joyeux
/ʒwa.jø/
The English phrase "joyful" can be translated into French as joyeux. Wiktionary also lists allègre.
Meaning: feeling or causing joy (adj)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA |
|---|---|
| joyeux | /ʒwa.jø/ |
| allègre | /a.lɛɡʁ/ |
Which one should you use?
While joyeux describes a state of joy, allègre often implies a sense of lightness, briskness or spirited energy in one's movement or manner.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, Canada, the phrase Être ben dans sa peau is used to convey a sense of joyfulness and means being completely at ease with oneself.
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine plural form of joyeux is the same as the masculine singular form. The feminine form of joyeux is joyeuse.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʒwa.jø/
Did you know?
- In France, the most common way to wish someone a 'joyful' Christmas is Joyeux Noël, but for a birthday, the word joyeux is replaced by bon in Bon anniversaire.
- The French word allègre shares a common ancestor with the Italian musical term allegro, which instructs a performer to play a piece in a quick, lively, and cheerful manner.
- The phrase être ben dans sa peau, used in Quebec to express a state of joy and ease, uses the word ben, which is a colloquial contraction of bien.
Examples in context
- Un oiseau la salua de son chant joyeux.A bird greeted her with its joyful tweeting.This sentence shows how to describe a bird's song using joyeux.Tatoeba #5693714 by nimfeo, translation #9795190 by Gib
- Je suis joyeux.I'm joyful.This sentence shows how to express a personal state of being using joyeux.Tatoeba #4592108 by sacredceltic, translation #6796824 by Eccles17
- Accourez, fidèles, joyeux, triomphants : Venez, venez à Bethléem. Voyez le Roi des Anges qui vient de naître. Venez, adorons, Venez adorons le Seigneur.Oh, come, all ye faithful, Joyful and triumphant! Oh, come ye, oh, come ye to Bethlehem, Come and behold him Born the king of angels.This sentence demonstrates the use of joyeux in a lyrical or religious context.Tatoeba #13668687 by Rovo, translation #13668739 by Rovo
- Je suis ravi(e) de vous rencontrerI am delighted to meet you
- Je suis exalté(e) par cette réussiteI am thrilled by this success
- Je suis content(e) de te voirI am happy to see you
- Je suis super content(e) d'avoir réussiI am super happy to have succeeded
- Elle était aux anges après avoir reçu cette bonne nouvelleShe was overjoyed after receiving this good news
- Je pète de joie depuis que j'ai entendu cette musiqueI've been bursting with joy since I heard this music
Example conversation
Gabriel and Chloé are celebrating a friend's success.
- GabrielC'est un moment vraiment joyeux !It is a truly joyful moment!
- ChloéOui, je suis tellement heureuse pour elle.Yes, I am so happy for her.
- GabrielTout le monde a l'air joyeux ici.Everyone looks joyful here.
- ChloéC'est vrai, l'ambiance est géniale.It's true, the atmosphere is great.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “joyful” translations and entries joyeux, allègre, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries allègre, joyeux, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
