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terrible !

B1 noun 9 min read

terrible !

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips terrible ! in 30 Seconds

Explanation terrible ! in your Level:

At the A1 level, you can think of 'terrible' as a very strong version of 'mauvais' (bad). It is an easy word to learn because it looks exactly like the English word. You use it to say that something is very, very bad. For example, if you eat something that tastes very bad, you can say 'C'est terrible !'. Or if you have a big headache, you can say 'J'ai un terrible mal de tête'. At this level, don't worry about the slang meanings. Just use it to describe things that make you feel sad or uncomfortable. Remember that it doesn't change for men or women, so you just need to remember 'terrible' for one thing and 'terribles' for many things. It is a great 'emergency' word to express that something is going wrong.

At the A2 level, you start to use 'terrible' in more complete sentences and to react to news. You might use it to describe the weather ('Il fait un temps terrible') or a mistake ('C'est une terrible erreur'). You should also begin to notice the phrase 'Ce n'est pas terrible'. At this level, you might think it means 'It is not bad', but you should learn that it actually means 'It is not very good'. For example, if you watch a movie and it was boring, you say 'Ce n'est pas terrible'. It's a useful way to give a negative opinion politely. You also learn that the adverb is 'terriblement', which you can use to mean 'very' or 'extremely', like 'Je suis terriblement fatigué' (I am terribly tired).

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'terrible' to express stronger opinions and emotions. You use it to describe serious situations, such as 'une terrible nouvelle' (terrible news) or 'un accident terrible'. You understand that while it usually means 'bad', it can occasionally be used in a positive way in informal contexts ('Il est terrible ce morceau !' - This track is awesome!), although you should use this carefully. You are expected to use 'terrible' to add nuance to your descriptions, moving beyond simple adjectives like 'beau' or 'mauvais'. You also understand that 'terrible' is an intensive adjective, and you can use it to emphasize the gravity of a situation in a discussion or a short essay.

At the B2 level, you master the nuances of 'terrible' in different registers. You understand its role in literature and news, where it often signifies something 'awe-inspiring' or 'formidable' in a dark way. You can use it in complex sentence structures, such as 'Il est terrible de constater que...' (It is terrible to note that...). You also become more adept at using the idiom 'enfant terrible' to describe provocative figures in culture or politics. Your use of 'terriblement' as an intensifier becomes more natural, and you can distinguish between when 'terrible' is used for a physical sensation (une douleur terrible) versus a moral judgment (une action terrible). You start to see how it compares to higher-level synonyms like 'épouvantable' or 'affligeant'.

At the C1 level, you appreciate the historical and stylistic depth of 'terrible'. You recognize when a writer uses it to evoke the 'sublime'—something so grand or powerful that it is terrifying. You can discuss the evolution of the word from its Latin roots to its modern slang usage. You are also sensitive to the subtle irony when 'terrible' is used sarcastically. In professional or academic writing, you know when to replace 'terrible' with more precise terms like 'catastrophique', 'déplorable', or 'redoutable' depending on the exact context. You can use the word to create specific atmospheric effects in your own writing, and you understand the cultural weight of the word in French history and philosophy (e.g., 'Le Siècle Terrible').

At the C2 level, 'terrible' is a tool you use with total precision and stylistic flair. You understand all its archaic, literary, and highly colloquial meanings. You can analyze how its meaning shifts in different Francophone cultures (e.g., Quebec vs. France). You use it effortlessly in puns or complex rhetorical devices. You are aware of its use in famous literary quotes and can discuss the 'terribilità' (a concept often applied to artists like Michelangelo, but used in French contexts too) of a work of art. Your mastery of 'terrible' includes knowing exactly when its positive slang meaning is appropriate and when it might sound dated. You can navigate the full spectrum of its intensity, from a casual 'C'est pas terrible' to a profound 'C'est une tragédie terrible'.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

terrible ! in 30 Seconds

Terrible means 'very bad' or 'awful' in most contexts.
It is a false friend in the phrase 'pas terrible', which means 'not very good'.
It is used for both physical sensations (pain, cold) and moral judgments.
Informally, it can occasionally mean 'terrific' or 'awesome'.

The French word terrible is a fascinating linguistic chameleon that every intermediate learner must master. At its core, particularly at the B1 level, it functions as an adjective that describes something extremely bad, shocking, or distressing. It is the direct equivalent of the English 'terrible' when referring to a tragedy, a bad smell, or a difficult situation. However, the nuance of terrible in French is deeply rooted in its Latin origin, terribilis, meaning 'frightful' or 'inspiring fear'. In modern daily life, you will hear it used to react to news, describe physical pain, or comment on the weather. It is a high-frequency word because of its emotional weight.

Primary Meaning: Used to describe something that causes great fear, discomfort, or moral disapproval. For example, an accident or a war is described as 'terrible'.
The 'Mediocre' Nuance: In a negative construction, 'pas terrible' actually means 'not very good' or 'disappointing' rather than 'not bad'. This is a common trap for English speakers.

C'est une nouvelle terrible pour toute la famille.

Beyond the negative, there is a colloquial usage where terrible can mean 'formidable' or 'extraordinary'. If a teenager says a concert was 'terrible', they might actually mean it was amazing, similar to how 'wicked' or 'sick' is used in English slang. However, this usage is decreasing in favor of 'génial' or 'top'. At the B1 level, you should focus on its use as a synonym for 'affreux' or 'épouvantable'. Understanding the context is key: if someone looks at a burnt meal and says 'C'est terrible', they are unhappy. If they are looking at a high-performance car, they might be impressed.

Le bruit de l'explosion était terrible.

In literature, terrible often retains its classical sense of 'inspiring awe' or 'mighty'. A 'terrible' king is one who is powerful and fearsome, not necessarily incompetent. In a conversation about health, 'une douleur terrible' indicates an unbearable level of pain. It is an intensive word; it doesn't just mean 'bad', it means 'extremely bad'. Using it correctly allows you to express strong emotions and reactions, which is a key milestone in the B1 CEFR level.

Emotional Intensity: Use 'terrible' when 'mauvais' (bad) isn't strong enough. It conveys a sense of shock or deep dissatisfaction.

Quel temps terrible ! Il ne s'arrête pas de pleuvoir.

Syntactically, terrible is an adjective that follows the standard rules of French grammar. It is invariable in gender (it ends in 'e' in both masculine and feminine) but changes in number. In the singular, it is 'terrible'; in the plural, it becomes 'terribles'. Most often, it is placed after the noun it modifies, which is the standard position for adjectives expressing a quality that is not part of the 'BANGS' (Beauty, Age, Number, Goodness, Size) categories, although its emotional intensity sometimes allows for more flexible placement in poetic contexts.

Elle a fait une terrible erreur dans son rapport.

Adjective Placement: While usually placed after the noun (e.g., 'un accident terrible'), placing it before the noun ('une terrible nouvelle') adds a layer of subjective emotion and emphasis, which is common in storytelling.

One of the most frequent structures you will encounter is 'C'est terrible !'. This is an impersonal expression used as a reaction to something you've just heard or seen. It functions similarly to 'That's awful!' or 'That's dreadful!'. If you want to specify what is terrible, you can use 'C'est terrible de...' followed by an infinitive verb. For example, 'C'est terrible de voir autant de pollution' (It's terrible to see so much pollution). This structure is essential for expressing opinions at the B1 level.

Ces tempêtes sont terribles cette année.

When used with the verb 'trouver' (to find), it expresses a personal judgment: 'Je trouve ce film terrible.' Depending on the context and the speaker's tone, this could mean the film was extremely bad or, occasionally in very informal French, that it was incredibly powerful. However, in 90% of B1-level contexts, it will mean the speaker hated the film. You should also be aware of the adverbial form 'terriblement', which means 'terribly' or 'extremely'. It is often used to intensify other adjectives: 'Il est terriblement intelligent' (He is terribly/extremely intelligent).

Agreement Rules: Singular (M/F): terrible. Plural (M/F): terribles. It is one of the easier adjectives to manage because it doesn't have a distinct feminine form.

Il y a eu un terrible malentendu entre nous.

In contemporary France, you will hear terrible in a variety of settings, ranging from high-stakes news broadcasts to casual conversations over coffee. On the news (Le JT), journalists use it to describe natural disasters, economic crises, or tragic events. Phrases like 'un bilan terrible' (a terrible toll/result) are common when discussing the aftermath of an event. It carries a level of gravity that words like 'mauvais' simply cannot convey. It signals to the listener that the situation is of serious concern.

Le tremblement de terre a causé des dégâts terribles.

In the workplace, a manager might describe a 'situation terrible' if a major project is failing or if there are significant interpersonal conflicts. It is used to emphasize the severity of a problem. However, in the realm of social life and restaurants, you will most frequently encounter its negative form: 'Ce n'est pas terrible.' If you ask a friend how their meal was and they respond with this phrase, they are politely saying it was mediocre or disappointing. It is a very French way of being critical without being overly aggressive.

In literature and cinema, terrible is used to build atmosphere. A 'méchant terrible' is a formidable villain. The famous phrase 'L'enfant terrible' refers to a child who is terrifyingly candid or a person who causes embarrassment to their group through unorthodox behavior. You'll see this in newspapers referring to rebellious artists or politicians. In music lyrics, especially in 'chanson française', the word is used to rhyme with 'sensible' or 'impossible' to express deep emotional pain or the 'terrible' weight of love or loss.

The 'Enfant Terrible': A specific cultural idiom used to describe someone who is brilliant but provocative and unconventional, often causing a stir in their field.

C'est un terrible gâchis de talent.

The most significant mistake English speakers make with terrible is assuming it always means 'bad'. While that is its primary dictionary definition, the colloquial usage can be confusing. Another major error involves the phrase pas terrible. In English, 'not terrible' is often a mild compliment (e.g., 'The movie wasn't terrible, I actually quite liked it'). In French, 'Ce n'est pas terrible' is almost always a negative critique. It implies that the thing in question failed to meet expectations. If you want to say something was 'not bad' in a positive sense, you should say 'Ce n'est pas mal'.

Attention : Pas terrible ne veut pas dire 'pas mal'.

False Friend Alert: In older or very informal French, 'terrible' can mean 'terrific'. This is a 'faux-ami' because in modern English, 'terrible' is almost never positive. If a French person says 'Il est terrible, ce mec !', they might mean he is awesome.

Another mistake relates to gender agreement. Because terrible ends in 'e', many learners try to add another 'e' for feminine nouns (like 'terriblee') or change the ending to 'al'. Remember that terrible is already in its feminine-friendly form. Only the plural 's' is needed. Furthermore, learners often confuse 'terrible' with 'terrifiant'. While related, 'terrifiant' specifically means 'terrifying' or 'scary', whereas 'terrible' is broader, covering 'awful', 'dreadful', and 'serious'.

Finally, watch out for the adverb 'terriblement'. English speakers often use 'terribly' to mean 'very' (e.g., 'terribly sorry'). In French, 'terriblement désolé' is used, but it's quite formal or dramatic. In everyday speech, 'vraiment désolé' or 'tellement désolé' is more natural. Overusing 'terriblement' can make your French sound a bit theatrical or dated unless you are using it to describe something truly extreme, like 'terriblement complexe'.

The 'Pas Terrible' Trap: Mistake: Using 'pas terrible' to say something was 'okay'. Correct usage: 'pas terrible' = 'pretty bad/underwhelming'.

To enrich your French vocabulary at the B1 level and beyond, it is helpful to know synonyms that offer different shades of 'badness'. While terrible is a great all-purpose word, sometimes you need something more specific. For example, affreux (awful/hideous) is often used for things that are visually or aesthetically unpleasant. épouvantable (dreadful/ghastly) is even stronger than terrible and is often used for horrific events or unbearable smells.

Affreux / Affreuse: Often used for physical appearance or weather. 'Il fait un temps affreux' (The weather is hideous).
Épouvantable: A very strong word for something that inspires horror or extreme disgust. 'Un crime épouvantable'.

C'est une situation atroce pour les réfugiés.

If you are looking for something less intense, mauvais (bad) or médiocre (mediocre) are your best bets. If you want to sound more informal, you might use nul (rubbish/sucks). For example, 'Ce film est nul' is much more common among friends than 'Ce film est terrible'. On the other hand, if you want to explore the positive side of terrible, alternatives include formidable, génial, or incroyable.

When comparing these words, remember that terrible is often the middle ground. It is stronger than 'mauvais' but perhaps less visceral than 'atroce'. In a professional setting, stick to 'terrible' or 'grave' (serious) to describe errors or problems. In a creative writing context, you might choose 'funeste' (fatal/gloomy) or 'sinistre' (sinister) to evoke a specific mood that 'terrible' alone cannot achieve. Understanding these synonyms allows you to tailor your speech to the specific intensity of the situation.

Comparison Table: Mauvais (Bad) < Terrible (Dreadful) < Atroce (Atrocious). Use this scale to pick the right word for the right moment.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"Le bilan humanitaire de cette catastrophe est terrible."

Neutral

"C'est une terrible erreur de jugement."

Informal

"Son nouveau mec est terrible, tu vas l'adorer !"

Child friendly

"Le gros monstre a fait un bruit terrible."

Slang

"C'est terrible, ce son !"

Fun Fact

In the 17th century, 'terrible' was often used in a positive sense to mean 'extraordinary' or 'powerful', similar to how 'awesome' changed in English.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /tɛ.ʁibl/

US /tɛ.ʁibl/

Stress is usually on the last syllable in French: te-RIBLE.

Rhymes With

horrible possible invisible sensible pénible paisible cible flexible

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'r' like an English 'r'.
Making the 'i' sound like the 'i' in 'sit' (it should be 'ee').
Adding an extra vowel sound at the end (terrib-leh).
Not pronouncing the 'l' clearly.
Stressing the first syllable (TER-rible).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

Easy to recognize due to English cognate.

Writing 2/5

Requires remembering plural 's' and placement.

Speaking 2/5

Uvular 'r' can be tricky for beginners.

Listening 3/5

Must distinguish between literal and slang/ironic meanings.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

mauvais peur grave très chose

Learn Next

épouvantable affreux atroce formidable génial

Advanced

redoutable funeste sinistre effroyable

Grammar to Know

Adjective Agreement

La nouvelle est terrible. Les nouvelles sont terribles.

Adjective Placement (Emphasis)

Une terrible erreur (Emotional) vs Une erreur terrible (Factual).

Adverb Formation

Terrible -> Terriblement.

Impersonal Expressions

Il est terrible de + infinitive.

Negative Opinion

Pas terrible = mediocre.

Examples by Level

Le café est terrible !

The coffee is terrible!

Simple subject + verb + adjective structure.

C'est un accident terrible.

It is a terrible accident.

Adjective 'terrible' follows the noun 'accident'.

J'ai un terrible mal de tête.

I have a terrible headache.

Using 'terrible' to describe physical pain.

Le monstre est terrible.

The monster is terrible/scary.

Adjective used as a predicate.

Il fait un froid terrible.

It is terribly cold.

Used with 'froid' to indicate intensity.

C'est une terrible nouvelle.

It is terrible news.

Note that 'terrible' is before the noun here for emphasis.

Les résultats sont terribles.

The results are terrible.

Plural form: 'terribles'.

Oh non, c'est terrible !

Oh no, that's terrible!

Common exclamation.

Ce film n'est pas terrible.

This movie isn't very good.

The 'pas terrible' construction meaning 'mediocre'.

Elle est terriblement fatiguée.

She is terribly tired.

Adverbial form 'terriblement' as an intensifier.

C'est terrible de perdre ses clés.

It's terrible to lose one's keys.

Structure: C'est + adjective + de + infinitive.

Il a fait une terrible erreur.

He made a terrible mistake.

Adjective placement for emotional emphasis.

Le bruit était vraiment terrible.

The noise was really terrible.

Adding 'vraiment' for more intensity.

Quelles terribles vacances !

What terrible holidays!

Exclamative sentence with 'quel'.

Ce gâteau n'est pas terrible, il est trop sec.

This cake isn't great; it's too dry.

Using 'pas terrible' in a specific context.

C'était un moment terrible pour lui.

It was a terrible moment for him.

Using 'terrible' with a time noun.

La situation économique est devenue terrible.

The economic situation has become terrible.

Using 'terrible' in a formal/serious context.

C'est terrible d'entendre de telles choses.

It's terrible to hear such things.

Infinitive construction with 'de'.

Il a un caractère terrible quand il est en colère.

He has a terrible temper when he is angry.

Using 'terrible' to describe personality/temper.

Les dégâts de l'orage sont terribles.

The damage from the storm is terrible.

Plural agreement with 'dégâts'.

Je trouve ce livre terrible, je n'ai pas pu le finir.

I find this book terrible; I couldn't finish it.

Using the verb 'trouver' for opinion.

C'est terrible, mais nous devons partir.

It's terrible, but we have to leave.

Used as an introductory clause.

Il y a un terrible malentendu entre nous deux.

There is a terrible misunderstanding between the two of us.

Abstract noun modified by 'terrible'.

Le silence était terrible dans la pièce.

The silence was terrible in the room.

Describing an atmosphere.

L'enfant terrible de la mode a encore frappé.

The 'enfant terrible' of fashion has struck again.

Idiomatic use of 'enfant terrible'.

Il est terriblement complexe de résoudre ce problème.

It is terribly complex to solve this problem.

Adverb intensifying a complex adjective.

La nouvelle est tombée, et le bilan est terrible.

The news broke, and the toll is terrible.

Using 'le bilan' with 'terrible'.

Elle éprouve une terrible solitude depuis son départ.

She has been feeling a terrible loneliness since his departure.

Using 'éprouver' with an emotional noun.

Ce n'est pas terrible comme résultat, on peut faire mieux.

That's not a great result; we can do better.

Colloquial use of 'pas terrible' for underperformance.

Un terrible incendie a ravagé la forêt.

A terrible fire ravaged the forest.

Vivid verb 'ravager' paired with 'terrible'.

Il est terrible de voir à quel point les choses ont changé.

It is terrible to see how much things have changed.

C'est + adjective + de + voir + interrogative clause.

Sa réaction a été terrible, elle ne m'a plus parlé.

Her reaction was terrible; she didn't speak to me anymore.

Describing the severity of a social consequence.

L'œuvre de Dostoïevski explore la terrible dualité humaine.

Dostoevsky's work explores the terrible human duality.

Literary/philosophical context.

C'est un terrible constat d'échec pour le gouvernement.

It is a terrible admission of failure for the government.

Using 'constat d'échec' with 'terrible'.

Le vent soufflait avec une force terrible sur la lande.

The wind blew with a terrible force across the moor.

Descriptive literary style.

Il y a quelque chose de terrible dans cette beauté froide.

There is something terrible in this cold beauty.

Structure: Quelque chose de + adjective.

La guerre a laissé des traces terribles dans les mémoires.

The war left terrible traces in memories.

Abstract use of 'traces'.

Elle a un talent terrible pour déceler les mensonges.

She has a formidable talent for spotting lies.

Positive/formidable sense of 'terrible'.

La sentence fut terrible et sans appel.

The sentence was terrible and final.

Legal/formal context.

C'est terriblement dommage que tu ne puisses pas venir.

It is a terrible shame that you cannot come.

Adverbial intensifier with 'dommage'.

Le poète évoque le terrible silence de Dieu.

The poet evokes the terrible silence of God.

Theological/Philosophical context.

L'histoire retiendra ce terrible basculement vers la barbarie.

History will remember this terrible shift toward barbarism.

High-level historical analysis.

Il se dégage de cette musique une terrible mélancolie.

A terrible melancholy emanates from this music.

Using 'se dégager' to describe an aura.

L'enfant terrible a fini par rentrer dans le rang.

The rebel has finally conformed.

Advanced use of 'enfant terrible' idiom.

Sa prose est d'une terrible efficacité.

His prose is of a formidable effectiveness.

Structure: être d'une + adjective + noun.

La vérité, aussi terrible soit-elle, doit être dite.

The truth, however terrible it may be, must be told.

Concessive clause: 'aussi + adj + soit-elle'.

Elle portait en elle ce terrible secret depuis des décennies.

She had been carrying this terrible secret for decades.

Narrative depth.

Ce fut une terrible épreuve pour la cohésion nationale.

It was a terrible ordeal for national cohesion.

Abstract political context.

Common Collocations

nouvelle terrible

accident terrible

froid terrible

douleur terrible

erreur terrible

tempête terrible

bilan terrible

cri terrible

gâchis terrible

force terrible

Common Phrases

C'est terrible !

— That's awful! / That's dreadful!

Tu as perdu ton travail ? C'est terrible !

Pas terrible.

— Not very good / Mediocre.

Le restaurant ? Pas terrible.

Un temps terrible.

— Awful weather.

On ne peut pas sortir avec ce temps terrible.

Une faim terrible.

— A terrible hunger / Starving.

J'ai une faim terrible, mangeons !

Un bruit terrible.

— A terrible noise.

La machine fait un bruit terrible.

Une soif terrible.

— A terrible thirst.

Après la course, j'avais une soif terrible.

Un choc terrible.

— A terrible shock.

Ce fut un choc terrible pour tout le monde.

Une peur terrible.

— A terrible fear.

J'ai eu une peur terrible quand j'ai vu l'ours.

Un mal terrible.

— A terrible pain.

Il a un mal de dents terrible.

Une envie terrible.

— A terrible urge / Desperate desire.

J'ai une envie terrible de voyager.

Often Confused With

terrible ! vs Terrifiant

Terrifiant means scary/terrifying, while terrible is broader (awful/serious).

terrible ! vs Terrific

English 'Terrific' means great; French 'Terrible' usually means bad.

terrible ! vs Pas mal

Pas mal means 'not bad' (good), while pas terrible means 'not great' (bad).

Idioms & Expressions

"L'enfant terrible"

— A person who is controversially unconventional or provocative.

C'est l'enfant terrible du cinéma français.

standard

"Faire un mal terrible"

— To cause great pain or harm.

Ses paroles lui ont fait un mal terrible.

standard

"Un temps de chien (terrible)"

— Very bad weather.

Quel temps terrible, c'est un vrai temps de chien !

informal

"Être dans un état terrible"

— To be in a very bad state or condition.

La voiture est dans un état terrible après l'accident.

standard

"Avoir une tête terrible"

— To look very tired or unwell.

Tu as une tête terrible ce matin, tu as dormi ?

informal

"Un succès terrible"

— An enormous success (older slang).

Ce film a eu un succès terrible à sa sortie.

dated/informal

"Une force de la nature terrible"

— An overwhelming force of nature.

L'ouragan était une force de la nature terrible.

literary

"Le terrible"

— The frightening aspect of something.

C'est là le terrible de la situation.

literary

"C'est pas terrible, terrible."

— It's really not great (doubling for emphasis).

Son nouveau livre ? C'est pas terrible, terrible.

colloquial

"Terrible comme tout"

— Very terrible / Extremely bad.

Ce gamin est terrible comme tout quand il s'y met.

informal

Easily Confused

terrible ! vs Horrible

Almost identical meaning.

Horrible is often more visceral; terrible is more about gravity/seriousness.

Un crime horrible vs Une nouvelle terrible.

terrible ! vs Mauvais

Both mean bad.

Mauvais is general; terrible is intensive/extreme.

Mauvais temps vs Temps terrible.

terrible ! vs Affreux

Both describe bad things.

Affreux often relates to appearance or extreme unpleasantness.

Un pull affreux.

terrible ! vs Épouvantable

Both mean dreadful.

Épouvantable is stronger and more formal.

Une tragédie épouvantable.

terrible ! vs Grave

Both used for serious situations.

Grave is factual; terrible is more emotional.

Une erreur grave vs Une erreur terrible.

Sentence Patterns

C'est [adjective].

C'est terrible.

Ce n'est pas [adjective].

Ce n'est pas terrible.

Une [adjective] [noun].

Une terrible nouvelle.

C'est [adjective] de [verb].

C'est terrible de perdre.

[Noun] + [verb] + [adverb].

Il souffre terriblement.

Quelque chose de [adjective].

Quelque chose de terrible.

Aussi [adjective] soit-il.

Aussi terrible soit-il.

Être d'une [adjective] [noun].

Être d'une terrible efficacité.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

High frequency in spoken and written French.

Common Mistakes

Using 'pas terrible' to mean 'not bad' (positive). → Ce n'est pas mal.
'Pas terrible' is a negative critique in French.
Adding an 'e' for feminine: 'une nouvelle terriblee'. → Une nouvelle terrible.
The word already ends in 'e' and is invariable for gender.
Pronouncing 'terrible' like the English word. → /tɛ.ʁibl/
The French 'r' and 'i' sounds are different from English.
Using 'terrible' for 'terrifying' only. → Use 'terrifiant' for scary.
'Terrible' usually means 'very bad' or 'serious' in modern French.
Forgetting the plural 's' with 'terribles'. → Des moments terribles.
Adjectives must agree in number with the noun.

Tips

Adjective Agreement

Remember that 'terrible' is the same for masculine and feminine. Just add -s for plural: 'des accidents terribles'.

The 'Pas Terrible' Nuance

Native speakers use 'pas terrible' to politely say something is bad. If you want to say something is okay, use 'pas mal'.

Intensifier

Use 'terriblement' before an adjective to say 'extremely'. Example: 'terriblement intelligent'.

Enfant Terrible

This phrase is used in English too! It refers to someone who breaks the rules in a brilliant but annoying way.

The French R

The 'r' in terrible is uvular. Practice by gargling slightly at the back of your throat.

Context is King

If someone says 'C'est terrible !' while smiling, they are using the slang meaning for 'awesome'.

Placement for Emotion

Place 'terrible' before the noun to sound more dramatic or poetic: 'une terrible tragédie'.

Physical States

Use 'terrible' with hunger (faim) or thirst (soif) to show you are desperate: 'J'ai une faim terrible'.

Terrible vs Mauvais

'Mauvais' is just bad. 'Terrible' is a disaster. Reserve 'terrible' for significant things.

Showing Empathy

Saying 'C'est terrible' is a standard way to react when someone tells you about their problems.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Terrible' 'T-Rex' that causes 'Terror'.

Visual Association

Imagine a giant storm cloud with a sad face—it's a 'terrible' day.

Word Web

mauvais peur accident grave pas terrible terriblement terreur horrible

Challenge

Try to use 'terrible' to describe three things you dislike today and 'pas terrible' for one thing that was mediocre.

Word Origin

Derived from the Latin 'terribilis', meaning 'frightful' or 'causing fear'. This comes from the verb 'terrere', which means 'to frighten'.

Original meaning: Inspiring terror or awe.

Romance

Cultural Context

Use 'terrible' carefully when describing people, as it can be a strong insult if not used in the 'enfant terrible' context.

English speakers often use 'terrible' to mean 'very bad' but rarely use it in the slang 'terrific' sense anymore, unlike French.

L'Enfant Terrible (Jean Cocteau) Ivan le Terrible (Ivan the Terrible) Les Années Terribles (Victor Hugo)

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Weather

Un temps terrible
Un vent terrible
Une tempête terrible
Un froid terrible

Health

Une douleur terrible
Un mal de tête terrible
Une faim terrible
Une soif terrible

Emotions

Une peur terrible
Une tristesse terrible
Une solitude terrible
Un choc terrible

Opinions

C'est terrible !
Pas terrible.
C'est terrible de voir ça.
Je trouve ça terrible.

News/Events

Une nouvelle terrible
Un accident terrible
Un bilan terrible
Une erreur terrible

Conversation Starters

"As-tu entendu la nouvelle ? C'est terrible, n'est-ce pas ?"

"Que penses-tu du nouveau film ? Moi, je ne le trouve pas terrible."

"Il fait un froid terrible aujourd'hui, tu ne trouves pas ?"

"C'est terrible ce qui est arrivé à son voisin, tu savais ?"

"Le gâteau de la cafétéria n'est pas terrible aujourd'hui."

Journal Prompts

Décrivez une fois où vous avez entendu une nouvelle terrible.

Quel est le film le plus 'pas terrible' que vous avez vu récemment ?

Avez-vous déjà ressenti une faim terrible ? Racontez.

Que feriez-vous si vous voyiez un accident terrible ?

Pourquoi dit-on que quelqu'un est un 'enfant terrible' ?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Not always. In informal slang, it can mean 'great' or 'awesome', but this depends heavily on tone. In 90% of cases, it means 'awful' or 'serious'. For B1 learners, it's safer to assume it means 'bad'.

They are very similar. 'Horrible' often emphasizes disgust or physical repulsion, while 'terrible' often emphasizes the gravity, scale, or emotional impact of an event.

Use it when you want to say something was mediocre or disappointing. For example, if a meal wasn't good, say 'Ce n'est pas terrible'. Don't use it to mean 'it wasn't bad' in a positive way.

It is both! Because it ends in 'e', the form is the same for masculine and feminine singular. You only add an 's' for plural.

Yes. 'Un homme terrible' can mean a scary man or a formidable man. 'L'enfant terrible' is a specific idiom for a provocative person.

The adverb is 'terriblement'. It is used to mean 'extremely' or 'terribly'. Example: 'Je suis terriblement occupé' (I am extremely busy).

It comes from the Latin 'terribilis', which originates from the verb 'terrere' (to frighten). It has been in the French language since the 12th century.

Yes, it is very common. You will hear it in news, movies, and daily conversations to express strong negative reactions.

Absolutely. 'Un temps terrible' means very bad weather, like a heavy storm or extreme cold.

'Affreux' or 'épouvantable' are excellent synonyms that show you have a good vocabulary range.