pénible
An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., grand, petit).
adjective
a. difficult
Travailler dehors sous cette chaleur est particulièrement pénible.Working outside in this heat is particularly difficult.
b. hard
L’ascension de la montagne a été pénible, mais nous y sommes arrivés !The climb up the mountain was hard, but we made it!
a. painful
La convalescence risque d'être longue et pénible.The recovery is likely to be long and painful.
b. distressing
Les images de l’accident sont pénibles à regarder.The images of the accident are distressing to look at.
c. tough
Sonia traverse une période pénible depuis la perte de son emploi.Sonia has been going through a tough time since losing her job.
3.
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
(colloquial)
(irritating)
a. annoying
Tu arrives toujours en retard. C'est pénible !You're always late. It's annoying!
b. trying
Tes nombreuses interruptions pendant la réunion étaient pénibles.Your constant interruptions during the meeting were trying.
c. tiresome
Cette dispute sans fin est vraiment pénible.This never-ending argument is truly tiresome.
Examples
Random Word
Roll the dice and learn a new word now!
Why use the FrenchDictionary.com dictionary?

THE BEST FRENCH-ENGLISH DICTIONARY

Get More than a Translation

Get examples and pronunciations for millions of French words, English words, French phrases, and English phrases.

WRITTEN BY EXPERTS

Translate with Confidence

Access millions of accurate translations written by a team of experienced English-to-French and French-to-English translators.

FRENCH AND ENGLISH EXAMPLE SENTENCES

Learn by Example

Browse thousands of French-English example sentences throughout our dictionary.

CONNECT TO THE FRENCH-SPEAKING WORLD

Express Yourself in French

Browse nuanced French-to-English and English-to-French translations and find the word you’re looking for.
Word of the Day
spoon