Halloween may be an American tradition, but that doesn’t mean the French don’t know how to celebrate with a bit of frisson! And what better way to immerse yourself in the Halloween spirit than by learning some spooky French vocabulary? Get ready to expand your vocabulary with chilling words and phrases!
Creatures of the night
Let’s start with the creatures that go bump in the night. Here are some essential words to describe the spooky denizens of the Halloween season:
- La sorcière (witch): No halloween is complete without a witch or two brewing up trouble.
- Le vampire (vampire): Beware of these blood-sucking creatures lurking in the shadows.
- Le loup-garou (werewolf): Under the light of the full moon, humans can transform into these fearsome beasts.
- Le fantôme (ghost): These spectral beings are said to haunt old houses and cemeteries.
- Le zombie (zombie): The undead rise from their graves, hungry for brains… or maybe just some tasty French pastries!
- Le monstre (monster): A general term for any creature that inspires fear and dread.
Look for and learn more spooky French vocabulary using this online dictionary: https://www.larousse.fr/dictionnaires/francais-monolingue
Haunted places and objects
From haunted houses to creepy crawlies, here are some words to describe the spooky settings and objects associated with Halloween:
- Le cimetière (cemetery): The final resting place for many, often associated with ghosts and spirits.
- La maison hantée (haunted house): A house inhabited by ghosts, guaranteed to give you goosebumps.
- Le squelette (skeleton): A symbol of mortality, often used in Halloween decorations.
- Le crâne (skull): Another macabre symbol often associated with pirates and the Day of the Dead.
- La toile d’araignée (spiderweb): These sticky webs are perfect for catching unsuspecting prey… or just adding to the spooky ambiance.
- La chauve-souris (bat): These nocturnal creatures are often associated with vampires and darkness.
How to express fear
Experiencing a bit of a fright? Here’s how you can express your fear in French:
| Expressions | Examples |
| Être effrayé(e) (to be scared/frightened) This is a stronger word than “avoir peur” and implies a more sudden or intense fear. | J’ai été effrayé par le bruit. I was frightened by the noise. |
| Avoir la chair de poule (to have goosebumps) This describes the physical sensation of fear. | Ce film d’horreur m’a donné la chair de poule. This horror movie gave me goosebumps. |
| Trembler de peur (to tremble with fear) | Je tremble de peur à l’idée de rencontrer le directeur. I tremble with fear at the thought of meeting the director. |
| Être terrifié(e) (to be terrified) This implies an overwhelming sense of fear. | J’étais terrifié par le chien. I was terrified by the dog. |
| Être pétrifié(e) (to be petrified) This describes a state of being so scared that you can’t move. | J’étais pétrifié de peur. I was petrified with fear. |
| Avoir la trouille (to be scared stiff) This is a very informal expression. | J’ai la trouille des araignées ! I’m scared stiff of spiders! |
| Avoir les pétoches (to be scared stiff) Another informal way to express fear. | J’ai les pétoches d’aller chez le dentiste. I’m scared stiff of going to the dentist. |
| Se faire pipi dessus (to pee oneself) This is a humorous, albeit slightly crude, way to describe being extremely scared. | J’ai failli me faire pipi dessus quand j’ai vu le fantôme ! I almost peed myself when I saw the ghost! |
Trick or Treat?
While trick-or-treating isn’t as widespread in France as in other countries, you might hear children saying: “Des bonbons ou un sort !“
Useful phrases
Now that you’ve mastered some spooky vocabulary, it’s time to put it into practice with these useful phrases that will come in handy at any Halloween gathering:
- Que vas-tu porter pour Halloween ? What are you going to dress as for Halloween?
Inquire about your friends’ costume plans. - Je vais me déguiser en vampire! I’m going to dress as a vampire!
Use this phrase to tell your friends about your awesome costume plans. - Comment tu me trouves ? How do I look?
Ask your friends for their opinion on your Halloween look. - J’adore ton costume ! I love your costume!
Compliment your friends on their spooky attire. - Regardons des films d’horreur pour Halloween ! Let’s watch horror movies for Halloween!
A great suggestion for a spooky movie night with friends.
How do French people celebrate Halloween
Learning spooky French vocabulary is a fun and engaging way to connect with French culture and celebrate Halloween. But the fun doesn’t have to stop there! Want to delve deeper into French culture and language? Discover how French people celebrate Halloween by reading our article: https://gogofrance.com/en/blog/halloween-in-france-celebration/
