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"Awful" is an adjective which is often translated as "horrible", and "terrible" is an adjective which is often translated as "terrible". Learn more about the difference between "awful" and "terrible" below.
awful(
a
-
fuhl
)An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
1. (dreadful)
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
An awful lot has been written on the subject.Se ha escrito un montón sobre el tema.
He's an awful tease.Es muy bromista.
3. (literary) (old-fashioned) (awesome)
A word or phrase restricted in usage to literature or established writing (e.g., sex, once upon a time).
A word or phrase that is seldom used in contemporary language and is recognized as being from another decade, (e.g., cat, groovy).
a. formidable
The thief fled as the knight drew his awful sword to kill him.El ladrón huyó cuando el caballero sacó su formidable espada para matarlo.
An adverb is a word that describes a verb, an adjective, or other adverbs (e.g., to run quickly, very tired).
4. (colloquial) (extremely) (United States)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
Regionalism used in the United States
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
It's awful hot in the office.Hace un calor tremendo en la oficina.
That puppy is awful cute!¡Ese cachorro es monísimo!
terrible(
teh
-
ruh
-
buhl
)An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
1. (unpleasant)
a. terrible
The Great Depression was a terrible time to be out of work.La Gran Depresión fue un periodo terrible para estar sin trabajo.
2. (very bad)
a. terrible
That book is terrible, don't waste your time reading it!Ese libro es terrible. ¡No pierdas tu tiempo leyéndolo!
b. horrible
I'm terrible at dancing. I always look so awkward.Soy horrible bailando. Siempre me veo tan torpe.
c. espantoso
The trip was terrible; the car broke down twice.El viaje fue espantoso, el coche se averió dos veces.
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
Poor you! What a terrible pain to have to go all that way!¡Pobre! ¡Qué pena tan grande tener que ir tan lejos!
Where have you been? You gave us such a terrible fright!¿Dónde has estado? ¡Nos has dado un buen susto!
