13 Must-Know French Phrases to Express Pure Joy – Natives Say These All the Time! (audio)

Want to sound more like a native when expressing happiness in French? These essential phrases will allow you to convey joy with style, whether in casual or more refined situations!

1. Je suis content(e)

This means "I’m happy," it's the most simple way to say I'm happy. It's very common to add "trop" or "super" for emphasis.

Note that both "super" and "trop" are informal. "Trop" is even more colloquial, it normally means "too much" but nowadays everyone uses it to mean "much", with stronger emphasis.

"Je suis trop content(e) de voir mes amis ce soir."

I’m so happy to see my friends tonight.

A more formal variation is "je suis si content(e) !" - often used by more mature or formal speakers.

2. Ça me fait plaisir

This means literally "That gives me pleasure", meaning "That makes me happy." It's often used when someone does something nice for you or when something pleasant happens.

Here again, you can add "super" or "trop" before "plaisir" to convey a more intense pleasure.

"Ça me fait super/trop plaisir que tu sois venu(e). "

It makes me really happy that you came.

3. Je suis aux anges

"Je suis aux anges" means "I’m over the moon" or "I’m extremely happy." It's a bit more formal compared to casual phrases like "Je suis trop content(e)."

While you can definitely use it in everyday conversation, it has a slightly more refined tone. You might hear it more in writing or polite settings.

Je suis aux anges d'avoir réussi mon examen.

I’m over the moon to have passed my exam.

4. C'est génial !

An extremely common ways to say "That's awesome!" or "That's great!"

"J'ai deux billets pour le spectacle!"
"Waouh c'est génial!"

I have two tickets for the show!
Wow, that's awesome!

"C'est super !" is another commonly used alternative.

5. Je suis ravi(e)

"Je suis ravi(e)" means "I am delighted." It's a way to express happiness in a slightly more refined manner, often in more formal or polite conversations.

"Je suis ravi(e) de passer du temps avec toi. "

I’m delighted to spend time with you.

6. Je suis sur un petit nuage

This phrase translates to "I’m on cloud nine." It describes a state of bliss or extreme happiness, often after receiving good news or experiencing something wonderful.

"Depuis que j'ai appris la nouvelle, je suis sur un petit nuage!"

Since I heard the news, I’m on cloud nine !

7. C'est fantastique !

This means "That’s fantastic!" This is very similar to "c'est génial!" albeit less informal. This is a traditional way of expressing happiness, that can be used in more formal and polite situations.

"On a gagné le match de finale ! C'est fantastique !"

We won the final match! That’s fantastic!

Similar phrases include "C’est magnifique !" (that's magnificent), "C'est merveilleux !" (that's wonderful), or "C'est incroyable !" (that's incredible).

8. Ça me met du baume au cœur

This literally means "It puts balm on my heart," it's used to express that something brings comfort, relief, or emotional warmth. It’s often said when something lifts your spirits or makes you feel better after a difficult time or situation.

It’s like saying, "It warms my heart" in English.

"Ça me met du baume au cœur de voir tout le monde réuni."

It warms my heart to see everyone together.

9. Trop bien !

"Trop bien!" is an informal French phrase that means "So good!" or "Awesome!" It’s commonly used to express excitement or approval, especially among younger people. You can say it when something is really cool, fun, or impressive.

"C'est ta nouvelle voiture ? Trop bien !"

That's your new car? So cool!

The longer version "c'est trop bien!" is also used a lot.

10. C'est trop cool !

Another informal French phrase that means "That’s so cool!" Like "trop bien!" this phrase is common in casual conversation, especially among younger people.

"Tu pars en vacances à Bali ? C'est trop cool !"

You're going on vacation to Bali? That's so cool!

Youngsters (and hipsters) often say "Trop cool!", omitting the "c'est".

11. C'est top !

"C'est top !" is an informal phrase that means "It's great!" or "It's awesome!" It’s short, simple, and common in everyday conversation.

"J'ai trouvé un appartement en plein centre-ville !"
"Ah oui ? C'est top !"

I found an apartment right in the city center!
That’s great!

Native speakers often drop the "c'est" and simply say "Top !" in reaction to something.

12. Je suis fou/folle de joie

This means "I’m crazy with joy" You can use it when you’re extremely happy about something.

"Je vais être tante/oncle, je suis fou/folle de joie !"

I’m going to be an aunt/uncle, I’m crazy with joy!

13. Je suis comblé(e)

This means "I am fulfilled" or "I am completely satisfied." It's more formal or semi-formal. It conveys deeper, more emotional fulfillment, so it's typically used in situations where you want to express sincere and profound gratitude or happiness.

It’s not as casual as simpler phrases like "je suis trop contente," which would be used in everyday, informal conversations.

"Merci mille fois pour ce beau cadeau, je suis comblé(e)!"

Thank you a thousand times for this beautiful gift, I am fulfilled!