French word

bonheur

Pronunciation

IPA/bonœʁ/

Meaning

  • masculine nounhappiness

Example

Je te souhaite beaucoup de bonheur.

I wish you lots of happiness.

Illustration for bonheur (happiness)

More examples

Il espère trouver le bonheur un jour.

He hopes to find happiness one day.

Core concept

A calm inner balance in which everyday life feels deeply satisfying and complete.

Common phrases

  • trouver le bonheur

    find happiness

  • chercher le bonheur

    seek happiness

Similar words

joie: A strong feeling of joy that rises suddenly and lasts briefly.
contentement: A quiet feeling of satisfaction with current circumstances.
bien-être: A state of physical and mental health, comfort, and ease.
satisfaction: A feeling of fulfillment that comes from meeting expectations or needs.

Definition in French

État durable de joie et de satisfaction intérieure, perçu comme un bien-être global.

Word origin

Bonheur combines bon, meaning 'good', with Old French heur, meaning luck or favorable fortune, and its sense broadened from good fortune to lasting well-being.

Usage tips

  • Bonheur is masculine, so standard forms include un bonheur and le bonheur.

Other meanings

  • blissnoun
  • lucknoun

Opposites

Word lists with this word