luxe
/lyks/
luxe is the French phrase for luxury, referring to a state of great comfort and extravagant living associated with expensive things.
How do you pronounce it?
/lyks/
Did you know?
- The Latin root lūxus originally meant 'excess' or 'extravagance', but it also carried the connotation of 'spiritual pride' or 'insolence' in its earliest usage.
- In French, the term luxe can be used ironically to describe a simple pleasure that is usually unavailable, such as le luxe d'une bonne nuit de sommeil meaning 'the luxury of a good night's sleep'.
- The French concept of luxe is deeply tied to the 'art de vivre', where the focus is on the refinement of a lifestyle rather than just the possession of costly items.
Examples in context
- L'hôtel cinq étoiles propose un séjour de luxe.The five-star hotel offers a luxurious stay.
- Les boutiques de cette rue sont super chic, on y trouve des marques de luxe!The shops on this street are super chic, you can find luxury brands there!
- Elle vit dans le luxe total.She lives in total luxury.
- Ce n'est pas du luxe, c'est nécessaire.It's not a luxury, it's a necessity.
- Ils recherchent le luxe et le confort.They are looking for luxury and comfort.
Example conversation
Hugo and Manon are discussing their travel plans.
- HugoEst-ce que tu veux un hôtel de luxe ?Do you want a luxury hotel?
- ManonNon, je préfère un endroit simple.No, I prefer a simple place.
- HugoMais le luxe est plus reposant.But luxury is more relaxing.
- ManonPeut-être, mais c'est trop cher pour moi.Maybe, but it is too expensive for me.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry luxe, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries luxe, CC BY-SA 4.0.
