Joyeux Noël
To say "happy xmas" in French, use Joyeux Noël.
The phrase is a greeting used to wish someone a joyful Christmas holiday.
What does it mean word for word?
Joyeux Noël is composed of the adjective joyeux (joyful/happy) and the noun Noël (Christmas).
Which one should you use?
If you wish to say "Merry Christmas and Happy New Year", use Joyeux Noël et Bonne Année.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, Canada, it is common to say Joyeuses Fêtes to mean "Happy Holidays".
How does it change in a sentence?
If you use the noun fête (holiday/celebration) instead of Noël, the adjective must change to the feminine form joyeuse.
Did you know?
- The word Noël is a linguistic relative of the English word 'natal'. Both come from the Latin word nātālis, which refers to a birthday.
- The word noël in lowercase can refer to a traditional Christmas carol. In this context, the word describes the song itself rather than the holiday.
- While Joyeux Noël is standard, you will often see Joyeuses Fêtes in Canada. This shift to 'Happy Holidays' is more common in Quebec than in France to remain inclusive of different beliefs.
Examples in context
- Joyeux Noël à tous! Que cette période festive vous apporte joie et bonheur.Merry Christmas to all! May this festive season bring you joy and happiness.
- Joyeux Noël et Bonne Année à toi et à tes proches! Que cette nouvelle année soit remplie de santé, bonheur et succès.Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your loved ones! May this new year be filled with health, happiness, and success.
- Joyeux Noël à toute la famille.Merry Christmas to the whole family.
- Je vous souhaite un Joyeux Noël.I wish you a Merry Christmas.
- Joyeux Noël, mes chers amis !Merry Christmas, my dear friends!
Example conversation
Chloé and Nathan are exchanging holiday greetings at a small party.
- ChloéJoyeux Noël, Nathan !Merry Christmas, Nathan!
- NathanMerci Chloé, Joyeux Noël à toi aussi.Thank you Chloé, Merry Christmas to you too.
- ChloéTu passes une bonne soirée ?Are you having a good evening?
- NathanOui, c'est très agréable.Yes, it is very pleasant.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Noël, joyeux, noël, CC BY-SA 4.0.
