French word

pénible

Pronunciation

IPA/penibl/

Meaning

  • adjectivedifficult

Example

Cette période est très pénible pour moi.

This period is very difficult for me.

Illustration for pénible (difficult)

More examples

Après une journée pénible, je prends du temps pour moi.

After a trying day, I take some time for myself.

Core concept

A difficult experience that feels heavy because it causes fatigue, discomfort, or strain.

Common phrases

  • journée pénible

    trying day

  • travail pénible

    demanding work

  • relation pénible

    troubled relationship

Similar words

difficile: Requiring considerable time or effort and not easily done.
fatigant: Causing physical or mental tiredness, especially over time.
ennuyeux: Boring and uninteresting, making time seem to pass slowly.
désagréable: Unpleasant and lacking comfort or enjoyment.

Definition in French

Qui est difficile à supporter, qui cause de la fatigue ou de la gêne.

Word origin

Pénible is formed from peine with the adjectival suffix -ible, linking the modern sense to the older idea of something that causes pain or hardship.

Usage tips

  • Pénible often means tedious or arduous rather than literally painful, so a pénible journée may be exhausting without causing bodily pain.

Other meanings

  • painfuladjective
  • annoyingadjective

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word