Joyeux Noël
Merry Xmas in French is Joyeux Noël.
Joyeux Noël is the standard greeting used to wish someone a happy Christmas holiday.
What does it mean word for word?
Joyeux literally means 'joyful' and Noël means 'Christmas'.
Which one should you use?
While Joyeux Noël is the standard way to say 'Merry Christmas', Bon Noël is also used, though it is slightly less common as a direct greeting.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective joyeux is in its masculine singular form to agree with the masculine noun Noël.
Did you know?
- The word Noël is a linguistic doublet of the English word 'natal', as both derive from the Latin word nātālis meaning 'birthday'.
- The word noël with a lowercase 'n' refers to a traditional Christmas carol or song. This distinguishes the musical piece from the holiday itself, which is written with a capital N.
- In France, it is common to wish someone Joyeux Noël and Bonne année almost simultaneously, as the two holidays are viewed as a single festive season.
Examples in context
- Je vous souhaite un joyeux Noël et une nouvelle année remplie de bonheur.I wish you a Merry Christmas and a New Year filled with happiness.
- Joyeux Noël à toi ! Que cette journée soit remplie de joie et d'amour.Merry Christmas to you! May this day be filled with joy and love.
- Joyeux Noël à tous !Merry Christmas to everyone!
- Je vous souhaite un Joyeux Noël.I wish you a Merry Christmas.
- Joyeux Noël, ma chère amie.Merry Christmas, my dear friend.
Example conversation
Lucas and Manon meet at a holiday party.
- LucasSalut Manon, Joyeux Noël !Hi Manon, Merry Christmas!
- ManonMerci Lucas, Joyeux Noël à toi aussi.Thanks Lucas, Merry Christmas to you too.
- LucasTu passes une bonne soirée ?Are you having a good evening?
- ManonOui, c'est très agréable.Yes, it is very pleasant.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Noël, joyeux, noël, CC BY-SA 4.0.
