sois heureux
The English phrase "be happy" is translated into French as sois heureux.
This phrase is used to express a wish or a command for someone to experience a state of happiness.
Which one should you use?
The form sois heureux is in the imperative mood, which is used for direct commands or wishes. This differs from a statement of fact such as tu es heureux, which means "you are happy".
How does it change in a sentence?
The word sois is the subjunctive form of the verb être (to be), a form required in many French constructions involving wishes or desires. The form of the phrase changes depending on who you are addressing: use sois heureux for a male, or change the adjective to the feminine form sois heureuse if you are speaking to a woman. If you are speaking to more than one person, or to one person using the formal vous, use soyez heureux instead of sois heureux.
Did you know?
- If a French speaker wants to express a sudden, intense burst of happiness, they might use aux anges, meaning they are 'with the angels'.
- To say someone is 'extremely happy', French uses the phrase heureux comme un poisson dans l'eau, meaning 'happy as a fish in water'.
- The word heureux is actually a relative of 'luck' rather than 'joy'. It comes from the Old French word heur, meaning 'good fortune' or 'luck'.
Examples in context
- Je veux que tu sois heureux.I want you to be happy.This sentence shows how to express a desire for someone else's happiness using sois heureux.Tatoeba #10670576 by Aiji, translation #1887900 by CK
- Veux-tu que je sois heureux ?Do you want me to be happy?This sentence illustrates a question about a desire for one's own happiness using sois heureux.Tatoeba #3797754 by sacredceltic, translation #3732083 by CM
- Je ris pour que tu sois heureux.I am laughing so that you will be happy.This sentence demonstrates using sois heureux to explain the reason for an action.Tatoeba #7051895 by Micsmithel, translation #774959 by marloncori
- 12 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nathan is saying goodbye to Manon as she starts a new life in another city.
- NathanBon voyage, Manon. Prends soin de toi.Have a good trip, Manon. Take care of yourself.
- ManonMerci, Nathan. Tu vas me manquer.Thank you, Nathan. I will miss you.
- NathanSurtout, sois heureux dans ta nouvelle ville.Above all, be happy in your new city.
- ManonJe vais faire tout mon possible.I will do my best.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries heureux, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
