douloureux
/du.lu.ʁø/
The English word "painful" is translated into French as douloureux.
Meaning: causing pain (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The adjective douloureux is derived from the noun douleur, which means "pain".
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine singular form is douloureux, which is also used for the masculine plural. Use the feminine singular form douloureuse for feminine nouns, and the feminine plural form douloureuses for feminine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/du.lu.ʁø/
Did you know?
- The root of douleur is linked to the Latin 'dolere', which is also the source of the English word 'dolorous', though this version is rarely used in everyday English.
- While douloureux describes physical pain, French speakers often use the word pénible to describe a 'painful' or tedious situation that is mentally draining.
- In French, the expression avoir mal is used more frequently than douloureux to express that something is painful in daily conversation.
Examples in context
- Ça a l'air douloureux.It looks painful.This sentence is useful for noting that something looks painful.Tatoeba #1546268 by sacredceltic, translation #1546267 by Spamster
- Ça va être douloureux.It's going to be painful.This sentence is useful for stating that something will be painful.Tatoeba #1589097 by Amastan, translation #2891581 by CK
- Ce fut très douloureux.It was very painful.This sentence is useful for describing a past experience of being painful.Tatoeba #1653273 by sacredceltic, translation #1651145 by Spamster
- Il est pénible de devoir travailler sans relâche.It is painful to have to work tirelessly.
- Cette blessure est très douloureuse.This injury is very painful.
- La douleur qu'il ressent est agonisante.The pain he feels is agonizing.
- J'ai eu une crampe atroce hier soir !I had a terrible cramp last night!
- Quand je bouge mon bras, ça fait mal.When I move my arm, it hurts.
- 20 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hugo is showing Léa a wound on his arm.
- LéaEst-ce que c'est douloureux ?Is it painful?
- HugoOui, c'est un peu douloureux.Yes, it is a bit painful.
- LéaTu as besoin d'un pansement ?Do you need a bandage?
- HugoNon, merci, ça va aller.No, thanks, I'll be fine.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “painful” translations and entries douloureux, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
