chanceux
/ʃɑ̃.sø/
The English phrase "lucky one" can be translated into French as chanceux.
chanceux is used as an adjective to describe a person who is fortunate or possesses good luck. While you can use this adjective to describe someone, it is more common in French to express the idea of being lucky by using the verbal phrase avoir de la chance.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word changes based on the gender and number of the people you are describing. The masculine singular form is chanceux and the masculine plural form is also spelled chanceux. The feminine singular form is chanceuse and the feminine plural form is chanceuses.
How do you pronounce it?
The word consists of 2 syllables and is pronounced /ʃɑ̃.sø/.
Did you know?
- If you want to say someone is 'extremely lucky' in a slangy, colloquial way, you might use the term avoir un bol instead of chanceux. This comes from the word for 'bowl', implying you have a bowl full of luck.
- Calling someone le chanceux can be a backhanded compliment, subtly suggesting the person succeeded through luck rather than merit.
- While English speakers use the word 'chance' to mean a random possibility, in French, that concept is expressed by the word hasard. In French, 'chance' specifically refers to the positive outcome of luck.
Examples in context
- Qui est le chanceux ?Who's the lucky one?This sentence is useful for asking which person is the chanceux.Tatoeba #12553779 by menaud, translation #1207343 by CM
- Je considère que je suis très chanceux d'avoir cette opportunité professionnelle.I consider myself very lucky to have this professional opportunity.
- Quelle chance tu as, veinard !How lucky you are, lucky devil!
- Tu es vraiment chanceux d'avoir gagné ce concours.You're really lucky to have won this contest.
- Tu es un chanceux de partir en vacances.You are a lucky one to be going on vacation.
Example conversation
Léa and Lucas are talking about a coworker's new job.
- LéaMarc a obtenu le poste de ses rêves.Marc got his dream job.
- LucasC'est un chanceux, il est très heureux.He is a lucky one, he is very happy.
- LéaOui, il mérite vraiment ce succès.Yes, he really deserves this success.
- LucasTout le monde est jaloux de lui.Everyone is jealous of him.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry chanceux, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
