15 French Phrases To Instantly Elevate Your Life (Oui, Really)

Did I take three years of French in high school and two years in college? Oui, but I promise you not a single one of these phrases ended up on a quiz. 

The French language has a unique charm that captivates hearts around the world. With its soft, melodic flow and deep cultural roots, French is often called the language of love. It doesn’t just convey meaning—it evokes emotion, making even the simplest moments feel special. Speaking French is like adding a layer of elegance to your life that transforms ordinary moments into something—hands gesture theatrically—je ne sais quoi!

Incorporating French phrases into your everyday routine can bring a touch of romance and grace to even the busiest days. These expressions not only sound beautiful, but they also infuse life with a sense of joy and sophistication. In this article, we’ll explore 15 French phrases that the English language could surely borrow to make your life feel a little more like a love story.

Joie de vivre

Translation: The joy of living—embracing life with passion and zest, finding beauty in the everyday. Life’s too short to not embrace every moment with passion—find the joy in the little things and live with a joie de vivre attitude. Whether it’s a cup of coffee or a sunset, joie de vivre is about savoring every moment like it’s the best one yet.

Flâner

Translation: To wander aimlessly, soaking in the moment, letting time slow down. Sometimes the best way to spend a day is to simply flâner through the streets, letting the world unfold at its own pace.

Rendezvous

Translation: A rendezvous is more than just a meeting—it's the kind of intimate moment with someone that makes you feel alive, connected, and seen. Whether it's a coffee date or a surprise encounter, every rendezvous holds the promise of something special.

Savoir-faire 

Translation: The art of handling situations with grace, elegance, and confidence. With a little savoir-faire, you can turn any awkward moment into a display of charm and elegance. Savoir-faire isn’t just about knowing what to do, it’s about doing it with style and confidence.

L'appel du vide 

Translation: That strange pull you feel when standing at the edge, a mix of fear and curiosity. Standing on a cliff's edge, you feel the l'appel du vide—that strange fascination that makes you wonder what would happen if you just let go. The l'appel du vide is that inexplicable pull toward the unknown, where curiosity meets a rush of adrenaline.

Mélancolie 

Translation: A bittersweet, poetic sadness that comes with appreciating the fleeting beauty of life. There’s a certain beauty in mélancolie, a sadness that makes you appreciate the fleeting moments of joy even more. Mélancolie isn’t about being unhappy—it's the bittersweet realization that beautiful things don’t last forever.

Dépaysement 

Translation: The feeling of being out of your element—lost but in an adventurous way. Dépaysement is the feeling of stepping into a new world, where everything is unfamiliar, yet exciting. Being lost in a foreign place is dépaysement at its finest—a mix of disorientation and adventure.

Épanouissement 

Translation: Blossoming and growing into your fullest, most authentic self, like a flower that’s finally opening to the sun. When you experience épanouissement, you know you’re living life fully and authentically, embracing who you truly are.

Coup de foudre

Translation: Love at first sight—an intense, immediate connection that sweeps you off your feet. The moment you lock eyes with someone, you feel it—a coup de foudre that strikes instantly and leaves you breathless. Coup de foudre is that lightning bolt of love, where time stands still and you just know.

La vie en rose

Translation: Life in pink—the feeling of seeing the world through rose-colored glasses, filled with romance and optimism. When you’re in love or feeling hopeful, life suddenly takes on a rosy hue—la vie en rose is like seeing the world through rose-colored glasses. Every day can feel like la vie en rose when you’re wrapped in optimism and the joy of the moment.

Tête-à-tête

Translation: A private conversation between two people, an intimate exchange of thoughts and feelings. A tête-à-tête is the kind of conversation that leaves you feeling connected and understood, as if time slows down just for the two of you. No distractions, no rush—just the intimacy of a tête-à-tête with someone you truly care about.

Bon appétit

Translation: A wish for enjoyment of a meal, but also a celebration of the simple pleasure of good food and company. With every bite, bon appétit isn’t just a wish—it’s an invitation to savor the moment and enjoy good food in great company.

Saying bon appétit before a meal reminds us to appreciate the simple pleasure of nourishing ourselves.

Sérendipité

Translation: The occurrence of events by chance in a happy or beneficial way, a delightful surprise. Sometimes life has a way of surprising you with the perfect moment—sérendipité is the magic of a happy accident. Whether it’s finding a new favorite book or meeting someone unexpected, sérendipité is the beauty of life’s delightful surprises.

Chic

Translation: Stylish elegance, a refined sense of fashion or demeanor that is effortlessly graceful. Chic is that effortless style that looks polished without even trying—whether you're in a little black dress or jeans and a tee. It’s all about attitude—chic isn’t just how you look, it’s how you carry yourself with grace and confidence.

Raison d'être

Translation: The reason for being—the purpose that gives life meaning and direction. Finding your raison d'être is like discovering the true purpose that fuels every step you take. Your raison d'être isn’t just a goal—it’s the passion that makes everything you do meaningful.