French word

joie

Pronunciation

IPA/ʒwa/

Meaning

  • feminine nounjoy

Example

C'est une grande joie de te revoir.

It is a great joy to see you again.

Illustration for joie (joy)

More examples

Nous avons ressenti une joie partagée après la nouvelle.

We felt shared joy after the news.

Core concept

A warm surge of happiness felt at a success, a pleasure, or a welcome reunion.

Common phrases

  • joie partagée

    shared joy

  • joie intense

    intense joy

  • pleurer de joie

    cry with joy

Similar words

plaisir: A pleasant sense of satisfaction arising from something enjoyable.
bonheur: A lasting state of happiness and deep emotional fulfillment.
satisfaction: A calm feeling that comes when expectations or needs are met.
enthousiasme: Strong excitement and eagerness fueled by intense interest or anticipation.

Definition in French

Émotion agréable et vive provoquée par un événement positif, une réussite ou un plaisir.

Word origin

The noun joie developed from Latin gaudium through medieval French and became the standard French word for intense happiness.

Usage tips

  • Joie de + infinitive or noun is common, as in la joie de vivre and la joie de te revoir, meaning the happiness of living or seeing someone again.

Other meanings

  • pleasurenoun

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word