French word

joyeux

Pronunciation

IPA/ʒwajø/

Meaning

  • adjectivecheerful

Example

Les enfants sont joyeux.

The children are cheerful.

Illustration for joyeux (cheerful)

More examples

Il a l'air joyeux après l'examen.

He looks cheerful after the exam.

Core concept

A visibly bright, lively mood that spreads from a person to others.

Common phrases

  • avoir l'air joyeux

    look cheerful

  • un garçon joyeux

    a cheerful boy

Similar words

heureux: Experiencing inner happiness and a sense of fulfillment.
content: Feeling peacefully satisfied with something.
gai: Showing a cheerful, carefree mood.
souriant: Having a frequent, friendly smile and a pleasant expression.

Definition in French

Qui se caractérise par une gaieté visible et communicative, exprimant plaisir ou entrain.

Word origin

Joyeux is formed from French joie with the adjective suffix -eux, while joie comes through Old French from Latin gaudia, the plural of gaudium, meaning joy.

Usage tips

  • Joyeux often emphasizes shared or outward cheer, whereas heureux more often describes personal happiness or good fortune.

Other meanings

  • joyfuladjective
  • merryadjective

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word