Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| tempête | /tɑ̃.pɛt/ | feminine |
| orage | /ɔ.ʁaʒ/ | masculine |
| tourmente | /tuʁ.mɑ̃t/ | feminine |
In French, these words are used to describe a disturbed state of the atmosphere that causes unpleasant or destructive weather. Tempête is a general term for a violent storm and can also be used metaphorically to describe a great commotion or a storm of controversy. If you are referring specifically to the action of violently assaulting a fortified position or building to gain control, you should use the related verb forms assaillir or donner l’assaut.
Which one should you use?
The choice between these words depends on the specific nature of the storm. Use orage specifically when referring to a thunderstorm that involves lightning and thunder. Use tempête when describing a storm characterized by heavy wind, rain or sea storms. While tempête can be used metaphorically for controversy, tourmente is typically reserved for a literary or metaphorical sense to describe emotional or social upheaval rather than literal weather.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Orage is a masculine noun, while tempête and tourmente are feminine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of tempête is /tɑ̃.pɛt/ and it has 2 syllables.
Did you know?
- The word orage comes from the Latin aura, which meant a 'breeze', showing how a word for a light wind evolved into a word for a violent thunderstorm.
- In French, the expression après l'orage is often used to describe the peace and clarity that follow a period of conflict or crisis.
- A tempête dans un verre d'eau is the French equivalent of 'a tempest in a teapot', describing a small problem that is blown out of proportion.
Examples in context
- La tempête se calme.The storm is abating.This sentence shows the verb for the abatement of a tempête.Tatoeba #12949108 by lbdx, translation #11832321 by ddnktr
- La tempête est passée.The storm is over.This sentence describes the completion of a tempête.Tatoeba #13371945 by lbdx, translation #8390731 by Amastan
- C'était un sacré orage.That was some storm.This sentence uses orage to describe a notable thunderstorm.Tatoeba #12330 by sak_sm, translation #42744 by CM
- L'orage était intense hier soir.The storm was intense last night.
- Les habitants ont été évacués en raison de la tempête.The residents were evacuated due to the storm.
- Wow, l'orage était vraiment impressionnant !Wow, the storm was really impressive!
- La tempête a causé beaucoup de dégâts.The storm caused a lot of damage.
- 195 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Chloé and Hugo are looking out the window at the bad weather.
- ChloéRegarde cette tempête arriver !Look at this storm coming!
- HugoElle semble très violente, Chloé.It looks very violent, Chloé.
- ChloéIl faut rester à l'intérieur pendant la tempête.We must stay inside during the storm.
- HugoTu as raison, je ferme les fenêtres.You are right, I am closing the windows.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “storm” translations and entries tempête, orage, tourmente, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries orage, tempête, tourmente, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
