Level A2 (Upper Beginner)
Published February 9, 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.
The French Word of the Day is joie de vivre, a French expression and English loanword meaning “enjoyment of life” or “zest for life.” In today’s lesson, you’ll learn how joie de vivre is pronounced in French and how it’s used naturally in real sentences.
📘 Joie de vivre meaning in French
Joie de vivre is a French expression that translates literally to “joy of living” and means the “enjoyment of life” or “zest for life.” In English, it’s a loanword and carries the same meaning and usage. Joie de vivre refers to a lively, positive outlook on life and the ability to take pleasure in everyday moments. Someone with joie de vivre finds happiness in simple pleasures like good food, conversation, and shared experiences, and approaches life with energy and optimism.
🎧 Joie de vivre pronunciation in French
The pronunciation of joie de vivre is /ʒwa də vivʀ/ (IPA), which sounds roughly like “zhwah duh veevr.”
📝 Joie de vivre usage examples
Elle a une grande joie de vivre malgré son âge.
She has a great zest for life despite her age.
Son sourire et son énergie montrent sa joie de vivre.
Her smile and energy show her joie de vivre.
Il a retrouvé sa joie de vivre grâce à ce nouveau projet.
He has rediscovered his enjoyment of life thanks to this new project.
Ce pays est souvent associé à la joie de vivre.
This country is often associated with a joie de vivre.
Most students think of habiter for “to live”. But, vivre is used for “to live through” or “to experience.”
👉 See also: Vivre meaning and examples »
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🔗 Related words and expressions
- aimer la vie — to love life
- profiter de la vie — to enjoy life / make the most of life
- être plein(e) de vie — to be full of life
- vivre pleinement — to live life to the fullest
- l’optimisme — optimism
- la bonne humeur — good mood
- l’énergie positive — positive energy
- l’art de vivre — way of life / lifestyle
📚 Related lessons on FrenchLearner!
👉 Vivre (to live) »
👉 La joie (joy) »
