enfer
/ɑ̃.fɛʁ/masculine
In French, the word for the English phrase "hell" is enfer.
enfer is the most common translation for "hell" and refers to the theological abode for the condemned or a figurative place of suffering in life.
Meaning: abode for the condemned (name)
Which one should you use?
While enfer refers to a place of suffering, the word merde is used as a vulgar exclamation to express frustration, similar to how English speakers might use "hell" or "damn".
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
enfer is a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɑ̃.fɛʁ/
Did you know?
- French speakers use the expression un enfer to describe a person who is incredibly difficult to live or work with, regardless of their morality.
- In French, the word enfer can be used as a modifier in un bruit d'enfer, which means a noise that is deafeningly loud rather than evil.
- While enfer is the standard word, French also uses les enfers in the plural to specifically refer to the underworld in a mythological or poetic context.
Examples in context
- Va en enfer !Go to hell!This sentence is useful for showing how to say "Go to hell!" using enfer.Tatoeba #1082174 by sacredceltic, translation #607840 by Eldad
- Allez en enfer !Go to hell.Tatoeba #1082175 by sacredceltic, translation #6099231 by mailohilohi
- As-tu vu l'enfer ?Have you seen hell?This sentence is useful for asking if someone has seen enfer.Tatoeba #1181573 by sacredceltic, translation #1180464 by Scott
- 76 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma and Lucas are discussing a scary movie they just watched.
- EmmaLe film était terrifiant, non ?The movie was terrifying, wasn't it?
- LucasOui, la scène dans l'enfer était incroyable.Yes, the scene in hell was incredible.
- EmmaJe n'aurais jamais voulu être là-bas.I would have never wanted to be there.
- LucasMoi non plus, Emma.Me neither, Emma.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hell” translations and entries enfer, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
