French Conversation · Level 16
89 words
French word
colère
Pronunciation
IPA/kolɛʁ/
Meaning
- feminine nounanger
Example
Sa colère est compréhensible.
His anger is understandable.
More examples
La colère a éclaté pendant la réunion.
Anger erupted during the meeting.
Core concept
An inner storm that ranges from a sudden flare-up to a long, unsettled simmer.
Common phrases
être en colère
be angry
se mettre en colère
get angry
exprimer sa colère
express one's anger
maîtriser sa colère
control one's anger
Similar words
irritation: Lingering annoyance caused by small nuisances or inconveniences.
agacement: A brief, mild feeling of annoyance at someone's behavior or a situation.
rage: An extremely intense burst of anger that is difficult to control.
fureur: Fierce anger that can lead to forceful or destructive behavior.
Definition in French
État affectif de mécontentement ou d'exaspération qui peut se manifester par une explosion brève ou une irritation prolongée.
Word origin
Colère traces back through Old French and Latin cholera to Greek kholē, 'bile', since ancient humoral theory connected bile with angry behavior.
Usage tips
- For anger directed at someone, French commonly uses être en colère contre quelqu'un, with contre rather than the English preposition at.