effrayé
/e.fʁɛ.je/
The English word afraid is translated into French as effrayé.
The term effrayé is an adjective used to describe being impressed with fear or apprehension. In fear. Apprehensive.
Meaning: impressed with fear or apprehension, in fear, apprehensive (adj)
Which one should you use?
While effrayé is an adjective meaning 'frightened', the more common way to express the state of being afraid in French is the verbal phrase avoir peur.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the adjective changes based on the gender and number of the person being described: use effrayée for a female, effrayés for a group of males or a mixed-gender group and effrayées for a group consisting only of females.
How do you pronounce it?
/e.fʁɛ.je/
Did you know?
- To express being 'terrified' in an exaggerated, informal way, a French person might say they are mort de peur, which literally translates to 'dead with fear'.
- In French, the word for 'fear' peur is a cognate of the English word 'peril'. Both derive from the Latin periculum, meaning 'trial' or 'danger'.
- The phrase prendre peur is used when someone suddenly becomes afraid, meaning 'to take fear'. This suggests that fear is something that happens instantly rather than a lingering state.
Examples in context
- Tu étais effrayé, non ?You were afraid, weren't you?This sentence is useful for confirming if someone was feeling afraid.Tatoeba #6309471 by Aiji, translation #3390597 by CK
- Devrais-je être effrayé ?Am I supposed to be afraid?This sentence is useful for asking if one is expected to feel afraid.Tatoeba #12667014 by Olcyx, translation #11881042 by CK
- Elle a l'air fort effrayée.She looks very much afraid.This sentence is useful for describing how much fear a female appears to be feeling.Tatoeba #4760562 by sacredceltic, translation #316575 by CK
- Je suis effrayé par les oragesI am afraid of thunderstorms
- Il est toujours craintif lorsqu'il prend l'avionHe is always afraid when he flies
- Devant cet horrible spectacle, j'étais épouvantéFaced with that horrifying sight, I was terrified
- Je flippe quand je regarde des films d'horreurI freak out when I watch horror movies
- J'avais les jetons avant de passer mon examenI was scared before taking my exam
- 36 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gabriel and Emma are watching a scary movie.
- GabrielCe film est vraiment terrifiant !This movie is really terrifying!
- EmmaJe suis effrayé par les bruits.I am afraid of the noises.
- GabrielTu veux éteindre la télévision, Emma ?Do you want to turn off the television, Emma?
- EmmaOui, s'il te plaît, Gabriel.Yes, please, Gabriel.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry effrayé, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
