subir
/sy.biʁ/
The French verb subir means to experience or be forced to endure something unpleasant.
Use subir when someone is the passive recipient of something negative. This is the standard way to describe undergoing or suffering through things like an injury, a loss or a change.
Which one should you use?
While the verb éprouver can mean to experience or feel both positive and negative emotions, subir is strictly reserved for unpleasant or forced experiences.
How does it change in a sentence?
The past participle of subir is subi.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables and is pronounced /sy.biʁ/.
Did you know?
- While subir is used for enduring pain, it is also the standard term for taking a formal test or examination, such as subir un examen, implying the experience is an ordeal.
- The word subir shares the same Latin root as the English word 'subside', both coming from 'subire' meaning 'to go under' or 'to approach'.
- The phrase un choix subi describes a choice made under duress, emphasizing that the person had no real alternative.
Examples in context
- Les habitants doivent supporter les effets de la sécheresseThe residents have to suffer the effects of the drought
- Il a subi une opération chirurgicale.He underwent a surgery.
- Il a subi une opération.He underwent an operation.
- Elle subit une forte pression.She is undergoing/suffering heavy pressure.
- Il doit subir un examen médical.He must undergo a medical examination.
Example conversation
Emma and Hugo are discussing a colleague's difficult work situation.
- EmmaEst-ce qu'il doit subir beaucoup de stress ?Does he have to endure a lot of stress?
- HugoOui, son nouveau poste est très dur.Yes, his new position is very hard.
- EmmaJe suis désolée pour lui.I am sorry for him.
- HugoC'est une situation difficile.It is a difficult situation.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry subir, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries subir, CC BY-SA 4.0.
