Jonas
/ʒɔ.na/masculine
The English name Jonah is translated into French as Jonas.
Jonas is a masculine given name. In French, it is also a related form of the noun porte-malheur, which refers to a jinx.
Meaning: given name (name)
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables and is pronounced /ʒɔ.na/.
Did you know?
- The word jonas shares a root with the Hebrew name Yona, which means 'dove', creating a contrast between the peaceful bird and the 'jinx' meaning.
- The biblical story of Jonas being swallowed by a great fish is the cultural origin for using the name as a synonym for a person who brings disaster to a group.
- French writers like Victor Hugo have used the figure of the jonas to symbolize an outcast whose misfortune is seen as a curse by others.
Examples in context
- Excusez-moi, Jonah, pouvez-vous m'aider ?Excuse me, Jonah, can you help me?
- Il s'appelle Jonas.His name is Jonas.
- Est-ce que Jonas est là ?Is Jonas here?
- Jonas est un ami très gentil.Jonas is a very kind friend.
Example conversation
Nathan and Léa are talking about their new colleague at work.
- NathanTu connais le nouveau, Jonas ?Do you know the new guy, Jonas?
- LéaOui, je l'ai déjà rencontré.Yes, I have already met him.
- NathanEst-ce qu'il est sympathique ?Is he nice?
- LéaOui, Jonas est vraiment très sympa.Yes, Jonas is really very nice.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “jonah” translations and entries Jonas, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
