French · Emotions & Descriptions
"Angry" in French: en colère
en colère
Note: also: fâché(e)
Angry in French is often en colère: je suis en colère means I am angry. Fâché / fâchée is another common adjective for upset or cross. Keep en colère as the entry headphrase.
After a delay
Je suis en colère : le train a encore du retard.Speak with an AI partner · 7 days free
How to pronounce en colère
Say it
ahn koh-LAIR
/ɑ̃ kɔ.lɛʁ/
En is a nasal ahn. Colère is koh-LAIR, open è, soft French r. Say the two words smoothly: ahn-koh-LAIR.
"Angry" in French: quick reference
| French | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| en colère | angry With être: être en colère. | With être: être en colère. |
| être en colère contre | to be angry with Names the target of the anger. | Names the target of the anger. |
| fâché / fâchée | cross / upset Very common alternative. | Very common alternative. |
| se mettre en colère | to get angry The moment anger starts. | The moment anger starts. |
How to use en colère in real life
- 1After a delay
Je suis en colère : le train a encore du retard.
I'm angry: the train is late again.
Être en colère states the feeling.
- 2Friend drama
Tu es en colère contre moi, c'est ça ?
You're angry with me, is that it?
En colère contre + person.
- 3Cooling down
Ne te mets pas en colère pour si peu.
Don't get angry over so little.
Se mettre en colère for getting angry.
Mistakes English speakers make with en colère
Incorrect: Je suis colère.
Correct: Je suis en colère.
You need the preposition en: être en colère.
Incorrect: Elle est en colère avec moi.
Correct: Elle est en colère contre moi.
Use contre for the person you are angry with, not avec.
Good to know
French arguments can sound direct, but en colère is still a strong label. Soften with un peu énervé or vexé when you mean mildly annoyed rather than furious.
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
A cancelled restaurant booking
ChatPal
Tu as l'air en colère. Qu'est-ce qui s'est passé ?
You look angry. What happened?
You
Oui, je suis en colère : ils ont annulé sans prévenir.
Yes, I'm angry: they cancelled without warning.
ChatPal
Je comprends. On appelle et on reste calmes.
I understand. We'll call and stay calm.
You
D'accord. Merci de m'aider.
Okay. Thanks for helping me.
This is a sample. In ChatPal you have this conversation out loud and get feedback on what you say.
Practice this conversation in ChatPal"Angry" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "Angry" in French
How do I say I am angry?
Je suis en colère. You can also say je suis fâché / fâchée.
Angry with someone — which preposition?
En colère contre quelqu'un.
What is the difference between en colère and fâché?
Both are common. Fâché can feel a bit lighter or more personal; en colère is a clear "angry" state.
How do you pronounce colère?
Koh-LAIR, with an open è.
Learn a word, then use it out loud
- Step 1: See it in context
- Step 2: Say it out loud
- Step 3: Get feedback
- Step 4: Use it in real scenarios
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