French Phrase
Je veux être heureux/heureuse.
Meaning
This phrase expresses a fundamental human desire for happiness or well-being. It combines the verb 'vouloir' (to want) with 'être' (to be) and the adjective 'heureux' (masculine) or 'heureuse' (feminine). It is a direct and personal statement about one's emotional goals or state of mind.
When to use
Use this in personal conversations when discussing life goals, mental health, or general desires. It is common in heart-to-heart talks with friends, family, or in a therapeutic context.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Jeveuxêtreheureux/heureuse
Vouloir (veux)
This is the first person singular conjugation of the irregular verb 'vouloir' meaning 'to want'.
Infinitive Construction
When two verbs follow each other, the second verb 'être' must remain in the infinitive form.
Gender Agreement
Adjectives in French change based on gender: 'heureux' for masculine and 'heureuse' for feminine.
🗨In Conversation
Qu'est-ce que tu cherches dans la vie ?
What are you looking for in life?
Je veux être heureux.
I want to be happy.
✕Common Mistakes
Je veux suis heureux.
Always use the infinitive 'être' after a conjugated verb like 'veux'.
Je veux être heureuse. (spoken by a male)
The adjective must agree with the gender of the speaker; men use 'heureux'.
↔Alternatives
J'aimerais être heureux.
I would like to be happy.
Je souhaite être heureux.
I wish to be happy.
Je cherche le bonheur.
I am looking for happiness.
Cultural Tip
In French culture, expressing a desire for happiness is often seen as a deep, philosophical pursuit rather than just a fleeting mood. Note that 'heureux' can mean 'happy' in a general sense, while 'content' often refers to being satisfied with a specific situation.