🇬🇧 ARTICLE IN ENGLISH
If you prefer to read this article in your own language or in French, simply click on the "Translate" option located to the right of the address bar in Google. It's that easy!
The holiday season is a time for joy, celebration, and spreading good cheer, and what better way to join in the festivities than by greeting friends and family in their native language? If you want to impress French-speaking loved ones this Christmas, learning how to say "Merry Christmas" in French is a great start.
JOYEUX NOëL!
Pronunciation: [zhwah-yuh noh-el]
The most straightforward and widely used way to wish someone a Merry Christmas in French is "Joyeux Noël." This phrase is equivalent to saying "Merry Christmas" in English. It is the go-to greeting for both formal and informal situations and can be used with anyone, from friends and family to colleagues and acquaintances.
Joyeux means "joyful" or "merry."
Noël means "Christmas."
So, when you say "Joyeux Noël," you're wishing someone a joyful Christmas season! It’s simple, elegant, and perfect for holiday cards, social media posts, or when toasting with friends.
BONNES FêTES DE NOëL !
Pronunciation: [bon fet duh noh-el]
Another popular French Christmas greeting is "Bonnes Fêtes de Noël," which translates to "Happy Holidays of Christmas." While "Joyeux Noël" focuses specifically on Christmas Day, "Bonnes Fêtes de Noël" extends well-wishes throughout the entire holiday season, including Christmas and New Year’s.
Bonnes means "good" or "happy."
Fêtes refers to celebrations or holidays, and in this context, it means "festive season."
De Noël specifies that the holidays are for Christmas.
This phrase is commonly used in France and French-speaking countries during the holiday season and works equally well for both formal and informal contexts.
PASSE UN JOYEUX NOëL !
Pronunciation: [pahs uh zhwa-yuh noh-el]
If you're looking to make your holiday greeting more personal, "Passe un Joyeux Noël" is a great choice. This phrase means "Have a Merry Christmas," and it’s a more intimate way to wish someone joy during the Christmas season. It’s perfect for close friends, family members, or anyone with whom you want to share a warm and heartfelt sentiment.
Passe means "to spend" or "have" (as in "have a good time").
Un Joyeux Noël again means "a merry Christmas."
So, when you say "Passe un Joyeux Noël," you’re wishing someone a lovely, joyful Christmas day, and it’s often used just before parting ways or signing off a holiday message.
THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS CARD SET FOR SPREADING JOY IN FRENCH! This year, if you want to send your Christmas wishes in French with a touch of elegance, I’ve found the perfect set for you: "Joyeux Noël" cards with gold foiling and embossing, perfect for sharing the holiday magic!
The set : https://amzn.to/4ahuFBQ
BONNE FêTES DE NOëL À TOUS ! ✨
"Joyeux Noël and warmest wishes from French Smile! May this festive season bring you joy and inspire new journeys into the richness of French language and culture. I look forward to guiding your progress in the year ahead!"
Have you read today’s newsletter?
I’m sharing my family’s traditional French Christmas menu and the traditions behind it. Plus, discover festive French tips like how to say “cheers” 🥂 and express gratitude 🎁 in French this season!
À BIENTÔT ! ✨
Comments