la vie en rose
The English phrase "la vie en rose" is expressed in French as la vie en rose.
This phrase is used idiomatically to describe a state of being where one sees life in an extremely positive, optimistic or idealized way.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally translated, la vie en rose means "life in pink".
When do people say it?
The phrase is famously associated with the iconic song by Édith Piaf, which has become a cultural symbol of romantic optimism.
Did you know?
- While the phrase sounds purely romantic, a French speaker might use voir la vie en rose to subtly suggest that someone is being far too naive or unrealistic.
- The French word rose refers to both the flower and the color pink, whereas English typically uses two different words for these concepts.
- The word rose was borrowed directly from the Latin rosa rather than evolving naturally through Old French, which is why it avoided becoming the form reuse.
Examples in context
- Depuis que je l'aime, je vois la vie en rose.Since I love her, I see life through rose-colored glasses.
- Elle chante toujours la vie en rose avec passion.She always sings la vie en rose with passion.
- Avec ce nouveau travail, il voit la vie en rose.With this new job, he sees life through rose-colored glasses.
Example conversation
Chloé and Lucas are talking about a romantic movie they just watched.
- ChloéCe film m'a fait voir la vie en rose.This movie made me see life through rose-colored glasses.
- LucasC'est vrai, l'histoire de Lucas et Marie est magnifique.It's true, the story of Lucas and Marie is beautiful.
- ChloéTu es un grand romantique, Lucas.You are such a romantic, Lucas.
- LucasPeut-être, mais j'aime cette vision de la vie.Maybe, but I love this vision of life.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries en, la, rose, vie, CC BY-SA 4.0.
