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A1 adjective #1,500 más común 11 min de lectura

Terrible

Top 1,500

Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos Terrible en 30 segundos

Explicación Terrible in your Level:

At the A1 beginner level, the most important thing to know about the word 'terrible' is that it looks exactly like the English word and often means the same thing: very bad, awful, or scary. When you are just starting to learn French, you will use 'terrible' to describe things that you do not like or things that make you feel bad. For example, if you see a bad accident, you can say 'C'est terrible' (It is terrible). If the weather is very bad, with lots of rain and wind, you can say 'Le temps est terrible' (The weather is terrible). It is a simple adjective that helps you express strong negative feelings. You place it after the noun, just like most other adjectives in French. For instance, 'un monstre terrible' means a terrible monster. At this level, focus on using it to describe negative situations, objects, or weather. Do not worry too much about the slang meanings yet. Just remember that 'terrible' is a strong word. It is much stronger than 'mauvais' (bad). If something is 'mauvais', you just don't like it. If something is 'terrible', it is really, really bad and maybe even a little bit scary. Practice saying 'C'est terrible' when you want to show that something is awful. This will help you communicate your feelings clearly in basic French conversations.

At the A2 elementary level, you start to see that 'terrible' is used not just for scary things, but as a strong intensifier for anything extreme. You will still use it to mean 'awful', but you will also use it to describe things that are very intense, even if they are not necessarily scary. For example, 'un bruit terrible' means a very loud, awful noise. 'Une douleur terrible' means a very bad pain. You also need to learn the very common negative expression 'pas terrible'. This is crucial for A2 learners. In French, if you say 'Ce n'est pas terrible', it does not mean 'It is not awful'. It actually means 'It is not very good' or 'It is mediocre'. If someone asks you how your lunch was, and it was just okay, you can say 'C'est pas terrible'. This is a very natural way that French people speak every day. You should also practice making 'terrible' agree with plural nouns. Because it ends in an 'e', the masculine and feminine forms are the same (terrible). For plural, just add an 's' (terribles). For example, 'des histoires terribles' (terrible stories). By mastering 'pas terrible' and using 'terrible' for intense situations, your French will sound much more natural and expressive.

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At the B1 intermediate level, you must learn the most surprising thing about the word 'terrible': in spoken, informal French, it often means 'awesome' or 'great'! This is a classic example of semantic inversion, where a word comes to mean its opposite in slang. If a French teenager says 'Ce film est terrible !', they mean the movie is fantastic, not awful. This can be very confusing for learners, but it is essential for understanding everyday conversations, movies, and music. To know if 'terrible' means 'awful' or 'awesome', you have to look at the context and listen to the tone of voice. If someone is smiling and excited, 'terrible' is a compliment. If they look sad or serious, it means 'awful'. You will also see 'terrible' used before the noun for emphasis in written French, such as 'une terrible erreur' (a terrible mistake). At this level, you should start trying to use 'terrible' in its positive slang sense with your friends. Say 'C'est terrible !' when you taste something delicious or hear a great song. Also, continue to use 'pas terrible' to mean 'mediocre'. Understanding these dual meanings is a major step in moving from textbook French to real-world, conversational French.

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At the B2 upper-intermediate level, your understanding of 'terrible' becomes much more nuanced. You are now comfortable with its dual nature—meaning 'awful' in formal contexts and 'awesome' in informal ones. At this stage, you should focus on the subtleties of register and collocation. You know that you cannot use 'terrible' to mean 'great' in a formal essay or a job interview; in those situations, it strictly retains its negative, literal meaning. You also learn to appreciate how 'terrible' functions as an absolute intensifier, similar to 'formidable' or 'redoutable'. For example, 'un enfant terrible' refers to someone who is brilliant but unorthodox and rebellious, a phrase used in both French and English. You will encounter 'terrible' in literature, where its placement before the noun ('une terrible angoisse') heightens the emotional impact, contrasting with its placement after the noun ('une angoisse terrible'), which is more descriptive. You should also master expressions like 'terriblement', the adverbial form, which means 'terribly' or 'extremely' (e.g., 'Il est terriblement fatigué'). By B2, you are expected to navigate these different meanings seamlessly, relying on context clues, syntactic position, and sociolinguistic awareness to interpret and use the word correctly in any given situation.

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At the C1 advanced level, you engage with 'terrible' on a sophisticated linguistic and cultural level. You understand that the semantic shift of 'terrible' from a word inducing terror to a colloquial term of high praise is part of a broader linguistic phenomenon in French, similar to words like 'grave' or 'mortel'. You can analyze how authors use 'terrible' to evoke the sublime—something so powerful or vast that it is both beautiful and terrifying (e.g., 'une beauté terrible'). You are adept at using litotes, fully exploiting 'pas terrible' not just as a casual dismissal, but as a deliberate rhetorical device to understate your opinion. You can easily switch between registers, using 'terrible' to mean 'catastrophic' in a political debate ('Les conséquences économiques sont terribles') and 'fantastic' in a casual review ('L'ambiance était terrible'). You also recognize older or more literary usages, such as describing someone as 'un juge terrible' (a severe, uncompromising judge). At this level, your use of 'terrible' is indistinguishable from a native speaker's. You intuitively grasp the prosody and intonation required to convey the exact shade of meaning, whether it be dread, awe, mediocrity (in the negative), or extreme enthusiasm.

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At the C2 mastery level, your comprehension of 'terrible' encompasses its full etymological history and sociolinguistic implications. You recognize its Latin roots ('terribilis', from 'terrere' - to frighten) and can trace its evolution through classical French literature, where it was reserved for the wrath of God or the horrors of war, to its modern, multifaceted usage. You can discuss how the colloquial positive use of 'terrible' reflects a cultural tendency in modern French to subvert negative vocabulary for emphatic praise, a linguistic rebellion of sorts. You are sensitive to regional variations and generational divides in its usage; for instance, recognizing that older generations might use it positively less frequently than younger ones. In your own production, you use 'terrible' with absolute precision, employing it in complex syntactic structures and idiomatic expressions without hesitation. You can write a formal critique using 'terrible' to denote profound severity, and immediately switch to a colloquial conversation using it as a superlative of excellence. Your mastery allows you to play with the ambiguity of the word for comedic or dramatic effect, fully exploiting the rich, contradictory nature of this fascinating French adjective.

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Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos

Terrible en 30 segundos

Means 'awful' formally.
Means 'awesome' informally.
'Pas terrible' means mediocre.
Can mean 'extreme' or 'intense'.

The French adjective terrible is a fascinating word that often confuses learners because it acts as a classic 'faux ami' or false friend in certain contexts, while retaining its original meaning in others. To truly understand what it means, we must look at its dual nature. On one hand, terrible translates directly to its English counterpart: awful, dreadful, horrific, or terrifying. This is the traditional, formal meaning of the word, derived from the Latin 'terribilis', meaning frightful. When you describe an accident, a storm, or a tragedy as terrible, you are expressing horror and dismay. However, in colloquial, everyday spoken French, terrible has undergone a complete semantic inversion. It is frequently used to mean exactly the opposite: awesome, terrific, amazing, or fantastic. If a French person tastes a delicious cake and exclaims that it is terrible, they are giving a high compliment. This dual usage makes it essential to pay close attention to the context, the speaker's tone of voice, and their facial expressions.

Formal Meaning: In formal contexts, literature, and news reporting, terrible strictly means extremely bad, causing fear, or disastrous. It is used to describe events that bring suffering or extreme discomfort.

Le tremblement de terre a été une catastrophe terrible.

Informal Meaning: In casual conversations among friends, family, or younger generations, terrible is a strong positive intensifier. It means something is exceptionally good, impressive, or highly enjoyable.

Ce nouveau jeu vidéo est vraiment terrible !

Intensifier Meaning: Beyond good and bad, terrible can simply mean 'extreme' or 'formidable'. It amplifies the noun it modifies, indicating a high degree of intensity, such as extreme weather or intense pain.

Il fait un froid terrible aujourd'hui.

Elle a un caractère terrible.

C'est une nouvelle terrible pour la famille.

Understanding these nuances is key to mastering French vocabulary. The word terrible is a perfect example of how language evolves and how context dictates meaning. By recognizing the dual nature of this adjective, you will be able to navigate both formal texts and casual conversations with ease, avoiding the common pitfalls that trap many beginners. Always remember to look at the surrounding words and the situation to decode whether terrible means a nightmare or a dream come true.

Using the word terrible correctly in French requires a solid grasp of syntax, context, and register. As an adjective, terrible must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. Fortunately, because it ends in an 'e' in its masculine singular form, the feminine singular form is identical (terrible). For the plural, you simply add an 's' (terribles) for both masculine and feminine nouns. The placement of terrible is also crucial. Like most French adjectives, it typically follows the noun it modifies, especially when used in its literal, descriptive sense (e.g., un accident terrible). However, it can occasionally precede the noun for stylistic emphasis, particularly in literary contexts (e.g., une terrible tragédie).

Placement After Noun: When placed after the noun, terrible usually retains its objective, literal meaning of causing terror, being awful, or being extremely intense. This is the standard position for this adjective in everyday language.

Nous avons entendu un bruit terrible dans la nuit.

Placement Before Noun: Placing terrible before the noun adds subjective emotional weight or literary flair. It emphasizes the speaker's feelings about the intensity or dreadfulness of the noun.

Ils ont survécu à une terrible tempête.

Negative Construction: The phrase 'pas terrible' is an extremely common idiom. It is an understatement (litotes) meaning that something is mediocre, disappointing, or not very good. It never means 'not awful'.

Le repas à la cantine était pas terrible aujourd'hui.

Son dernier film est vraiment terrible, tu dois le voir !

J'ai une terrible envie de chocolat.

When deciding how to use terrible, always consider your audience. In a professional email or a formal essay, stick to the negative, literal meaning (awful, severe). If you write 'Les résultats de l'entreprise sont terribles', your boss will think the company is failing. However, if you are texting a friend about a concert and say 'Le concert était terrible !', they will understand that you had an amazing time. Mastering the usage of terrible involves balancing grammatical rules with sociolinguistic awareness. Practice using it in different contexts to build your confidence and sound more like a native speaker.

The adjective terrible is ubiquitous in the French-speaking world, appearing across all mediums, registers, and social situations. Its versatility means you will encounter it in classic literature, daily news broadcasts, casual street conversations, and modern pop culture. Understanding where and how it is used in these different environments is essential for full comprehension. In formal news reporting, terrible is frequently used to describe disasters, accidents, or tragic events. Journalists rely on its strong negative connotation to convey the severity of a situation. For instance, you might hear a news anchor speak of 'un accident terrible sur l'autoroute' (a terrible accident on the highway) or 'une terrible maladie' (a terrible disease). In these contexts, the meaning is unambiguous and aligns perfectly with the English translation.

News and Media: In journalism and formal broadcasts, terrible is strictly used to denote tragedy, severity, or disaster. It is a powerful word meant to evoke sympathy or alarm among the audience.

Les conséquences de la guerre sont terribles.

Everyday Conversation: In cafes, at parties, or among friends, terrible frequently takes on its colloquial positive meaning. It is used to express enthusiasm, approval, or excitement about something.

Cette soirée est terrible, je m'amuse trop !

Literature and Art: In literature, terrible is often placed before the noun to create a poetic or dramatic effect. It emphasizes the emotional impact of the noun it describes, whether it be a 'terrible secret' or a 'terrible beauty'.

Il gardait un terrible secret depuis son enfance.

La tempête a frappé avec une force terrible.

Leur performance sur scène était tout simplement terrible.

You will also hear terrible used frequently in idiomatic expressions. For example, 'Ce n'est pas terrible' is a staple of French conversation, used to politely express dissatisfaction. If you ask a French person how their meal was and they reply 'Bof, c'est pas terrible', they mean it was quite average or disappointing. By immersing yourself in different types of French media—from formal news to casual reality TV—you will quickly develop an ear for the subtle shifts in meaning that terrible undergoes. Pay attention to the adjectives and adverbs that accompany it, as they often provide the necessary clues to decode its intended meaning in any given situation.

Because terrible is a word with multiple, sometimes contradictory meanings, it is a minefield for French learners. The most common mistake is assuming that terrible always means 'awful' or 'bad', just as it does in English. This assumption leads to significant misunderstandings, especially in informal contexts. If a French friend tells you that your new outfit is 'terrible', and you get offended thinking they hate it, you have fallen into the classic 'faux ami' trap. In reality, they are likely complimenting you, meaning your outfit is awesome. Another frequent error involves the negative construction 'pas terrible'.

Misinterpreting the Positive: Learners often fail to recognize the colloquial positive meaning of terrible. When used as an exclamation ('C'est terrible !') in a casual setting, it almost always means 'That is amazing!' rather than 'That is awful!'.

Ton idée pour les vacances est terrible ! (Meaning: great idea)

Misunderstanding Pas Terrible: Translating 'pas terrible' literally as 'not terrible' (meaning 'not bad' or 'okay') is a major mistake. In French, 'pas terrible' means 'mediocre', 'disappointing', or 'not great'. It is a negative assessment.

Le livre que j'ai lu n'est pas terrible. (Meaning: it is not good)

Using it Inappropriately in Formal Contexts: Using terrible to mean 'awesome' in a formal essay, a professional email, or a job interview is a mistake in register. In formal situations, terrible must only be used to mean 'awful' or 'severe'.

La situation économique actuelle est terrible.

Il a fait une erreur terrible au travail.

C'est un musicien terrible ! (Informal: he is great)

To avoid these common mistakes, practice active listening. Pay attention to the context and the speaker's body language. When speaking, be mindful of your audience. If you are unsure whether the positive use of terrible is appropriate, opt for safer alternatives like 'génial' or 'super'. Conversely, if you want to express that something is truly awful, you can use words like 'horrible' or 'affreux' to avoid any ambiguity. By understanding the dual nature of terrible and the specific meaning of 'pas terrible', you will significantly improve your French comprehension and communication skills.

To fully master the nuances of terrible, it is helpful to compare it with similar words in the French language. Because terrible has both negative and positive meanings, its synonyms vary wildly depending on the context. When used in its formal, negative sense (meaning awful or dreadful), terrible is synonymous with words like horrible, affreux, épouvantable, and effroyable. These words share the core meaning of causing fear, disgust, or extreme distress. However, when terrible is used in its colloquial, positive sense (meaning awesome or fantastic), its synonyms shift completely to words like génial, super, fantastique, and formidable. Understanding these alternatives allows you to express yourself more precisely and avoid the ambiguity that terrible can sometimes create.

Negative Synonyms: Words like horrible (horrible) and affreux (awful) are excellent substitutes when you want to ensure your meaning is strictly negative. Unlike terrible, these words do not have a colloquial positive meaning.

C'est une situation terrible (ou horrible).

Positive Synonyms: When you want to express that something is amazing without using slang, words like génial (great) or fantastique (fantastic) are perfect alternatives to the colloquial use of terrible.

Ce concert était terrible (ou génial) !

Intensifier Synonyms: When terrible is used to mean 'extreme' (e.g., un froid terrible), you can substitute it with words like extrême, intense, or violent to convey the same degree of severity.

Il a une douleur terrible (ou intense) au dos.

Le vent est terrible (ou violent) ce soir.

C'est un film terrible (ou épouvantable) à regarder.

Expanding your vocabulary to include these synonyms will make your French more colorful and precise. While terrible is a fantastic, versatile word, relying on it too heavily can make your speech repetitive. By mixing in words like affreux for negative situations and génial for positive ones, you demonstrate a higher level of language proficiency. Furthermore, understanding these synonyms helps clarify the meaning of terrible when you encounter it in reading or listening. If you see terrible grouped with words like sanglant (bloody) or mortel (deadly), you know it means awful. If it is grouped with super or cool, you know it means awesome.

How Formal Is It?

Nivel de dificultad

Gramática que debes saber

Adjective agreement (epicene adjectives)

Adjective placement (BANGS rule exceptions)

Litotes and understatement

Intensifiers

Semantic shift in slang

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Ejemplos por nivel

C'est un accident terrible.

It is a terrible accident.

Adjective placed after the noun.

Le monstre est terrible.

The monster is terrible/scary.

Used with the verb être.

Il fait un temps terrible.

The weather is terrible.

Common expression for bad weather.

C'est une terrible nouvelle.

It is terrible news.

Placed before the noun for emphasis.

Le film est terrible.

The movie is terrible (bad).

Basic descriptive use.

J'ai un problème terrible.

I have a terrible problem.

Modifying a masculine noun.

La tempête était terrible.

The storm was terrible.

Feminine singular agreement.

Ce sont des choses terribles.

These are terrible things.

Plural agreement (terribles).

Ce repas n'est pas terrible.

This meal is not great.

Idiomatic negative meaning 'mediocre'.

Il a une douleur terrible au ventre.

He has a terrible pain in his stomach.

Used to describe intense physical sensation.

C'est pas terrible comme idée.

It's not a great idea.

Informal spoken structure.

Ils ont fait une erreur terrible.

They made a terrible mistake.

Modifying a feminine noun.

Le bruit était vraiment terrible.

The noise was really terrible/loud.

Intensified with 'vraiment'.

C'est un endroit terrible.

It is a terrible place.

Describing a location.

Ton dessin n'est pas terrible.

Your drawing is not very good.

Using 'pas terrible' for evaluation.

Nous avons eu une peur terrible.

We had a terrible fright.

Used with abstract nouns like fear.

Ce nouveau jeu vidéo est terrible !

This new video game is awesome!

Colloquial positive meaning.

La soirée d'hier était terrible.

Yesterday's party was great.

Informal positive use in the past tense.

Franchement, son discours n'était pas terrible.

Honestly, his speech wasn't great.

Used with 'franchement' for opinion.

Il a un accent terrible en anglais.

He has a terrible accent in English.

Can mean very strong or very bad.

C'est un musicien terrible, tu dois l'écouter.

He is an awesome musician, you have to listen to him.

Positive slang use.

Elle a subi un choc terrible.

She suffered a terrible shock.

Formal negative meaning.

Leur nouvel album est tout simplement terrible.

Their new album is simply awesome.

Intensified with 'tout simplement'.

Je trouve que ce restaurant est pas terrible.

I find that this restaurant is mediocre.

Expressing personal opinion.

Il est d'une exigence terrible avec ses employés.

He is terribly demanding with his employees.

Used with 'd'une... terrible' to mean extreme.

C'est l'enfant terrible de la mode française.

He is the enfant terrible of French fashion.

Fixed expression 'enfant terrible'.

La pression au travail est devenue terrible.

The pressure at work has become terrible.

Describing intense psychological states.

Cette voiture a une accélération terrible.

This car has incredible acceleration.

Meaning 'impressive' or 'powerful'.

Il a prononcé des mots terribles qu'il regrette.

He said terrible words that he regrets.

Meaning hurtful or severe.

Le suspense dans ce roman est terrible.

The suspense in this novel is intense.

Meaning extreme or gripping.

C'est un secret terrible qu'elle a gardé toute sa vie.

It is a terrible secret she kept all her life.

Literary placement and tone.

Son dernier spectacle ? Pas terrible, pour être honnête.

His last show? Not great, to be honest.

Elliptical sentence structure.

La tempête a frappé la côte avec une violence terrible.

The storm hit the coast with terrible violence.

Used to describe extreme force.

Il voue une haine terrible à ses anciens associés.

He harbors a terrible hatred for his former partners.

Modifying abstract emotions.

C'est une vérité terrible à admettre.

It is a terrible truth to admit.

Used with an infinitive construction.

Leur ironie était d'une efficacité terrible.

Their irony was terribly effective.

Meaning formidable or impressive.

Il a traversé une épreuve terrible avec beaucoup de courage.

He went through a terrible ordeal with a lot of courage.

Formal narrative style.

Ce vin a un goût de bouchon terrible.

This wine has a terrible corked taste.

Meaning very pronounced/bad.

La chaleur est terrible dans cette région en été.

The heat is extreme in this region in summer.

Meaning unbearable or intense.

C'est un paradoxe terrible de notre société moderne.

It is a terrible paradox of our modern society.

Used in sociological or philosophical contexts.

L'auteur dépeint la guerre avec un réalisme terrible.

The author depicts the war with terrible realism.

Meaning striking or shocking.

Il fut saisi d'une angoisse terrible à l'idée de l'échec.

He was seized by a terrible anguish at the thought of failure.

Literary expression of emotion.

Cette décision aura des répercussions terribles sur l'économie.

This decision will have dire repercussions on the economy.

Meaning disastrous or severe.

Sous des dehors affables, c'est un négociateur terrible.

Beneath his affable exterior, he is a formidable negotiator.

Meaning uncompromising or ruthless.

La beauté terrible de ce paysage volcanique fascine les touristes.

The terrible beauty of this volcanic landscape fascinates tourists.

Oxymoronic use (sublime).

Il a fait preuve d'une lucidité terrible face à la mort.

He showed terrible lucidity in the face of death.

Meaning piercing or absolute.

C'est un gâchis terrible de voir un tel talent inexploité.

It is a terrible waste to see such talent unexploited.

Expressing profound regret.

La solitude de l'écrivain est une condition terrible mais nécessaire.

The solitude of the writer is a terrible but necessary condition.

Philosophical observation.

Sinónimos

horrible affreux épouvantable effroyable génial super formidable intense

Antónimos

merveilleux excellent doux faible

Colocaciones comunes

un accident terrible

un bruit terrible

une douleur terrible

un froid terrible

un enfant terrible

une nouvelle terrible

un secret terrible

une chaleur terrible

une tempête terrible

un choc terrible

Frases Comunes

C'est terrible !

Ce n'est pas terrible.

Un enfant terrible.

Il fait un froid terrible.

C'est une terrible erreur.

Une douleur terrible.

Un bruit terrible.

C'est pas terrible du tout.

Une envie terrible.

Un caractère terrible.

Se confunde a menudo con

Terrible vs Horrible

Terrible vs Formidable

Terrible vs Mauvais

Modismos y expresiones

"enfant terrible"

"pas terrible"

"être terrible"

"avoir une faim terrible"

"faire un temps terrible"

"un truc terrible"

"c'est terrible ce qui arrive"

"une force terrible"

"un secret terrible"

"un mal terrible"

Fácil de confundir

Terrible vs

Patrones de oraciones

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Cómo usarlo

note

Never translate 'not terrible' directly to 'pas terrible' if you mean 'it was okay'. 'Pas terrible' always means 'bad' or 'mediocre'.

Errores comunes

Translating 'not terrible' directly as 'pas terrible' when meaning 'it was okay'.
Using 'terrible' to mean 'awesome' in a formal job interview.
Adding an extra 'e' for feminine nouns (e.g., writing 'terriblee').
Assuming 'terrible' always has a negative meaning in spoken French.
Failing to recognize that 'un enfant terrible' is a specific idiom, not just a badly behaved child.

Consejos

Watch the Context

Always rely on context to translate 'terrible'. A 'terrible accident' is bad, but a 'terrible gâteau' (cake) is usually very good.

Epicene Adjective

Don't try to add an extra 'e' for feminine nouns. 'Terrible' is the same for both masculine and feminine. Just add 's' for plural.

Master 'Pas Terrible'

Memorize that 'pas terrible' means 'mediocre'. Use it when you want to politely say something wasn't very good, like a meal or a movie.

Roll the R

To sound more authentic, give a slight emphasis to the French 'R' in the middle of the word, especially when using it as an exclamation.

Keep it Formal at Work

Never use 'terrible' to mean 'great' in formal writing or at work. Stick to 'excellent' or 'très bien' to avoid confusion.

Enfant Terrible

Learn the phrase 'enfant terrible'. It's a great cultural reference that shows a high level of vocabulary and cultural understanding.

Use it for Extremes

You can use 'terrible' to describe anything extreme, like 'une chaleur terrible' (extreme heat) or 'un bruit terrible' (a very loud noise).

Tone is Everything

When listening to native speakers, their tone of voice will instantly tell you if 'terrible' is a compliment or a complaint.

Placement for Drama

In creative writing, put 'terrible' before the noun (e.g., une terrible nuit) to make your sentence sound more dramatic and literary.

Mix it Up

Don't overuse 'terrible'. Mix in words like 'génial' for good things and 'horrible' for bad things to make your French richer.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Imagine a TERRIBLE monster that is actually AWESOME at dancing.

Origen de la palabra

Latin

Contexto cultural

Used universally in France, Belgium, Switzerland, and Quebec, though slang usage may vary slightly.

Semantic shift occurred primarily in the 20th century.

Highly dependent on context. Formal = negative. Informal = positive.

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

Inicios de conversación

"As-tu vu le dernier film ? Il est terrible !"

"Quel temps terrible aujourd'hui, non ?"

"Tu trouves que ce restaurant est pas terrible ?"

"C'est une nouvelle terrible, tu en as entendu parler ?"

"Il a un caractère terrible, comment tu fais ?"

Temas para diario

Racontez une expérience qui était 'terrible' (dans le sens négatif).

Décrivez un film ou une chanson que vous trouvez 'terrible' (dans le sens positif).

Pourquoi pensez-vous que les mots changent de sens avec le temps ?

Décrivez un 'enfant terrible' que vous connaissez.

Racontez une fois où vous avez eu une 'peur terrible'.

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

It can mean both! In formal French, it means bad, awful, or terrifying. In informal, spoken French, it often means awesome or great. You have to look at the context and the speaker's tone to know which one they mean.

'Pas terrible' is a very common expression that means 'mediocre', 'disappointing', or 'not very good'. It does NOT mean 'not awful'. If a movie is 'pas terrible', it means it wasn't a good movie.

Like most French adjectives, 'terrible' usually goes after the noun (e.g., un accident terrible). However, for stylistic or emotional emphasis, it can sometimes be placed before the noun (e.g., une terrible erreur).

Because 'terrible' already ends in an 'e', the masculine and feminine singular forms are exactly the same. To make it plural, you simply add an 's' to the end, making it 'terribles' for both masculine and feminine plural nouns.

No, you should avoid doing that. In formal or professional contexts, 'terrible' retains its strict, negative meaning of 'awful' or 'severe'. If you write that a project is 'terrible' to your boss, they will think it is a disaster.

An 'enfant terrible' is a phrase used in both French and English. Originally, it meant a child who embarrasses adults by saying inappropriate truths. Today, it usually refers to a famous person (like an artist or designer) who is brilliant but highly unorthodox, rebellious, or controversial.

Context and body language are your best clues. If someone is smiling, laughing, and talking about a party, food, or a movie, 'terrible' means awesome. If they look sad, serious, and are talking about an accident or illness, it means awful.

Yes, 'terrible' is much stronger than 'mauvais' (bad). 'Mauvais' is a standard descriptor, while 'terrible' is an intensifier that implies extreme severity, horror, or dread (in its negative sense).

Yes, absolutely. 'Un temps terrible' means very bad, severe weather, usually involving storms, heavy rain, or extreme cold. It is a very common collocation in French.

If you want to say something is awesome without using slang, you can use words like 'génial', 'super', 'fantastique', or 'formidable'. These words clearly express a positive meaning without the ambiguity of 'terrible'.

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