Enfer (en. Hell)

/ɑ̃.fɛʁ/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench

noun

The place where the souls of sinners are punished in many religions.

According to Christian tradition, those who have not lived a virtuous life risk ending up in hell.

Selon la tradition chrétienne, ceux qui n'ont pas mené une vie vertueuse risquent de se retrouver en enfer.

A very painful state or experience.

His life has become hell since he lost his job.

Sa vie est devenue un enfer depuis la perte de son emploi.

A very difficult or unpleasant situation.

They had to go through hell during this period of crisis.

Ils ont dû traverser un enfer durant cette période de crise.

From the Latin 'infernum', meaning 'reddish' or 'located below'.

a hell on earth

An extremely unpleasant or difficult situation.

un enfer sur terre

to be in hell

To be in a very difficult situation.

être en enfer

to live a hell

To face very tough trials.

vivre un enfer

nightmare

A very unpleasant or frightening dream.

cauchemar

punishment

Negative consequence of a reprehensible action.

punition

suffering

State of physical or moral pain.

souffrance

A mix of pleasure and pain.

This experience was both hell and paradise.

Cette expérience était à la fois un enfer et un paradis.

Something very intense or incredible.

It was an insane concert, a real hell on stage!

C'était un concert de malade, un vrai enfer sur scène!