anxiété
/ɑ̃k.sje.te/
The English word 'anxiety' is translated into French as anxiété.
anxiété is a noun used to describe a state of uneasiness, nervousness, apprehension and obsession.
Meaning: state of uneasiness, nervousness, apprehension and obsession (noun)
Which one should you use?
While anxiété refers to a general state of nervousness or a clinical condition, angoisse is often used to describe a more acute, physical or overwhelming sense of dread or panic.
How does it change in a sentence?
When expressing that someone 'has' anxiety in a general sense, French uses the partitive article de l'anxiété rather than just the noun alone. The adjective form of anxiété is anxieux for masculine subjects and anxieuse for feminine subjects.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɑ̃k.sje.te/
Did you know?
- In French, the feeling of 'anxiety' can be expressed through the phrase avoir la boule au ventre, which literally means 'to have a ball in the stomach'.
- While anxiété is a clinical term, French speakers often use avoir le trac to describe the specific 'anxiety' felt before performing on stage or giving a speech.
- The adjective anxieux shares its roots with the English word 'anxious', as both descend from the Latin 'angere', meaning 'to choke' or 'to gasp'.
Examples in context
- Yanni avait de l'anxiété.Yanni had anxiety.This sentence is useful for seeing how to express that someone had anxiety using the form anxiété.Tatoeba #11941553 by Amastan, translation #10052482 by Amastan
- Ziri sentait de l'anxiété.Ziri felt anxiety.This sentence shows how to express that someone felt anxiety using the form anxiété.Tatoeba #11941560 by Amastan, translation #10897233 by Amastan
- Il a des problèmes d'anxiété.He has anxiety issues.This sentence demonstrates how to mention anxiety issues using the form anxiété.Tatoeba #6634411 by GB3, translation #6633089 by Eccles17
- Je suis stressé(e).I'm stressed/anxious.
- L'examen me cause beaucoup d'anxiété.The exam is causing me a lot of anxiety.
- Je suis très stressé(e) à l'idée de parler en public.I am very anxious about speaking in public.
- Mon amie a des crises d'angoisse lorsque les foules sont trop nombreuses.My friend has anxiety attacks when the crowds are too large.
- J'ai une certaine appréhension avant de prendre l'avion.I have some apprehension before taking the plane.
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hugo and Léa are talking about a stressful work project.
- HugoCe projet me cause beaucoup d'anxiété.This project is causing me a lot of anxiety.
- LéaJe comprends, Hugo. On peut s'entraider.I understand, Hugo. We can help each other.
- HugoMerci, Léa. Ça me rassure un peu.Thanks, Léa. That reassures me a bit.
- LéaRespire et tout ira bien.Breathe and everything will be fine.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry anxiété, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries anxiété, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
