General, mild "awful":
* Horrible: This is the most common and direct translation.
* Affreux/Affreuse: This is another common option, slightly more formal than "horrible."
* Mauvais/Mauvaise: This literally means "bad" and can be used for things that are just simply not good.
Stronger, more negative "awful":
* Détestable: This implies something that is truly unpleasant or repulsive.
* Répugnant/Répugnante: This means "repulsive" and is used for something that is considered disgusting or offensive.
* Abominable: This is a very strong word, suggesting something that is truly terrible or wicked.
Specific situations:
* Terrible: This is used for things that are extremely bad or tragic.
* Catastrophique: This is used for things that are disastrous or have a very negative impact.
Example sentences:
* Le film était horrible. (The movie was awful.)
* Le temps est affreux aujourd'hui. (The weather is awful today.)
* C'est un endroit détestable. (It's an awful place.)
* La nourriture était abominable. (The food was awful.)
Ultimately, the best word to use depends on the specific situation and the level of negativity you want to convey.