joie de vivre
/ʒwa d(ə) vivʁ/
The French phrase for "joy of living" is joie de vivre.
This phrase is used to describe a person's exuberant, spirited and enthusiastic approach to life.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of joie (joy), de (of) and vivre (to live).
How do you pronounce it?
/ʒwa d(ə) vivʁ/
Did you know?
- The phrase is often paired with the concept of bon vivant, a person who possesses joie de vivre and specifically enjoys the luxury of fine food and drink.
- The phrase joie de vivre is often contrasted with douleur de vivre, which describes a profound existential pain or an inability to find meaning in life.
- The word joie shares a root with the English word 'joy', but it also shares a distant Latin ancestor with the English word 'gaudy', which originally described something bright and joyful.
Examples in context
- La joie de vivre est un sentiment précieuxThe joy of living is a precious feeling
- Le bonheur de vivre réside dans les petites chosesThe happiness of living resides in the little things
- Le plaisir d'être en vie se manifeste dans chaque sourireThe pleasure of being alive manifests in every smile
- Elle a une incroyable joie de vivre.She has an incredible joy of living.
- Ce petit village rayonne de joie de vivre.This little village radiates a joy of living.
- Il faut garder sa joie de vivre malgré tout.One must keep one's joy of living despite everything.
Example conversation
Léa and Gabriel are sitting at a sunny café in Paris.
- LéaRegarde ces gens, ils ont une telle joie de vivre !Look at those people, they have such a joy of living!
- GabrielC'est vrai, l'ambiance est vraiment magnifique ici.It's true, the atmosphere is truly magnificent here.
- LéaCela me donne envie de danser.It makes me want to dance.
- GabrielAlors, profitons de ce moment ensemble !Then, let's enjoy this moment together!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry joie de vivre, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, joie, vivre, CC BY-SA 4.0.
