French Conversation · Level 32
90 words
French word
peine
Pronunciation
IPA/pɛn/
Meaning
- feminine nountrouble
Example
J'ai de la peine à comprendre ce texte.
I have trouble understanding this text.
More examples
Son départ m'a fait peine.
His departure saddened me.
Core concept
The strain of carrying something difficult, whether the burden is practical, emotional, or imposed by law.
Common phrases
avoir de la peine à
have difficulty ___ing
Similar words
difficulté: A state in which something does not progress smoothly and is hard to handle.
mal: Difficulty carrying out an action successfully.
souci: Persistent worry or anxiety about a troubling matter.
Definition in French
Difficulté ou effort pénible éprouvé pour accomplir quelque chose; sens secondaires: tristesse et sanction juridique.
Word origin
The Latin noun poena denotes punishment, and Old French paine extends that sense to suffering, sorrow, and difficult effort.
Usage tips
- In avoir de la peine à + infinitive, the phrase means finding an action difficult rather than feeling sorrow.