Éden
/e.dɛn/
The English phrase 'eden' is translated into French as Éden.
Éden refers to paradise on Earth. When a speaker is referring specifically to the biblical location, they will almost always use the full phrase le jardin d'Éden instead of using the word Éden alone.
Meaning: paradise on Earth (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
Because Éden begins with a vowel, the definite article le elides to l’ when used before the word (e.g., l'Éden).
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables and is pronounced /e.dɛn/.
Did you know?
- The French word Éden is an example of a loanword that entered the language via Latin, which in turn borrowed it from Hebrew, meaning 'pleasure' or 'delight'.
- French speakers occasionally use the phrase un véritable Éden to describe an unexpectedly pristine natural spot, even if the location is small or urban, like a hidden courtyard.
- In French literature, particularly in the 19th century, Éden was frequently used as a metaphor for a lost childhood or a time of innocence before social corruption.
Examples in context
- Les serpents ont mauvaise réputation depuis l'épisode du jardin d'Éden.Serpents have had a bad rap ever since the Garden of Eden.This sentence is useful for seeing how Éden is used when discussing the Garden of Eden.Tatoeba #14044615 by Myrano_, translation #526867 by darinmex
- Cette île est un véritable Éden.This island is a true paradise on Earth.
- Ce jardin ressemble à un petit Éden.This garden looks like a little paradise on Earth.
Example conversation
Chloé and Hugo are walking through a beautiful botanical garden.
- ChloéRegarde ces fleurs, c'est un pur Éden !Look at these flowers, it is pure paradise on Earth!
- HugoTu as raison, l'endroit est magnifique.You are right, the place is magnificent.
- ChloéOn se croirait dans un conte de fées.It feels like we are in a fairy tale.
- HugoProfitons de ce calme tant recherché.Let's enjoy this much-needed calm.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Éden, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
