'est pas phobique.'

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say: 'Phobique des araignées.'

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say: 'Phobique scolaire.'

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say: 'Phobique du dentiste.'

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say: 'Sujet phobique.'

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen and identify the word: 'phobique'.

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¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen: 'Il est phobique des chiens.' What animal is mentioned?

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¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen: 'Elle est phobique sociale.' What is the condition?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen: 'Phobie administrative.' What is the topic?

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¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen: 'Trouble phobique.' Is this medical?

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¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen: 'Je suis phobique.' Is the speaker afraid?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen: 'Phobique du vide.' What is the fear?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen: 'Engagement phobique.' What is the context?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen: 'Réaction phobique.' What happened?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen: 'Évitement phobique.' What is the behavior?

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¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen: 'Pas phobique.' Is the person afraid?

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¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen: 'Phobique des chats.' What animal?

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listening

Listen: 'Phobique de l'avion.' What mode of travel?

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¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen: 'Phobique des microbes.' What is the focus?

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listening

Listen: 'Sujet phobique.' Who is discussed?

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¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:

/ 190 correct

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