paix
/pɛ/feminine
paix is the French word for peace.
paix refers to the state of being free from war or conflict. It is also used in the expression faire la paix, which means to reconcile or make up after a conflict.
Meaning: state of being free from war (noun)
Which one should you use?
While paix refers specifically to the absence of war or conflict, it is distinct from calme (calmness) or tranquillité (tranquility), which describe states of quiet or stillness.
How does it change in a sentence?
paix is a feminine noun, so it is used with the feminine article la to form la paix.
How do you pronounce it?
/pɛ/
Did you know?
- The French phrase avoir la paix does not mean to possess peace in a spiritual sense, but rather to be free from annoyance or interruptions. If a parent says they want la paix, they want the children to stop bothering them.
- The spelling of paix has changed significantly over centuries, appearing as pais or paiz in Old French before settling on the current form.
- In France, if someone says la paix in a frustrated tone to a child or a noisy group, they aren't asking for global harmony but are demanding silence. The phrase laisse-moi en paix translates to 'leave me alone'.
Examples in context
- Repose en paix !Rest in peace!Tatoeba #7556268 by Micsmithel, translation #6209183 by carlosalberto
- Trouve la paix !Find peace.Tatoeba #8739106 by Micsmithel, translation #6599059 by Eccles17
- Je viens en paix.I come in peace.Tatoeba #6885492 by GB3, translation #2308008 by CK
- La paix dans le mondePeace in the world
- La tranquillité d'espritPeace of mind
- Je souhaite la paix dans le monde.I wish for peace in the world.
- Après une longue journée de travail, j'aime retrouver la tranquillité chez moi.After a long day of work, I enjoy finding peace at home.
- Pratiquer la méditation m'aide à atteindre la zénitude.Practicing meditation helps me achieve peace of mind.
- Que la paix soit avec vous!May peace be with you
- 203 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Léa are watching a news report about a conflict.
- LucasOn souhaite la paix dans le monde.We wish for peace in the world.
- LéaC'est un souhait très important.That is a very important wish.
- LucasLe peuple mérite enfin la paix.The people finally deserve peace.
- LéaOui, Lucas, j'espère que cela arrivera bientôt.Yes, Lucas, I hope that happens soon.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “peace” translations and entries paix, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
