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👉 See also: Mardi Gras meaning and pronunciation »
Level A2 (Upper Beginner)
Published February 17, 2026 — Lesson written by French teacher David Issokson for students who want to learn French online, with native audio by Marie Assel Cambier, a voice artist from France.
Today’s lesson explains “Laissez les bons temps rouler”, an expression meaning “let the good times roll” that’s closely associated with New Orleans and Mardi Gras. You’ll learn the standard French pronunciation as well as a word-for-word breakdown.
📘 Laissez les bons temps rouler meaning
“Laissez les bons temps rouler !” is an expression that literally means “let the good times roll.” It’s a word-for-word translation (a calque) of the English phrase rather than a traditional French saying. Locals and tourists in Louisiana, especially New Orleans, use it during Mardi Gras to celebrate and enjoy life. The expression is closely tied to parades, jazz culture, and party traditions along the Gulf Coast.
Here’s the breakdown:
➞ laissez = let / allow (imperative of laisser)
➞ les = the (plural)
➞ bons = plural of bon (good)
➞ temps = time
➞ rouler = to roll, to move/flow
🎧 Laissez les bons temps rouler pronunciation in French
The pronunciation of laissez les bons temps rouler is /lese le bɔ̃ tɑ̃ ʁule/ (IPA), which sounds roughly like “lay-zay lay bon tahn roo-lay”.
Pronunciation tip: Most people get temps (time) wrong. Do not pronounce the -p or the -s. The word ends on a nasal /ɑ̃/. Hence, t + ɑ̃.
📝 Laisser les bons temps rouler usage examples
J’adore Mardi Gras ! Laissez les bons temps rouler !
I love Mardi Gras! Let the good times roll!
Je visite La Nouvelle-Orléans pour Mardi Gras. Laissez les bons temps rouler !
I’m visiting New Orleans for Mardi Gras. Let the good times roll!
This expression comes directly from Mardi Gras culture.
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🔗 Related words and expressions
- la Nouvelle-Orléans — New Orleans
- la Louisiane — Louisiana
- Mardi Gras — Fat Tuesday
- cadien, cadienne (adj.) — Cajun
- un défilé — parade
- les perles (f.) — beads (thrown at parades)
- un masque — mask
📚 Related lessons on FrenchLearner!
👉 Mardi Gras »
👉 Beignet (fritter, donut) »
👉 Joie de vivre »
👉 Temps (time) »
