French word

zen

Pronunciation

IPA/zɛn/

Meaning

  • adjectivecalm

Example

Je suis zen.

I am calm.

Illustration for zen (calm)

More examples

Après le travail, j'essaie d'être zen.

After work, I try to be zen.

Core concept

A person breathing easily with loose shoulders and no visible inner tension.

Common phrases

  • être zen

    be zen

  • rester zen

    stay zen

  • se sentir zen

    feel zen

Similar words

calme: Calm and still, with little noise or activity.
détendu: Relaxed in body and mind, without physical or emotional tension.
serein: Quietly peaceful and free from worry or anxiety.
tranquille: Undisturbed and at ease, with no cause for concern.

Definition in French

Signifie qu'une personne se sent intérieurement calme et détendue, souvent de façon passagère.

Word origin

French zen is borrowed from Japanese zen, the name of a Buddhist tradition associated with meditation, and later acquired a broader sense of calm.

Usage tips

  • The adjective zen is invariable, so it stays the same with masculine, feminine, singular, and plural nouns.

Other meanings

  • relaxedadjective
  • sereneadjective

Opposites

  • stresséstressedadjective
  • nerveuxnervousadjective

Related words

  • zénitudezen serenitynoun

Word lists with this word