Terrible in Different Languages
Discover 'Terrible' in 134 Languages: Dive into Translations, Hear Pronunciations, and Uncover Cultural Insights.
Updated on March 6, 2024
The word 'terrible' is a small but powerful part of many languages, used to describe everything from a disappointing meal to a natural disaster. Its cultural significance is far-reaching, often used to convey strong emotions and reactions. But have you ever wondered how to say 'terrible' in other languages?
Understanding the translation of 'terrible' in different languages can open up new avenues of communication and cultural understanding. For example, in Spanish, 'terrible' translates to 'terrible' or 'terriblemente' for 'terribly'. In French, it's 'terrible' or 'horrible' for 'horrible'. And in German, 'terrible' translates to 'schrecklich' or 'furchtbar'. These translations not only give us a glimpse into the language but also the cultural context in which they're used.
Moreover, the word 'terrible' has a rich history, with its roots in the Latin 'terribilis', meaning 'to be feared'. Over time, its meaning has evolved and expanded, reflecting the changing nature of the human experience. So, whether you're a language enthusiast, a world traveler, or just curious, exploring the translations of 'terrible' is a fascinating journey into language and culture.
Terrible
Terrible in Sub-Saharan African Languages
| Afrikaans | verskriklik | ||
| The word "verskriklik" in Afrikaans is derived from the Dutch word "verschrikkelijk", which originally meant "causing to be frightened". | |||
| Amharic | አስፈሪ | ||
| The word "አስፈሪ" in Amharic can also mean "awesome" or "great", depending on the context. | |||
| Hausa | mummunan | ||
| The word 'mummunan' in Hausa also means 'very' or 'greatly', and is derived from the word 'mummu', which means 'darkness' or 'secrecy'. | |||
| Igbo | egwu | ||
| Egwu, meaning "terrible," is related to the word "egwu," which means "play" or "dance," suggesting that "play" or "dance" can be both enjoyable and terrifying, depending on the situation. | |||
| Malagasy | mahatsiravina | ||
| "Mahatsiravina" in Malagasy has a literal meaning of "bad smell" or "stench". | |||
| Nyanja (Chichewa) | zoopsa | ||
| The word "zoopsa" is also used to describe something that is very large or impressive. | |||
| Shona | zvinotyisa | ||
| In addition to meaning "terrible," "zvinotyisa" can also mean "awesome." | |||
| Somali | laga cabsado | ||
| Sesotho | e tshabehang | ||
| "E tshabehang" is a contraction of the words "e","tshabela" (to be afraid) and "hang" (very). "E tshabela hang" would mean "it is to be afraid very". | |||
| Swahili | ya kutisha | ||
| The word "ya kutisha" can also mean "to terrify" or "to cause fear" in Swahili. | |||
| Xhosa | eyoyikekayo | ||
| The word "eyoyikekayo" is also used to describe something that is very difficult or challenging. | |||
| Yoruba | ẹru | ||
| "Ẹru" can also mean "a ghost, specter, apparition, phantom." | |||
| Zulu | kubi | ||
| "Kubi" also means "great" or "important". | |||
| Bambara | jugu | ||
| Ewe | ɖi vᴐvɔ̃ | ||
| Kinyarwanda | biteye ubwoba | ||
| Lingala | ya mabe | ||
| Luganda | kibi | ||
| Sepedi | mpe kudu | ||
| Twi (Akan) | nyɛ koraa | ||
Terrible in North African & Middle Eastern Languages
| Arabic | رهيب | ||
| In Arabic, "رهيب" ("terrible") also alludes to the concept of awe-inspiring greatness. | |||
| Hebrew | נורא | ||
| The Hebrew word "נורא" can also mean "awesome," or "magnificent." | |||
| Pashto | وحشتناکه | ||
| The word "وحشتناکه" in Pashto is derived from the Arabic word "وَحْشَةٌ" (wahshatun), which means "wildness" or "savagery." | |||
| Arabic | رهيب | ||
| In Arabic, "رهيب" ("terrible") also alludes to the concept of awe-inspiring greatness. | |||
Terrible in Western European Languages
| Albanian | e tmerrshme | ||
| The word "e tmerrshme" is derived from the Proto-Indo-European root "*trem-/*trom-," meaning "tremble" or "shake," and is related to the English word "tremble". It also has the alternate meaning of "tremendous" or "extraordinary" in Albanian. | |||
| Basque | ikaragarria | ||
| "Ikaragarria" is a word that also means "remarkable" or "extraordinary" in Basque. | |||
| Catalan | terrible | ||
| The Catalan word "terrible" originates from the Latin "terribilis", meaning "inspiring fear or awe". | |||
| Croatian | strašno | ||
| "Strašno" can also mean "very" or "very much" in Croatian, a meaning shared by the Russian word "страшно". | |||
| Danish | forfærdeligt | ||
| The word "forfærdeligt" is derived from the Old Norse word "forfærðr" meaning "destruction" or "ruin". | |||
| Dutch | vreselijk | ||
| The word "vreselijk" is derived from the old Dutch word "vreeslijk", meaning "full of fear" or "dreadful". | |||
| English | terrible | ||
| "Terrible" comes from the Latin "terribilis," meaning "causing great fear or respect." | |||
| French | terrible | ||
| The word "terrible" entered French from Latin in the 15th century and initially meant "causing terror or awe" instead of "very bad". | |||
| Frisian | freeslik | ||
| The word 'freeslik' has a double meaning in the Frisian language, signifying both 'terrible' and the act of being 'very busy'. | |||
| Galician | terrible | ||
| German | furchtbar | ||
| The original meaning of "furchtbar" is "full of fear" from the word "Furcht" (fear), but it has developed to mean "terrifying". | |||
| Icelandic | hræðilegt | ||
| The Icelandic word "hræðilegt" is derived from the Old Norse "hræða," meaning "to tremble or shiver," and is cognate with the English word "horror." | |||
| Irish | uafásach | ||
| The Irish word "uafásach" can also mean "hideous", "disgusting", or "horrible". | |||
| Italian | terribile | ||
| In Italian, "terribile" has a wider range of meanings than in English, including "formidable", "awesome", and even "magnificent". | |||
| Luxembourgish | schrecklech | ||
| "Schrecklech" also means "wonderful" or "great" in Luxembourgish, indicating the relativity of the concept of "terribleness." | |||
| Maltese | terribbli | ||
| "Terribbli" is of Latin origin, which derives from the Latin word "terribilis" meaning "fearful, awe-inspiring, causing alarm" and "terror," from *terrēre, "to frighten." | |||
| Norwegian | fryktelig | ||
| The Norwegian _fryktelig_ derives from the Old Norse word ‘*fryktaðr*’ meaning 'afraid', likely influenced by the Middle Low German '*vruchtlik*', ‘terrible'. | |||
| Portuguese (Portugal, Brazil) | terrível | ||
| The Portuguese word "terrível" also means "awesome" or "magnificent", depending on the context. | |||
| Scots Gaelic | uamhasach | ||
| The Gaelic word "uamhasach" is cognate with the Irish word "uamach" which means "cavern". | |||
| Spanish | terrible | ||
| The Spanish word "terrible" originally meant "causing fear or awe" and is related to the Latin word "terrere," meaning "to frighten." | |||
| Swedish | fruktansvärd | ||
| The word 'fruktansvärd' in Swedish literally translates to 'fruit inspiring' or 'inspiring fear' and can also refer to something that is 'formidable' or 'awesome'. | |||
| Welsh | ofnadwy | ||
| "Ofnadwy" originates from the Proto-Celtic root "*ud-no-", meaning "terrible, fearful" or "causing fear". | |||
Terrible in Eastern European Languages
| Belarusian | страшны | ||
| Belarusian "страшны" derives from PIE "*ḱers-“ (to cut, graze) and cognate with English "harsh" and "screech". | |||
| Bosnian | strašno | ||
| The word 'strašno' in Bosnian also means 'very' or 'extremely'. | |||
| Bulgarian | ужасно | ||
| "Ужасно" in Bulgarian is derived from the Proto-Slavic root "*ugrь" meaning "eel" or "snake" and is still occasionally used to describe "repulsive" people or things. | |||
| Czech | hrozný | ||
| The Czech word "hrozný" originally meant "grape" and has only later extended to the meaning of "terrible, awful". | |||
| Estonian | kohutav | ||
| The Estonian word "kohutav" can also mean "awesome" or "fearsome". | |||
| Finnish | kauhea | ||
| The Finnish word "kauhea" has been theorized to derive from the Finno-Ugric word "ka(u)h-, which means "constriction" or "something that frightens". | |||
| Hungarian | szörnyű | ||
| "Szörnyű" originally meant "monstrous" or "freakish" in Hungarian, but it has taken on a more general meaning of "terrible" or "bad" over time. | |||
| Latvian | briesmīgi | ||
| "Briesmīgi" also means "wonderfully" in archaic Latvian. | |||
| Lithuanian | baisu | ||
| The word "baisu" can also mean "scary" or "frightening" and is related to the Lithuanian word "baisus" which means "terrible" or "horrible". | |||
| Macedonian | страшно | ||
| The word "страшно" is derived from the Old Church Slavonic word "страхъ", meaning "fear" or "dread". | |||
| Polish | straszny | ||
| The word "straszny" in Polish comes from the Proto-Slavic word "*strašьnъ" meaning "fearful, terrifying", and is related to the word "strach" meaning "fear". | |||
| Romanian | teribil | ||
| In Romanian, the word "teribil" can also mean "very" or "extremely", similar to the English usage of "terrific". | |||
| Russian | ужасный | ||
| The word "ужасный" (terrible) comes from the Proto-Slavic word *ǫžastъ, meaning "horror" or "terror". | |||
| Serbian | страшно | ||
| The Serbian word "страшно" (pronounced "strašno") can also mean "very" or "extremely". | |||
| Slovak | strašné | ||
| The word "strašné" originally described something rough and unruly, which is still reflected in its literal meaning in several phrases. | |||
| Slovenian | grozno | ||
| The word 'grozno' in Slovenian comes from the Proto-Slavic word 'groza', which also means 'storm'. It can also be used colloquially to mean 'lots' or 'very'. | |||
| Ukrainian | жахливий | ||
| In Ukrainian, "жахливий" can also mean "astonishing" or "amazing", unlike its English cognate "terrible" which has only a negative connotation. | |||
Terrible in South Asian Languages
| Bengali | ভয়ানক | ||
| The word "ভয়ানক" is derived from the Sanskrit word "भयानक" (bhayānaka), meaning "causing terror" or "fearsome." | |||
| Gujarati | ભયંકર | ||
| The Gujarati word "ભયંકર" (pronounced "bhayankar") not only means "terrible," but also has the connotation of "fearsome," "formidable," or "awesome" in the sense of awe-inspiring. | |||
| Hindi | भयानक | ||
| The Sanskrit root, "bhay," translates to "fear" and "terror," providing "bhayaanak" with a nuance of "inspiring terror." | |||
| Kannada | ಭಯಾನಕ | ||
| "Bhayankara" also means "fear-provoking" in Kannada | |||
| Malayalam | ഭയങ്കര | ||
| The word "ഭയങ്കര" in Malayalam also means "wonderful" or "awe-inspiring" depending on the context in which it is used. | |||
| Marathi | भयानक | ||
| The word 'भयानक' can also mean 'awesome' or 'wonderful' in Marathi, depending on the context. | |||
| Nepali | भयानक | ||
| The word भयानक (bhayānaka) literally means "causing fear" in Sanskrit, and can also refer to something that is "awe-inspiring" or "magnificent". | |||
| Punjabi | ਭਿਆਨਕ | ||
| Sinhala (Sinhalese) | භයානකයි | ||
| The word 'භයානකයි' is derived from the Sanskrit word 'भय' (bhaya), meaning 'fear' or 'dread'. | |||
| Tamil | பயங்கரமானது | ||
| Telugu | భయంకరమైనది | ||
| The word "భయంకరమైనది" in Telugu is also used to describe something that is awe-inspiring or astonishing. | |||
| Urdu | خوفناک | ||
| The Urdu word "خوفناک" is derived from the Persian word "خوف", meaning "fear", and can also mean "frightening" or "horrible". | |||
Terrible in East Asian Languages
| Chinese (Simplified) | 可怕 | ||
| The term "可怕" (pronounced "kepa") can either mean "frightening" or "great, formidable, or respectable." | |||
| Chinese (Traditional) | 可怕 | ||
| 可怕 (kèpà) literally means "that which can cause fear," and is a broader term that can also refer to something awe-inspiring or amazing. | |||
| Japanese | ひどい | ||
| The word ひどい originates from classical Chinese and can also mean “cruel” or “unreasonable”. | |||
| Korean | 무서운 | ||
| The word 무서운 literally means "something that causes goosebumps on the skin" or "causing the hairs to stand on end" | |||
| Mongolian | аймшигтай | ||
| The Mongolian word "аймшигтай" ultimately derives from a Proto-Mongolic word meaning "unlucky" and can also mean "dangerous" or "risky". | |||
| Myanmar (Burmese) | ကြောက်စရာကောင်းတဲ့ | ||
Terrible in South East Asian Languages
| Indonesian | mengerikan | ||
| The word "mengerikan" comes from the Old Javanese word "anger", meaning "fear", and the suffix "-kan", which indicates a passive or causative state. | |||
| Javanese | elek tenan | ||
| "Elek tenan" can also mean "very good" when used sarcastically or in a teasing manner. | |||
| Khmer | គួរឱ្យខ្លាច | ||
| Lao | ຂີ້ຮ້າຍ | ||
| Malay | dahsyat | ||
| In Malaysia, "dahsyat" means "terrible", but it also has the positive meaning of "awesome" or "great" in informal speech. | |||
| Thai | แย่มาก | ||
| "แย่มาก" in Thai is also used to describe something that is "very good" or "excellent" | |||
| Vietnamese | khủng khiếp | ||
| "Khủng khiếp" derives from Chinese "空劫," meaning "great emptiness" or "nothingness". | |||
| Filipino (Tagalog) | kakila-kilabot | ||
Terrible in Central Asian Languages
| Azerbaijani | dəhşətli | ||
| "Dəhşətli" comes from the Persian word "dahshat" which means "fear, terror, or horror." | |||
| Kazakh | қорқынышты | ||
| "Қорқынышты" is a Kazakh word that originates from the Persian word "horkh" meaning "fear" or "dread". | |||
| Kyrgyz | коркунучтуу | ||
| Tajik | даҳшатнок | ||
| In some contexts, "даҳшатнок" can also refer to something amazing or astonishing, and it can be used in a positive sense. | |||
| Turkmen | aýylganç | ||
| Uzbek | qo'rqinchli | ||
| The word "qo'rqinchli" also means "impressive" or "awe-inspiring" in Uzbek. | |||
| Uyghur | قورقۇنچلۇق | ||
Terrible in Pacific Languages
| Hawaiian | weliweli | ||
| "Weliweli" also means "exceedingly large" in Hawaiian. | |||
| Maori | whakamataku | ||
| The Maori word 'whakamataku' also has a different meaning, referring to a sense of fear or shame. | |||
| Samoan | mataʻutia | ||
| In Tuvaluan, it also means "to be tired, sleepy, or reluctant to do something". | |||
| Tagalog (Filipino) | grabe | ||
| The word "grabe" in Tagalog can also be used to express surprise, admiration, or even anger. | |||
Terrible in American Indigenous Languages
| Aymara | phiru | ||
| Guarani | ivairasáva | ||
Terrible in International Languages
| Esperanto | terura | ||
| The word "terura" comes from the Latin word "terra" meaning "earth" and was originally used to describe things that were awe-inspiring or earth-shattering. | |||
| Latin | horribilis | ||
| The word "horribilis" could mean "bristling" or "standing on end" (of hair), as seen on the back of an angry animal, and later came to mean anything fearsome or terrible. | |||
Terrible in Others Languages
| Greek | τρομερός | ||
| The word "τρομερός" in Greek originally meant "trembling" or "shaking" before it came to mean "terrible". | |||
| Hmong | txaus ntshai kawg li | ||
| The Chinese characters used to represent "txaus ntshai kawg li" (terrible) in Hmong can also mean "fierce animal" or "ferocious beast." | |||
| Kurdish | tirsgiran | ||
| The Kurdish word "tirsgiran" can also be used to describe something or someone who is disgusting or unpleasant. | |||
| Turkish | korkunç | ||
| It derives from Mongolian "khorkhom" "fear" but also means "wonderful" as in "korkunç güzel" or "awesome" as in "korkunç harika" and "superb" as in "korkunç nefis" in Turkish, unlike in English. | |||
| Xhosa | eyoyikekayo | ||
| The word "eyoyikekayo" is also used to describe something that is very difficult or challenging. | |||
| Yiddish | שרעקלעך | ||
| "שרעקלעך" is a Yiddish word that derives from the German "schrecklich" and can also mean "awesome" or "great". | |||
| Zulu | kubi | ||
| "Kubi" also means "great" or "important". | |||
| Assamese | ভয়ানক | ||
| Aymara | phiru | ||
| Bhojpuri | डरावन | ||
| Dhivehi | ބިރުވެތި | ||
| Dogri | डरौना | ||
| Filipino (Tagalog) | kakila-kilabot | ||
| Guarani | ivairasáva | ||
| Ilocano | nakaal-alingget | ||
| Krio | bad | ||
| Kurdish (Sorani) | خراپ | ||
| Maithili | भयावह | ||
| Meiteilon (Manipuri) | ꯅꯨꯡꯉꯥꯏꯇꯕ | ||
| Mizo | chhe tak | ||
| Oromo | badaa | ||
| Odia (Oriya) | ଭୟଙ୍କର | ||
| Quechua | millay | ||
| Sanskrit | भयङ्करी | ||
| Tatar | коточкыч | ||
| Tigrinya | ብጣዕሚ ሕማቅ | ||
| Tsonga | xo biha | ||