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A2 noun #3,500 mais comum 18 min de leitura

inquiète

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Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas inquiète em 30 segundos

Explicação inquiète in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'inquiète' is introduced as a basic emotional adjective to describe how someone feels. Learners at this stage should focus on the simple structure 'Je suis inquiète' (I am worried) or 'Elle est inquiète' (She is worried). It is important to realize that this word specifically refers to a female subject. If you are a woman, you say 'Je suis inquiète.' If you are a man, you say 'Je suis inquiet.' The goal at A1 is to express basic needs and feelings. You might use this word if you are lost in a city, if you can't find your passport, or if you are waiting for a friend who is late. The pronunciation is key: make sure to pronounce the 't' at the end. You will often hear it in simple questions like 'Es-tu inquiète?' (Are you worried?). At this level, don't worry about complex prepositions; just focus on the core meaning of feeling 'not okay' because of a problem. You might also see it on simple signs or in beginner textbooks to describe characters in a story. It is a 'high-frequency' word, meaning it appears often in daily life, so learning it early is very helpful for survival French. Remember the spelling with the accent: i-n-q-u-i-è-t-e.

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At the A2 level, you begin to expand how you use 'inquiète' by adding reasons for the worry. Instead of just saying 'I am worried,' you can now say 'I am worried because...' (Je suis inquiète parce que...). This allows for more meaningful conversations. You will also learn to use the preposition 'pour' to show who or what you are worried about, such as 'Je suis inquiète pour ma mère' (I am worried for my mother). At this stage, you should also be aware of the reflexive verb 's'inquiéter' and the common command 'Ne t'inquiète pas' (Don't worry). This is one of the most useful phrases in the French language. You'll hear it constantly in shops, restaurants, and among friends. You are also introduced to the idea that 'inquiète' can describe a person's character (a noun). For example, 'C'est une fille inquiète' (She is a worried girl). You should start to notice the difference in sound between 'inquiet' (masculine) and 'inquiète' (feminine). A2 learners should be able to write short notes or emails expressing concern, such as 'Je suis inquiète de ne pas avoir de tes nouvelles' (I am worried about not having news from you).

At the B1 level, you move into more nuanced territory. You start using 'inquiète' to describe more complex situations and emotions. You should be comfortable using different tenses, such as the imperfect ('J'étais inquiète') or the future ('Je serai inquiète'). You will also learn more sophisticated prepositions and phrases, such as 'être inquiète à l'idée de' (to be worried at the thought of). This level requires you to understand 'inquiète' in a broader range of contexts, including professional and social settings. You might use it to describe a collective feeling, like 'La population est inquiète.' You also start to distinguish 'inquiète' from its synonyms like 'préoccupée' or 'soucieuse.' For example, you might choose 'préoccupée' for work issues and 'inquiète' for personal ones. B1 learners should be able to participate in discussions about social issues and express their concerns using this word. You will also encounter the word in more varied media, like radio interviews or newspaper articles. The noun usage 'une inquiète' becomes more relevant as you describe people's personalities in more detail. You are expected to have perfect gender agreement and correct pronunciation of the final 't'.

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At the B2 level, 'inquiète' is used with more grammatical complexity and precision. You will use it in sentences that trigger the subjunctive mood, such as 'Il est surprenant qu'elle soit si inquiète' (It is surprising that she is so worried). You should also be able to use it in the passive voice or in more formal constructions. At this stage, you are expected to understand the subtle nuances between 'inquiète,' 'anxieuse,' and 'angoissée' and choose the correct one based on the intensity of the emotion. You will hear 'inquiète' used in political debates and sophisticated news analysis to describe market trends or social unrest. You should be able to write essays or formal letters expressing concern about abstract topics, like the environment or the economy. The word 'inquiète' might also appear in more literary or formal contexts, describing not just people but also things, like 'une situation inquiète.' You should also be familiar with the word family, including 'inquiétant' (worrying) and 'l'inquiétude' (the worry). B2 learners should be able to use 'inquiète' to describe a character's internal conflict in a literary analysis or a film review. Your use of the word should reflect a deep understanding of French emotional culture.

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At the C1 level, you use 'inquiète' with a high degree of stylistic flair and precision. You are comfortable using it in complex, multi-clause sentences and in various literary registers. You might use the noun form 'une inquiète' to discuss psychological archetypes or character studies in depth. At this level, you understand the historical and philosophical connotations of the word. You might encounter it in the works of existentialist philosophers or classic 19th-century novelists, where it describes a fundamental human condition. You should be able to use 'inquiète' to express subtle shades of meaning, such as 'une curiosité inquiète' (a restless curiosity) or 'une attente inquiète' (a worried waiting). Your vocabulary is broad enough that you can use 'inquiète' alongside its most rare and formal synonyms. In professional contexts, you use it to navigate delicate situations with diplomacy and emotional intelligence. You are also aware of the word's use in art and music criticism to describe a certain mood or tone. C1 learners should be able to debate the causes of national 'inquiétude' and propose solutions, using the word and its derivatives fluently and accurately. Your pronunciation and agreement are flawless, and you can play with the word's meaning for rhetorical effect.

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At the C2 level, you have a near-native command of 'inquiète' and all its nuances. You can use it in any context, from the most casual slang to the most formal academic or literary writing. You understand the word's etymology and how its meaning has shifted over centuries. You can appreciate and use the word in poetic or highly abstract ways, such as describing the 'inquiète' nature of time or existence. At this level, you can identify and use the word in various regional dialects or historical registers of French. You can write sophisticated critiques of literature or philosophy that center on the theme of 'l'inquiétude.' You are also able to use the word with irony or sarcasm, depending on the social context. Your understanding of the word is deeply integrated into your overall cultural competence; you know exactly when 'inquiète' is the most powerful word to use and when a synonym would be more effective. You can lead discussions on complex psychological or sociological topics where 'inquiétude' is a central theme. For a C2 learner, 'inquiète' is not just a vocabulary word; it is a versatile tool for exploring and expressing the depths of human experience and thought in the French language.

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Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas

inquiète em 30 segundos

Inquiète is the feminine form of the French adjective for 'worried,' used to describe emotional unease or concern in a female subject or feminine noun.
It can also function as a noun ('une inquiète') to describe a woman who is a habitual worrier or has a naturally anxious personality.
Grammatically, it requires a grave accent on the first 'e' and a hard 't' sound in pronunciation, unlike its masculine counterpart, 'inquiet.'
Commonly used with prepositions like 'pour' (for someone) or 'de' (about something), it is a vital word for expressing empathy and concern in French.

The word inquiète is a foundational term in the French emotional lexicon, primarily serving as the feminine adjective form of 'inquiet' (worried) or, as specified in your request, a noun referring to a person who is habitually worried. In the French language, emotions are often gendered, and 'inquiète' specifically describes a female subject or a feminine concept experiencing a state of agitation, concern, or lack of tranquility. To understand 'inquiète,' one must look back at its Latin root, inquietus, which literally translates to 'not quiet.' This 'lack of quiet' perfectly captures the essence of the word: it is not just a mental state of concern but a physical and emotional restlessness. When a French speaker describes a woman as being inquiète, they are suggesting that her mind is occupied by potential problems, uncertainties, or fears about the future. It is a word that spans a wide spectrum of intensity, ranging from the mild concern one might feel about a late bus to the profound anxiety a mother feels for a sick child. In its noun form, une inquiète refers to a woman who has a naturally anxious disposition—someone whose default state is one of concern. This usage is common in psychological contexts or when describing personality types in literature. Understanding the nuance of this word requires recognizing that it is more active than 'triste' (sad) but less explosive than 'paniquée' (panicked). It is a simmering state of unease.

The Emotional Spectrum: Inquiète covers everything from slight unease to significant distress, making it one of the most versatile emotional descriptors in French.

Elle semble tout à fait inquiète depuis qu'elle a reçu cet appel mystérieux.

Culturally, the French use 'inquiète' frequently in daily conversation, often pairing it with the reflexive verb s'inquiéter. While the adjective describes the state, the verb describes the action of worrying. For an English speaker, the main challenge is remembering the feminine agreement. Unlike English, where 'worried' is gender-neutral, French requires you to add that extra 'e' and the grave accent on the first 'e' (changing from 'inquiet' to 'inquiète') to match a female subject. This phonetic shift is also important; 'inquiet' ends in a nasal sound, while 'inquiète' ends in a clear 't' sound. This distinction is crucial for clear communication. In professional settings, being 'inquiète' might refer to concerns about a project's timeline or a market's stability. In personal settings, it is the go-to word for family concerns. It is also worth noting that 'inquiète' is often followed by the preposition 'pour' (for) or 'de' (about/at). For example, 'inquiète pour son avenir' (worried about her future). This structural consistency makes it a reliable word for learners to build sentences around once they master the initial conjugation and agreement rules.

Common Pairings: Often used with 'être' (to be), 'sembler' (to seem), or 'paraître' (to appear).

Ma mère est une grande inquiète qui n'arrête jamais de se poser des questions.

The noun form 'une inquiète' is particularly evocative. It suggests a character trait rather than a temporary state. If you call someone 'une inquiète,' you are saying that worry is a part of who they are. This is a common way to describe characters in French literature, particularly in the works of 19th-century realists who were obsessed with temperament and psychology. In modern parlance, it might be used affectionately or critically, depending on the tone. Furthermore, the word 'inquiète' is the gateway to a whole family of words, including 'inquiétant' (worrying/disturbing) and 'inquiétude' (worry/anxiety). By mastering this one word, you unlock the ability to describe a vast array of negative but non-aggressive emotional states. It is a word that demands empathy. When someone says they are 'inquiète,' the standard social response in France is to offer reassurance, often with the phrase 'Ne t'inquiète pas' (Don't worry), which uses the verb form but addresses the same underlying emotion. This interplay between the adjective and the imperative verb is a staple of French social interaction.

La foule, inquiète, attendait les résultats de l'élection avec impatience.

Grammar Check: Remember the grave accent (è) in the feminine form. It changes the pronunciation of the 'e' from a closed sound to an open 'eh' sound.

Elle a une voix inquiète au téléphone ce matin.

Cette petite fille est une inquiète de nature, elle a toujours peur de mal faire.

Using the word inquiète correctly involves more than just knowing its definition; it requires an understanding of gender agreement and prepositional usage. As a feminine adjective, 'inquiète' must always agree with the noun it modifies. If you are talking about a woman, a girl, or a feminine noun like 'la population' or 'une équipe,' you must use 'inquiète.' The placement of the word is typically after the verb 'être' (to be) or after the noun it describes. For example, 'Une mère inquiète' (A worried mother) or 'La directrice est inquiète' (The director is worried). When using it as a noun, as in 'C'est une inquiète,' the word functions as the subject or object of the sentence, identifying a person by their characteristic state of mind. This is a common stylistic choice in French to emphasize a personality trait. You might say, 'Les inquiètes se reconnaissent entre elles' (Worried women recognize each other), highlighting a shared experience of anxiety. This noun usage is slightly more sophisticated and often found in psychological or literary descriptions.

Agreement Rules: Inquiète (feminine singular), Inquiètes (feminine plural). Never use 'inquiète' for a male subject; use 'inquiet' instead.

Elle est inquiète de ne pas avoir de nouvelles de son frère.

Another critical aspect of using 'inquiète' is the choice of prepositions. Generally, 'inquiète' is followed by 'de' when the cause of the worry is an action or a specific fact, and 'pour' when the worry is directed toward the well-being of a person or a future outcome. For instance, 'Elle est inquiète d'avoir perdu ses clés' (She is worried about having lost her keys) uses 'de' because it refers to a specific event. Conversely, 'Elle est inquiète pour son fils' (She is worried for her son) uses 'pour' to show concern for a person. There is also the structure 'inquiète à l'idée de,' which means 'worried at the thought of.' This is a very common and elegant way to express anticipation of a negative event. For example, 'Elle était inquiète à l'idée de parler en public' (She was worried at the thought of speaking in public). Mastery of these prepositions will make your French sound much more natural and precise. It allows you to specify the target and nature of the anxiety clearly.

Prepositional Usage: Inquiète de + [noun/verb] (Worried about/to). Inquiète pour + [person/future] (Worried for).

La ministre s'est montrée très inquiète face à la montée du chômage.

In more advanced contexts, 'inquiète' can be used with the subjunctive mood when it follows certain expressions of emotion. While 'être inquiète' doesn't always trigger the subjunctive itself, it often appears in complex sentences where the subjunctive is required. For example, 'Je suis inquiète qu'elle ne vienne pas' (I am worried that she might not come). Here, the 'que' introduces a clause that requires the subjunctive 'vienne.' This is a higher-level grammatical structure that CEFR B2 and C1 learners should practice. Furthermore, the word can be modified by adverbs to show degree: 'un peu inquiète' (a little worried), 'très inquiète' (very worried), or 'profondément inquiète' (deeply worried). These modifiers help to refine the emotional state being described. In literary French, you might even see 'inquiète' used in a more abstract sense, such as 'une mer inquiète' (a restless sea), where the human emotion is personified and applied to nature. This poetic usage demonstrates the word's versatility beyond simple human psychology.

Sophie est une éternelle inquiète, même quand tout va bien.

Sentence Patterns: [Subject] + [être] + inquiète + [de/pour] + [Object].

Elle restait inquiète malgré les paroles rassurantes de son médecin.

Toute la famille était inquiète en attendant les nouvelles de l'opération.

In the real world, you will hear inquiète in a variety of settings, from the intimate confines of a family home to the formal broadcasts of national news. In French households, it is perhaps most common in the context of parenting. A mother might say to her partner, 'Je suis inquiète pour Julie, elle ne mange rien' (I'm worried about Julie, she's not eating anything). It is also frequently used in medical settings. A patient might describe herself as 'inquiète' regarding her symptoms, or a doctor might note that a patient's family is 'inquiète.' In these contexts, the word conveys a sense of vulnerability and a need for information. On French television news (like TF1 or France 2), you will often hear news anchors use the word to describe the public mood during times of economic crisis, strikes, or international conflict. For example, 'La population française est inquiète face à l'inflation' (The French population is worried about inflation). Here, the word takes on a collective dimension, describing the shared anxiety of a nation.

Context: Media: Used to describe public sentiment or market reactions during periods of instability.

À la radio, l'experte s'est dite inquiète de l'évolution du climat.

In French cinema and literature, 'inquiète' is a powerful tool for characterization. Filmmakers often use close-up shots to capture an 'expression inquiète' (a worried expression) on a female protagonist's face, signaling to the audience that trouble is brewing. In novels, an author might describe a character as 'une âme inquiète' (a restless or worried soul), suggesting a deep-seated existential anxiety that goes beyond any specific cause. This usage is particularly common in the works of 20th-century existentialists like Simone de Beauvoir, where the feeling of being 'inquiète' is linked to the burden of freedom and choice. In the workplace, you might hear it during performance reviews or meetings. A manager might say, 'Je suis un peu inquiète par rapport à tes derniers résultats' (I'm a bit worried about your latest results). In this context, it serves as a polite but clear way to signal that improvements are needed. It is softer than 'mécontente' (displeased) but more serious than just 'occupée' (busy).

Context: Personal Life: Commonly used among friends to express empathy or to share personal burdens.

Elle m'a envoyé un message car elle était inquiète de ne pas me voir à la fête.

Social media also provides a modern stage for the word 'inquiète.' On platforms like Twitter or Instagram, you might see users posting about being 'inquiète' for the state of the world, using hashtags like #inquiétude or #climat. In these digital spaces, the word often serves as a call for solidarity or a way to vent frustration. Interestingly, in the world of fashion or interior design, 'inquiète' can sometimes describe an aesthetic that is slightly off-kilter or avant-garde—a 'beauté inquiète' (a disturbing beauty). This is a very specific, high-register usage, but it shows how the word's core meaning of 'restlessness' can be applied creatively. Finally, in casual conversation, you'll hear the phrase 'C'est inquiétant' (It's worrying) constantly. While 'inquiète' describes the person, 'inquiétant' describes the situation. If a friend tells you a story about a strange noise in their house, you might respond, 'C'est inquiétant, tu devrais faire attention.' This connection between the person feeling the emotion and the situation causing it is fundamental to how French speakers navigate the world.

La directrice de l'école est inquiète pour la sécurité des élèves.

Context: Healthcare: Patients use it to describe their state of mind to doctors, who must then provide 'rassurance' (reassurance).

Elle avait l'air inquiète en sortant du bureau du médecin.

Une mère inquiète vaut mieux que deux médecins indifférents, dit le proverbe.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when using inquiète is failing to observe gender agreement. Because English uses the gender-neutral 'worried,' learners often default to the masculine 'inquiet' for everyone or forget the 'e' at the end when writing. Remember: if the subject is female, it must be 'inquiète.' This is not just a spelling issue; it is a fundamental part of French grammar. Another common error is the pronunciation. The masculine 'inquiet' ends in a nasal 'en' sound (the 't' is silent), whereas 'inquiète' ends with a hard 't' sound because of the final 'e.' If you pronounce the 't' when talking about a man, or fail to pronounce it when talking about a woman, it can lead to confusion or make your French sound unpolished. Practice transitioning between 'inquiet' and 'inquiète' to ensure you can clearly distinguish the two in speech.

Agreement Trap: Mistake: 'Elle est inquiet.' Correct: 'Elle est inquiète.' Always match the gender of the subject.

Ma sœur est très inquiète (correct) vs Ma sœur est très inquiet (incorrect).

Another area of confusion is the difference between the adjective 'inquiète' and the reflexive verb 's'inquiéter.' Many learners try to use 'inquiète' as a verb without the helping verb 'être.' You cannot say 'Elle inquiète pour lui' to mean 'She is worrying about him.' You must say 'Elle est inquiète pour lui' (state) or 'Elle s'inquiète pour lui' (action). Using the adjective alone as a verb is a classic 'Anglicism' where the learner is translating the English 'She worries' too literally. Additionally, learners often struggle with the accent. The grave accent on the first 'e' (è) in 'inquiète' is mandatory. Without it, the word is misspelled and the pronunciation changes. This accent appears in the feminine form to reflect the phonetic opening of the vowel before the consonant 't.' Understanding this phonetic rule can help you remember the spelling across other similar French adjectives (like 'secret' to 'secrète').

Preposition Pitfall: Mistake: 'Inquiète sur.' Correct: 'Inquiète de' or 'Inquiète pour.' Avoid using 'sur' unless referring to a very specific topic of study.

Elle est inquiète de son avenir, pas 'sur' son avenir.

Confusion with similar-sounding words or synonyms is also a hurdle. For example, 'anxieuse' (anxious) is often used interchangeably with 'inquiète,' but they carry different weights. 'Anxieuse' often implies a more medical or persistent clinical state, whereas 'inquiète' is more situational. Using 'anxieuse' for a minor concern might sound overly dramatic. Similarly, 'préoccupée' (preoccupied/concerned) is a milder alternative often used in professional settings. If you say you are 'inquiète' about a small typo, it might seem like an overreaction; 'préoccupée' would be more appropriate. Finally, as a noun, ensure you use the correct article. 'C'est une inquiète' is correct, but 'C'est inquiète' is not. The noun requires a determiner to function correctly in a sentence. Avoiding these mistakes will significantly improve your fluency and ensure that you are communicating your emotions accurately in French.

L'étudiante est inquiète pour son examen de demain.

Pronunciation Guide: In-kyet. The 'et' sounds like the 'et' in 'get'. The 't' is clearly articulated.

Elle est une inquiète chronique, elle s'en veut d'être ainsi.

Ne sois pas inquiète, tout va bien se passer pour toi.

While inquiète is a versatile word, French offers a rich palette of synonyms that allow for more precise emotional expression. Depending on the intensity and the context of the worry, you might choose a different term. For example, if the worry is mild and more akin to being 'busy with thoughts,' préoccupée is an excellent alternative. It suggests that your mind is occupied by a problem but doesn't necessarily imply the same level of emotional distress as 'inquiète.' In a professional setting, saying 'Je suis préoccupée par ce dossier' sounds more controlled and analytical than 'Je suis inquiète,' which might imply a lack of confidence. On the other end of the spectrum, if the worry is intense and bordering on fear, angoissée or anxieuse are more appropriate. 'Angoissée' often carries a physical connotation—a tightness in the chest or a feeling of being overwhelmed—whereas 'anxieuse' is often used for a more general, persistent state of anxiety.

Inquiète vs. Préoccupée: Inquiète implies emotional distress and fear of a negative outcome. Préoccupée implies that the mind is busy solving a problem.

Elle est inquiète pour sa santé, mais elle est simplement préoccupée par son travail.

Another interesting alternative is soucieuse. This word is closely related to the noun 'le souci' (care/worry). Being 'soucieuse' suggests a sense of responsibility and care. It is often used to describe a woman who is very attentive to details or the needs of others. For example, 'Une mère soucieuse du bien-être de ses enfants' (A mother concerned with her children's well-being). This has a more positive, proactive connotation than 'inquiète.' If the worry is caused by a sudden shock or a frightening event, you might use alarmée. This suggests a state of high alert. If you see smoke, you are 'alarmée,' not just 'inquiète.' In literary contexts, you might encounter tourmentée, which describes a soul or mind that is deeply troubled or tortured by worry. This is a very strong word, reserved for significant emotional or existential crises. Choosing the right synonym allows you to convey not just the fact that you are worried, but the specific 'flavor' of that worry.

Intensity Ladder: Préoccupée (Low) -> Inquiète (Medium) -> Anxieuse (High) -> Angoissée (Very High).

Elle n'est pas seulement inquiète, elle est carrément angoissée par la situation.

For more informal or slang contexts, you might hear en flip (from 'flipper,' to freak out) or en stress. These are very common among younger French speakers but should be avoided in formal writing or professional environments. For example, 'Elle est en plein flip pour son permis' (She's totally freaking out about her driving test). On the opposite side, the antonyms of 'inquiète' include sereine (serene), tranquille (quiet/tranquil), and rassurée (reassured). Transitioning from being 'inquiète' to 'rassurée' is a common narrative arc in French stories and conversations. If someone says, 'Je suis rassurée,' it means the cause of the worry has been resolved. Understanding these opposites helps to define the boundaries of 'inquiète.' It is the absence of 'sérénité.' By learning these related words, you build a more sophisticated and nuanced vocabulary that allows you to navigate the complexities of French social and emotional life with greater ease and accuracy.

Après avoir parlé à son patron, elle s'est sentie moins inquiète et plus sereine.

The 'Fear' Factor: Use 'effrayée' if there is actual fear involved, and 'inquiète' if it is more about uncertainty.

C'est une femme inquiète de nature, mais elle reste toujours digne.

Elle était inquiète pour son chat qui n'était pas rentré de la nuit.

How Formal Is It?

Curiosidade

The word 'quiet' in English shares the same root. While 'quiet' describes the state of peace, 'inquiète' describes the active lack of it. It's like the emotional 'noise' in someone's head.

Guia de pronúncia

UK /ɛ̃.kjɛt/

US /æ̃.kjɛt/

In French, stress is generally even across syllables, but there is a slight emphasis on the final syllable 'ète'.

Rima com

diète assiette miette muette tempête fête tête complète

Erros comuns

Pronouncing it like the masculine 'inquiet' (forgetting the 't' sound).
Failing to make the 'in' nasal (sounding like 'in' in 'inside').
Pronouncing the final 'e' as a full syllable (it should be silent, but it makes the 't' audible).
Confusing the grave accent (è) with an acute accent (é).
Missing the 'y' sound after the 'k'.

Nível de dificuldade

Leitura 2/5

Easy to recognize in context, but requires attention to the feminine ending.

Escrita 3/5

Requires remembering the grave accent and the feminine 'e'.

Expressão oral 3/5

The nasal 'in' and the final 't' sound must be clearly distinguished from the masculine form.

Audição 3/5

Must listen closely for the 't' sound to identify the gender of the person being discussed.

O que aprender depois

Pré-requisitos

être femme peur calme problème

Aprenda a seguir

s'inquiéter inquiétant inquiétude anxieuse rassurer

Avançado

angoissée soucieuse préoccupée tourmentée quiétude

Gramática essencial

Gender Agreement of Adjectives

La fille est inquiète (f) vs Le garçon est inquiet (m).

Subjunctive After Expressions of Emotion

Je crains qu'elle ne soit inquiète.

Prepositional Verbs and Adjectives

Être inquiète DE vs Être inquiète POUR.

Position of Adjectives

Une mère inquiète (standard) vs Une inquiète mère (literary/rare).

The Use of 'Avoir l'air'

Elle a l'air inquiète (the adjective agrees with the subject 'elle').

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Exemplos por nível

Elle est inquiète.

She is worried.

Simple subject + verb + feminine adjective.

Es-tu inquiète, Marie ?

Are you worried, Marie?

Inversion for a question with a feminine subject.

Je suis une femme inquiète.

I am a worried woman.

Adjective modifying the noun 'femme'.

Elle n'est pas inquiète.

She is not worried.

Negative construction around the verb 'être'.

Maman est très inquiète.

Mom is very worried.

Use of the adverb 'très' to intensify the adjective.

Pourquoi est-elle inquiète ?

Why is she worried?

Question word 'pourquoi' with a feminine subject.

La petite fille est inquiète.

The little girl is worried.

Feminine singular agreement.

Elle semble inquiète aujourd'hui.

She seems worried today.

Use of the verb 'sembler' followed by an adjective.

Elle est inquiète pour son chat.

She is worried for her cat.

Preposition 'pour' used for the object of worry.

Je suis inquiète parce que le bus est en retard.

I am worried because the bus is late.

Use of 'parce que' to explain the cause.

Ne sois pas inquiète, tout va bien.

Don't be worried, everything is fine.

Imperative form of 'être' in the negative.

Elle est inquiète d'arriver en retard.

She is worried about arriving late.

Preposition 'de' followed by an infinitive.

Ma grand-mère est une personne inquiète.

My grandmother is a worried person.

Adjective modifying the feminine noun 'personne'.

Les filles sont inquiètes pour l'examen.

The girls are worried for the exam.

Feminine plural agreement 'inquiètes'.

Elle a l'air inquiète ce matin.

She looks worried this morning.

Expression 'avoir l'air' followed by an adjective.

Elle est inquiète de ne pas voir son amie.

She is worried about not seeing her friend.

Negative infinitive 'de ne pas voir'.

Elle est inquiète à l'idée de déménager.

She is worried at the thought of moving.

Phrase 'à l'idée de' expressing anticipation.

La directrice est inquiète par la baisse des ventes.

The director is worried by the drop in sales.

Preposition 'par' showing the cause of worry.

Elle restait inquiète malgré mes explications.

She remained worried despite my explanations.

Use of the verb 'rester' to show a continuous state.

C'est une grande inquiète qui se fait toujours du souci.

She is a big worrier who always worries herself.

Noun usage 'une inquiète' with a modifier.

Elle est inquiète de savoir s'il va pleuvoir.

She is worried to know if it's going to rain.

Infinitive clause after 'inquiète de'.

Sa voix paraissait inquiète au téléphone.

Her voice sounded worried on the phone.

Adjective modifying the feminine noun 'voix'.

Elle est inquiète pour l'avenir de la planète.

She is worried for the future of the planet.

Abstract object of worry using 'pour'.

Elle s'est montrée inquiète lors de la réunion.

She showed herself to be worried during the meeting.

Reflexive construction 'se montrer' + adjective.

Je suis inquiète qu'elle ne comprenne pas la situation.

I am worried that she doesn't understand the situation.

Triggers the subjunctive 'comprenne' after 'que'.

Elle était d'autant plus inquiète qu'elle était seule.

She was all the more worried because she was alone.

Comparative structure 'd'autant plus... que'.

L'opinion publique est inquiète face aux réformes.

Public opinion is worried in the face of reforms.

Collective noun 'l'opinion publique' treated as feminine singular.

Elle est inquiète de ce que les voisins pourraient dire.

She is worried about what the neighbors might say.

Clause introduced by 'de ce que'.

Bien qu'inquiète, elle a gardé son calme.

Although worried, she kept her cool.

Concession using 'bien que' (adjective follows directly).

Elle est inquiète pour ses parents qui voyagent.

She is worried for her parents who are traveling.

Relative clause 'qui voyagent' added to the object.

Cette mère inquiète ne dort plus la nuit.

This worried mother no longer sleeps at night.

Adjective placed before or after the noun for emphasis.

Elle est inquiète de voir son projet échouer.

She is worried about seeing her project fail.

Infinitive 'voir' after 'inquiète de'.

Elle déambulait dans la pièce, l'âme inquiète.

She paced the room, her soul worried/restless.

Apposition using a noun phrase with an adjective.

Une attente inquiète régnait dans la salle d'audience.

A worried waiting/anticipation reigned in the courtroom.

Personification of 'attente' with 'inquiète'.

Elle est une de ces inquiètes que rien ne peut apaiser.

She is one of those worriers whom nothing can soothe.

Plural noun usage 'inquiètes' in a partitive construction.

Elle se sentait inquiète, comme si un malheur approchait.

She felt worried, as if a misfortune were approaching.

Simile using 'comme si' to heighten the emotion.

Son inquiète curiosité la poussait à fouiller le bureau.

Her restless/worried curiosity pushed her to search the desk.

Adjective used to modify a psychological trait.

Elle s'est dite inquiète quant à l'issue du procès.

She said she was worried regarding the outcome of the trial.

Formal expression 'quant à' (regarding).

Sa nature inquiète l'empêche de profiter du moment présent.

Her worried nature prevents her from enjoying the present moment.

Subject of the sentence is the noun phrase 'nature inquiète'.

Elle est inquiète de la tournure que prennent les événements.

She is worried about the turn events are taking.

Complex object involving a relative clause.

Elle incarne cette figure de l'inquiète métaphysique.

She embodies this figure of metaphysical worry/restlessness.

Highly abstract noun usage.

L'œuvre dépeint une humanité inquiète et sans repères.

The work depicts a worried humanity without landmarks.

Adjective modifying the collective noun 'humanité'.

Elle est inquiète, non par peur, mais par excès de lucidité.

She is worried, not out of fear, but out of an excess of lucidity.

Philosophical distinction using 'non par... mais par'.

Cette inquiète recherche de la vérité la consume.

This worried/restless search for truth consumes her.

Adjective used to describe a spiritual or intellectual quest.

Elle demeure inquiète devant le silence de l'infini.

She remains worried before the silence of the infinite.

Literary reference to Pascalian themes.

Son expression, à la fois douce et inquiète, troublait ses interlocuteurs.

Her expression, both gentle and worried, troubled her interlocutors.

Juxtaposition of contrasting adjectives.

Elle est l'inquiète gardienne d'un secret trop lourd.

She is the worried guardian of a secret too heavy.

Metaphorical noun phrase.

L'inquiète oscillation de son cœur trahissait son indécision.

The worried/restless oscillation of her heart betrayed her indecision.

Poetic use of the adjective to describe an internal state.

Colocações comuns

une mère inquiète

être inquiète pour

être inquiète de

une voix inquiète

une expression inquiète

une nature inquiète

une foule inquiète

profondément inquiète

un peu inquiète

paraître inquiète

Frases Comuns

Ne sois pas inquiète.

— A common way to tell a woman not to worry. It is comforting and reassuring.

Ne sois pas inquiète, j'ai les clés.

Elle est d'un naturel inquiète.

— Used to describe someone who is naturally prone to worrying. It refers to a personality trait.

Elle ne peut pas s'en empêcher, elle est d'un naturel inquiète.

Une attente inquiète.

— Describes a period of waiting that is filled with anxiety or concern about the outcome.

Après l'examen, ce fut une attente inquiète.

Rendre quelqu'un inquiète.

— To cause someone (female) to become worried. It describes the source of the anxiety.

Ton silence finit par me rendre inquiète.

Se sentir inquiète.

— To experience the feeling of worry. It focuses on the internal sensation.

Elle se sent inquiète sans savoir pourquoi.

Une population inquiète.

— Refers to the collective anxiety of a group of people, often used in news reports.

La population inquiète réclame des réponses.

Demeurer inquiète.

— To remain in a state of worry despite attempts to change it. Shows persistence.

Elle demeure inquiète malgré les preuves du contraire.

Une curiosité inquiète.

— A type of interest that is driven by anxiety or a need to resolve an uncertainty.

Elle posait des questions avec une curiosité inquiète.

Une mine inquiète.

— Refers to a person's facial expression showing worry. 'Mine' means look or appearance.

Elle affichait une mine inquiète en lisant la lettre.

Être inquiète à juste titre.

— To be worried for a good and valid reason. It justifies the emotion.

Elle était inquiète à juste titre vu l'état de la voiture.

Frequentemente confundido com

inquiète vs inquiet

This is the masculine form. Using it for a woman is a grammatical error.

inquiète vs inquiétant

This is the present participle used as an adjective meaning 'worrying' (the thing causing the worry), not 'worried' (the person feeling it).

inquiète vs anxieuse

Often used as a synonym, but 'anxieuse' is more clinical or general, while 'inquiète' is often situational.

Expressões idiomáticas

"Se faire un sang d'encre"

— To worry excessively. While not using the word 'inquiète', it is the idiomatic equivalent of being 'très inquiète'.

Elle se fait un sang d'encre pour son fils.

informal

"Avoir la puce à l'oreille"

— To have one's suspicions aroused, leading to a state of being 'inquiète' or cautious.

Son retard m'a mis la puce à l'oreille, je suis devenue inquiète.

neutral

"Se ronger les sangs"

— To be consumed by worry. A very strong expression of being 'inquiète'.

Elle se ronge les sangs en attendant les résultats.

informal

"Être sur des charbons ardents"

— To be on pins and needles; to be very anxious or worried while waiting.

Elle est sur des charbons ardents, très inquiète pour la suite.

neutral

"Avoir le cœur serré"

— To have a heavy heart, often associated with the sadness and worry of being 'inquiète'.

Elle avait le cœur serré, inquiète de devoir partir.

neutral

"N'en pas mener large"

— To not feel very confident or to be worried/scared in a difficult situation.

Face au juge, elle n'en menait pas large, elle était très inquiète.

informal

"Tourner en rond"

— To pace around aimlessly due to worry or restlessness (being 'inquiète').

Elle tournait en rond dans le salon, inquiète de ne pas le voir arriver.

neutral

"Avoir la gorge nouée"

— To have a lump in one's throat from anxiety or worry.

Inquiète pour son amie, elle avait la gorge nouée.

neutral

"S'en faire"

— A common informal way to say 'to worry'. Often used in 'Ne t'en fais pas' (Don't worry).

Elle s'en fait beaucoup pour rien, elle est trop inquiète.

informal

"Prendre les devants"

— To take the initiative, often because one is 'inquiète' and wants to prevent a problem.

Inquiète pour la fête, elle a pris les devants pour tout organiser.

neutral

Fácil de confundir

inquiète vs inquiétant

They look similar and share the same root.

Inquiète describes the person feeling the emotion. Inquiétant describes the situation or thing that causes the emotion.

Elle est inquiète car la situation est inquiétante.

inquiète vs anxieuse

Both translate to 'worried' or 'anxious'.

Inquiète is usually about a specific event or person. Anxieuse is often a deeper, more persistent personality trait or medical condition.

Elle est inquiète pour ce soir, mais elle est anxieuse de nature.

inquiète vs préoccupée

Both mean someone is thinking about a problem.

Préoccupée is more intellectual and less emotional. It means your mind is 'occupied' with a task.

Elle est préoccupée par ses calculs, mais pas vraiment inquiète.

inquiète vs énervée

English speakers sometimes confuse 'nervous' (worried) with 'énervée' (annoyed/irritated).

Inquiète means worried. Énervée means annoyed or angry.

Elle n'est pas inquiète, elle est juste énervée par le bruit.

inquiète vs troublée

Both involve a lack of calm.

Troublée implies confusion or being emotionally moved/upset, while inquiète is specifically about apprehension of the future.

Elle était troublée par sa beauté, mais inquiète pour son avenir.

Padrões de frases

Elle est [adjective].

Elle est inquiète.

Elle est inquiète pour [personne].

Elle est inquiète pour sa sœur.

Elle est inquiète de [verbe à l'infinitif].

Elle est inquiète de perdre son travail.

Elle est inquiète à l'idée de [quelque chose].

Elle est inquiète à l'idée du changement.

Elle est inquiète que [sujet] [subjonctif].

Elle est inquiète que tu sois malade.

Bien qu'elle soit inquiète, elle [verbe].

Bien qu'elle soit inquiète, elle sourit.

[Sujet], inquiète, [verbe].

Marie, inquiète, regardait la porte.

C'est une de ces inquiètes qui [verbe].

C'est une de ces inquiètes qui ne dorment jamais.

Família de palavras

Substantivos

inquiétude (f) - worry/anxiety

inquiète (f) - a worried woman

inquiet (m) - a worried man

Verbos

inquiéter - to worry/disturb someone

s'inquiéter - to worry oneself

Adjetivos

inquiet (m) - worried

inquiète (f) - worried

inquiétant (m) - worrying/disturbing

inquiétante (f) - worrying/disturbing

Relacionado

quiétude - quietude/peace

inquietude - (archaic form)

réassurance - reassurance

préoccupation - concern

anxiété - anxiety

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Como usar

frequency

Very common in both spoken and written French.

Erros comuns

Elle est inquiet. → Elle est inquiète.
Gender agreement is mandatory. 'Inquiet' is masculine; 'inquiète' is feminine.
Je suis inquiète sur mon futur. → Je suis inquiète pour mon futur.
The preposition 'sur' is rarely used with 'inquiète'. Use 'pour' or 'de'.
Elle inquiète beaucoup. → Elle s'inquiète beaucoup.
To say 'she worries', you must use the reflexive verb 's'inquiéter'. Using the adjective alone as a verb is incorrect.
Pronouncing the 't' for a man. → Pronouncing 'inquiet' as a nasal vowel without the 't'.
The 't' is only pronounced in the feminine form 'inquiète'.
Je suis inquiète que tu es malade. → Je suis inquiète que tu sois malade.
Expressions of worry followed by 'que' often require the subjunctive mood.

Dicas

Gender Agreement

Always check the gender of the person you are describing. If it's a woman, add the 'e' and the accent: 'inquiète'. If it's a man, no 'e' and no accent: 'inquiet'.

The 'T' Sound

The easiest way to remember the feminine form in speech is the 't'. If you hear the 't', it's feminine. If the word ends in a nasal vowel, it's masculine.

Verb vs Adjective

Don't confuse 'Elle est inquiète' (She is worried - state) with 'Elle s'inquiète' (She worries - action). Both are useful, but they function differently in a sentence.

Professional Tone

In a job interview or a formal meeting, 'préoccupée' often sounds more professional and less 'emotional' than 'inquiète'.

Using the Noun

Using 'une inquiète' as a noun is a great way to sound more like a native speaker when describing someone's personality.

The Grave Accent

The accent on 'inquiète' is a grave accent (è). Think of it as pointing down towards the 't' that you need to pronounce.

Nasal Vowels

Practice the nasal 'in' sound. It should be produced in the nose, not the mouth. This is the hardest part of the word for English speakers.

Don't worry!

Learn 'Ne t'inquiète pas' as a single block of meaning. It's one of the most common phrases you'll use in France.

Empathy

When someone says they are 'inquiète', acknowledge it. French social interaction relies heavily on acknowledging and validating emotions.

Intensity

If someone is extremely worried, use 'angoissée'. It shows you understand the depth of their distress.

Memorize

Mnemônico

Think of the word 'quiet'. 'In-quiet' means 'not quiet'. When a woman is 'inquiète', her mind is NOT QUIET because she is worried.

Associação visual

Imagine a woman looking at a clock (worrying about time) or a phone (waiting for news). The 't' at the end of 'inquiète' can look like a ticking clock hand.

Word Web

Inquiétude Inquiet Inquiéter S'inquiéter Inquiétant Anxieuse Soucieuse Préoccupée

Desafio

Try to use 'inquiète' and its masculine form 'inquiet' in the same sentence to describe a couple. For example: 'Elle est inquiète, mais lui, il n'est pas inquiet.'

Origem da palavra

From the Latin 'inquietus', which is composed of the prefix 'in-' (not) and the adjective 'quietus' (quiet, calm, at rest). It entered the French language in the 14th century.

Significado original: The original meaning was literally 'not quiet' or 'restless,' referring to both physical movement and mental agitation.

Indo-European > Italic > Romance > French.

Contexto cultural

Be careful not to over-label someone as 'une inquiète' as it can sound like you are calling them a 'worrywart' or dismissive of their feelings.

English speakers often use 'nervous' where French speakers would use 'inquiète'. 'Nervous' implies more physical jitteriness, while 'inquiète' is more about the mental state of concern.

The character of Madame Bovary often displays an 'âme inquiète'. The phrase 'L'inquiétude' is a central theme in French existentialist philosophy. The song 'Ne t'inquiète pas' is a common title in French pop music.

Pratique na vida real

Contextos reais

Health and Medicine

Elle est inquiète pour sa santé.
Une patiente inquiète.
Être inquiète des résultats.
Rassurer une personne inquiète.

Education and Exams

Inquiète pour ses notes.
Une étudiante inquiète.
Inquiète à l'idée de l'oral.
Elle est inquiète de rater.

Family and Relationships

Une mère inquiète.
Inquiète pour son conjoint.
Inquiète de ne pas avoir de nouvelles.
Elle est inquiète pour l'avenir de ses enfants.

Professional Life

Inquiète par rapport au projet.
Une employée inquiète.
Inquiète de la restructuration.
Elle se montre inquiète pour son poste.

News and Society

Une population inquiète.
Inquiète face au changement climatique.
La France est inquiète.
Des citoyennes inquiètes.

Iniciadores de conversa

"Tu as l'air un peu inquiète aujourd'hui, est-ce que tout va bien dans ta famille ?"

"Est-ce que tu es inquiète pour ton entretien d'embauche de demain ou tu te sens prête ?"

"Je suis vraiment inquiète de la tournure que prennent les événements politiques en ce moment, et toi ?"

"Ma mère est une grande inquiète, elle m'appelle dix fois par jour pour savoir si je vais bien."

"Pourquoi penses-tu que tant de femmes sont inquiètes pour leur avenir professionnel de nos jours ?"

Temas para diário

Décris une situation où tu t'es sentie particulièrement inquiète et explique comment tu as réussi à retrouver ton calme.

Est-ce que tu te considères comme une personne inquiète de nature ou es-tu plutôt du genre sereine ?

Quelles sont les trois choses qui te rendent la plus inquiète en ce moment et pourquoi ces sujets te touchent-ils ?

Imagine une lettre d'une mère inquiète à sa fille qui part vivre à l'étranger pour la première fois.

Penses-tu que l'inquiétude peut être une force positive, par exemple en nous poussant à être plus prévoyantes ?

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

Yes, as an adjective or noun, 'inquiète' is the feminine form. For men, you must use 'inquiet'. This is a strict rule of gender agreement in French. Example: 'Ma mère est inquiète' but 'Mon père est inquiet'.

The 't' is pronounced clearly, like the 't' in the English word 'bet'. This is because the final 'e' makes the preceding consonant audible. In the masculine 'inquiet', the 't' is silent. This is the main difference in spoken French.

While often interchangeable, 'inquiète' is usually situational (worried about a specific thing), whereas 'anxieuse' often implies a more general or clinical state of anxiety. If you are worried about a late bus, use 'inquiète'. If you have an anxiety disorder, use 'anxieuse'.

No, 'inquiète' is an adjective or a noun. However, it is the 1st and 3rd person singular present indicative form of the verb 'inquiéter' (e.g., 'Cela m'inquiète' - That worries me). To say 'She worries', you use the reflexive verb: 'Elle s'inquiète'.

Use 'pour' when the worry is for the well-being of a person or a future outcome ('inquiète pour lui'). Use 'de' when the worry is about a specific fact or action ('inquiète de sa réaction'). 'De' is also used before an infinitive verb.

Yes, it is a very common and natural way to describe a woman who has a tendency to worry. It's more descriptive than just using an adjective because it suggests it's a part of her personality. 'C'est une grande inquiète' is a standard phrase.

Yes, in its feminine adjective and noun forms, it always takes a grave accent on the first 'e' (è). This accent is necessary for both the correct spelling and the correct 'open' pronunciation of the vowel.

You say 'Ne t'inquiète pas' (informal) or 'Ne vous inquiétez pas' (formal). These use the verb 's'inquiéter'. If you want to use the adjective, you could say 'Ne sois pas inquiète', but the verb form is much more common.

In literary French, yes. You might see 'une mer inquiète' (a restless sea) or 'une lueur inquiète' (a flickering/worried light). This is a form of personification where human anxiety is attributed to nature or objects.

The plural is 'inquiètes'. You simply add an 's'. It is used for groups of women or feminine plural nouns. Example: 'Les mères sont inquiètes'. The pronunciation remains the same as the singular.

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