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B1 noun 13 min de leitura

être aux anges

Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas être aux anges em 30 segundos

Explicação être aux anges in your Level:

At the A1 level, you are just starting to learn French. 'Être aux anges' might seem a bit complicated because it is an idiom, which means the words 'to be with the angels' don't literally mean you are meeting angels! Instead, think of it as a very strong way to say 'I am very happy.' At this level, you mostly use 'Je suis très content' (I am very happy). However, learning 'Je suis aux anges' is a fun way to show you know a special French phrase. Remember that 'être' is the verb 'to be' (je suis, tu es, il est, nous sommes, vous êtes, ils sont). You just add 'aux anges' at the end. It is like a super-powered version of 'content.' You use it when something really great happens, like getting a big present or seeing a friend after a long time. Don't worry about the grammar too much yet; just remember the whole phrase as one big block of 'super happy' meaning. It's a great 'cheat code' to sound more like a native speaker even if you only know a few words!

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At the A2 level, you are building your vocabulary and starting to use more descriptive phrases. 'Être aux anges' is a perfect addition to your toolkit. You already know how to conjugate 'être' in the present tense, so now you can practice using it in the past tense (imparfait) to describe how you felt. For example, 'J'étais aux anges' (I was overjoyed). You might use this when talking about your last vacation or a birthday party. At this level, it's important to notice the 'aux' – it's a combination of 'à' and 'les.' You should also learn that 'ange' means angel. French people love using imagery, and imagining yourself surrounded by angels is a classic way to describe bliss. Try using it in your writing assignments when you want to describe a character's reaction to good news. It's much more interesting than using 'heureux' (happy) every time. Just remember to keep 'anges' with an 's' at the end, even if you are only talking about one person being happy!

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At the B1 level, you are expected to understand and use idiomatic expressions like 'être aux anges' with confidence. You should be able to use it in various tenses, including the 'passé composé' and the 'futur simple.' For example, 'Elle a été aux anges quand elle a vu les résultats' or 'Ils seront aux anges de vous voir.' At this stage, you should also start using the phrase with 'de' followed by an infinitive to explain why someone is happy: 'Je suis aux anges de partir en France.' This level is about nuance. You understand that 'être aux anges' is stronger than 'être content' and more poetic than 'être ravi.' You can use it in conversation to express genuine emotion. You should also be aware of its synonyms like 'être au septième ciel' and know when to choose one over the other. Practice using it in your speaking exams to show the examiner that you can handle fixed expressions and that your French is becoming more natural and less like a direct translation from English.

At the B2 level, you should have a firm grasp of the register and grammatical subtleties of 'être aux anges.' You are likely comfortable using it with the subjunctive: 'Je suis aux anges que vous soyez venus' (I am overjoyed that you [subjunctive] came). You understand that this expression belongs to a neutral-to-elevated register, making it appropriate for journalism, literature, and formal social gatherings. You can also recognize it when it's used ironically or in a litotes (understatement). At this level, you should be able to compare it to more colloquial expressions like 'être refait' or 'être aux taquets' and explain the difference in tone. You might also notice how authors use this phrase to create a specific atmosphere in their writing. Your goal is to integrate 'être aux anges' seamlessly into your discourse, using it to add color and emotional depth to your descriptions without it feeling forced. You should also be able to explain the origin of the phrase to someone else, showing your deep cultural and linguistic knowledge.

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At the C1 level, you are refining your command of the language and can appreciate the stylistic impact of 'être aux anges.' You understand its historical and cultural connotations, perhaps linking it to the long tradition of religious imagery in French literature. You can use the phrase in complex rhetorical structures and understand its placement in high-level texts, such as editorials or academic discussions of emotion. You are also sensitive to the rhythm of the sentence; 'être aux anges' has a certain musicality that 'être très heureux' lacks. You can use it to create specific effects in your own creative or professional writing. Furthermore, you are aware of how the phrase has evolved and how it might be perceived in different Francophone regions. You can discuss the nuances between 'être aux anges,' 'nager dans le bonheur,' and 'être au comble de la joie' with precision, selecting the exact phrase that fits the desired shade of meaning. Your use of the idiom is instinctive and perfectly adapted to the context.

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At the C2 level, your mastery of 'être aux anges' is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. You can play with the expression, perhaps using it in a pun or a sophisticated literary allusion. You understand the full range of its emotional spectrum, from the sincere to the hyperbolic. You can analyze its use in classical French theater or 19th-century novels, noting how the concept of 'angels' as a symbol of joy has persisted through the centuries. You are also capable of using the phrase in very formal orations or high-stakes negotiations to express profound satisfaction in a way that is both powerful and understated. You might even explore the boundaries of the idiom, combining it with other complex structures or using it in a way that challenges the listener's expectations. For you, 'être aux anges' is not just a vocabulary item; it is a versatile tool in a vast linguistic arsenal, used with absolute precision, elegance, and cultural awareness.

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Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas

être aux anges em 30 segundos

A French idiom meaning to be overjoyed or in seventh heaven, literal translation: 'to be with the angels.'
Used in neutral to formal contexts to describe extreme happiness resulting from good news or success.
Grammatically, it uses the verb 'être' conjugated in any tense, followed by the fixed plural phrase 'aux anges.'
A culturally rich expression that highlights the historical influence of spiritual imagery on the French concept of bliss.

The French expression être aux anges is a beautiful and evocative idiom that translates literally to "to be among the angels" or "to be with the angels." In a figurative sense, it describes a state of supreme happiness, ecstasy, or being absolutely overjoyed. When a French speaker says they are aux anges, they aren't just happy; they are experiencing a moment of pure bliss that feels almost heavenly. This expression is deeply rooted in the idea that the highest form of joy is found in the celestial realm, suggesting that the person's current emotional state is so elevated that it transcends the mundane world. It is the French equivalent of the English idioms "to be in seventh heaven," "to be on cloud nine," or "to be over the moon."

Literal Meaning: Literally translates to 'to be at the angels' or 'to be among the angels,' implying a proximity to the divine or a state of spiritual perfection.
Emotional Intensity: It represents a level of joy that is higher than being 'content' (happy) or 'ravi' (delighted). It implies a complete lack of worry and a total immersion in positive emotion.
Syntactic Usage: The expression uses the verb 'être' (to be) followed by the preposition 'aux' (at the/to the - plural) and the noun 'anges' (angels). It is always plural.

Depuis qu'elle a reçu sa lettre d'acceptation à la Sorbonne, elle est aux anges.

Translation: Since she received her acceptance letter to the Sorbonne, she is overjoyed.

You will typically hear this expression in contexts where someone has received life-changing news, achieved a long-term goal, or is simply enjoying a moment of profound personal satisfaction. It is common at weddings, during the birth of a child, or after a professional triumph. Unlike some slang terms for happiness, être aux anges is timeless and elegant, making it suitable for both casual conversations and more formal literary contexts. It conveys a sense of lightheartedness and serenity that other synonyms might lack.

Quand il a vu son premier petit-fils, mon grand-père était aux anges.

Register: Neutral to slightly elevated. It is never vulgar and is considered quite poetic yet very common in everyday speech.

Furthermore, the expression is often used to describe someone else's state. It is a frequent way to report on a friend's or relative's happiness. For instance, if you are telling a colleague about your sister's recent promotion, saying 'Elle est aux anges' immediately paints a picture of someone beaming with pride and joy. It is more descriptive than simply saying 'Elle est très contente,' as it suggests a visible, radiant happiness that affects her whole demeanor.

Les enfants étaient aux anges en découvrant leurs cadeaux sous le sapin.

In summary, être aux anges is a versatile and evocative phrase that every B1 learner should master. It allows you to express deep satisfaction and delight with a touch of Gallic flair, moving beyond basic vocabulary to more nuanced, idiomatic French. Whether you are describing a romantic dinner, a successful exam, or a peaceful vacation, this phrase captures that rare feeling of being perfectly at peace and immensely happy.

Using être aux anges correctly requires a basic understanding of how to conjugate the verb être and how to integrate the phrase into various tenses. Because the expression describes a state of being, it is most frequently used in the present tense (*le présent*), the imperfect (*l'imparfait*), and the present perfect (*le passé composé*). It functions just like any other sentence starting with 'être' followed by an adjective or a prepositional phrase.

Present Tense: Used for current states of joy. Example: 'Je suis aux anges' (I am overjoyed right now).
Imperfect Tense: Used for describing a state of joy in the past, often as background information. Example: 'Il était aux anges pendant toutes ses vacances' (He was overjoyed throughout his entire vacation).
Passé Composé: Used for a specific moment of joy that occurred. Example: 'J'ai été aux anges quand j'ai gagné le concours' (I was overjoyed when I won the contest).

Si tu acceptes de m'épouser, je serai aux anges pour le reste de mes jours.

Future tense usage: 'I will be overjoyed'.

One of the most important things to remember is that 'anges' is always plural in this context. You cannot be 'à l'ange'. Also, the preposition 'aux' (a contraction of 'à' + 'les') is fixed. You don't change it based on the gender of the subject; the subject's gender and number only affect the conjugation of the verb être. For example, 'Elles sont aux anges' (They [fem.] are overjoyed) and 'Nous sommes aux anges' (We are overjoyed) use the same 'aux anges' ending.

You can also use this expression with modifiers to emphasize the degree of happiness, although the phrase itself is already quite strong. You might hear 'Il est vraiment aux anges' (He is truly overjoyed) or 'Elle est tout simplement aux anges' (She is quite simply overjoyed). However, avoid using 'très' directly with the phrase (e.g., 'très aux anges' is incorrect) because 'aux anges' acts as a prepositional phrase, not a simple adjective.

Après avoir passé l'après-midi avec son idole, Marc était littéralement aux anges.

In more complex sentences, être aux anges can be followed by a reason using the preposition 'de' or 'que'. For example: 'Je suis aux anges d'être ici avec vous' (I am overjoyed to be here with you) or 'Elle était aux anges que son projet soit enfin terminé' (She was overjoyed that her project was finally finished). Note that when 'que' is used, the following verb is often in the subjunctive mood, which adds a layer of grammatical complexity suitable for B1 and B2 learners.

Nous sommes aux anges de vous annoncer la naissance de notre fille.

Finally, consider the negation. To say someone is not overjoyed, you simply wrap the verb 'être' with 'ne... pas'. For example: 'Il n'est pas vraiment aux anges à l'idée de déménager' (He isn't exactly overjoyed at the idea of moving). This is a common way to express mild dissatisfaction or a lack of enthusiasm using litotes (understatement).

The expression être aux anges is ubiquitous in French life, appearing in everything from high-brow literature to daily tabloid headlines. Because it captures a universal human emotion—extreme joy—it is used across all demographics. If you are watching a French talk show or a reality TV program, you will often hear participants use this phrase to describe their feelings after a win or a touching moment. For example, a contestant on a cooking show might say, 'Quand le chef a goûté mon plat, j'étais aux anges!'

In the Media: Journalists often use this idiom in headlines to describe the public's reaction to positive news. For instance, 'Les supporters sont aux anges après la victoire de leur équipe' (The fans are overjoyed after their team's victory).
In Literature: Classical and modern French authors use the phrase to depict characters experiencing moments of spiritual or romantic bliss. It adds a poetic quality to the narrative.
Everyday Conversation: It is the standard way to describe being very happy in a social setting. You might hear it at a dinner party: 'Ma mère est aux anges depuis qu'elle a pris sa retraite.'

Le public était aux anges lors du rappel du pianiste.

Common in cultural reviews and journalism.

In the workplace, while the environment might be more professional, the phrase still finds its place during celebrations. If a team successfully closes a major deal or completes a difficult project, a manager might say, 'Le client est aux anges avec le résultat final.' This indicates a level of satisfaction that goes beyond mere professional approval; it suggests the client is delighted and relieved.

You will also find it in music and cinema. French songs, especially 'chansons françaises' that focus on love and emotion, often utilize the imagery of angels to describe romantic fulfillment. A lover might describe being 'aux anges' when they are with their partner. In films, especially romantic comedies (rom-coms), this phrase is a staple for describing the 'happily ever after' moments or the initial 'honey moon phase' of a relationship.

Depuis qu'ils ont emménagé ensemble, ils sont aux anges.

Finally, social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook are full of this expression. When people post photos of their vacations, new pets, or engagements, the caption often includes '#AuxAnges'. It serves as a concise way to signal to their followers that they are living their best life. For a learner, recognizing this phrase in these diverse contexts helps in understanding the cultural weight of 'happiness' in the French-speaking world.

While être aux anges is a relatively straightforward idiom, English speakers often stumble on a few specific points due to literal translation or confusion with similar-sounding French phrases. The most frequent mistake is using the singular form 'ange'. In English, we might say someone is 'an angel', but in this specific French idiom for happiness, it must be plural. Saying 'Il est à l'ange' is nonsensical and will likely result in a confused look from a native speaker.

The Preposition Trap: Learners often try to use 'dans' (in) because they are thinking of the English 'in seventh heaven'. However, 'dans les anges' is incorrect. You must use 'aux' (at/to the).
Confusion with 'Un Ange': Saying 'Tu es un ange' means 'You are a sweetheart/a very helpful person.' It has nothing to do with being overjoyed. Don't confuse the two!
Overuse of 'Très': As mentioned before, avoid 'très aux anges'. Use 'vraiment' or 'absolument' if you must add emphasis, but the phrase is already superlative on its own.

❌ Je suis dans les anges.
✅ Je suis aux anges.

Another subtle mistake involves the 'de' vs 'que' construction. When you want to say why you are overjoyed, if the subject of both verbs is the same, use 'de' + infinitive. For example: 'Je suis aux anges de partir' (I am overjoyed to leave). If the subject changes, you must use 'que' + subjunctive. For example: 'Je suis aux anges que tu partes' (I am overjoyed that you are leaving). Forgetting the subjunctive after 'que' is a common error for intermediate learners.

Lastly, be careful with the register. While être aux anges is versatile, using it for very minor things might sound a bit dramatic or sarcastic. If you are just 'happy' that there is coffee left in the pot, 'Je suis content' is more appropriate. 'Être aux anges' implies a deeper, more profound sense of delight. Using it too lightly can dilute the meaning of the expression.

❌ Elle était aux ange. (Missing the 's')
✅ Elle était aux anges.

In summary, keep 'anges' plural, use 'aux', watch your subjunctive after 'que', and reserve the phrase for moments of genuine, high-level happiness. Avoid literal translations from English idioms like 'on cloud nine' (sur le nuage neuf - which does not exist in French!). Stick to the angels, and you'll sound like a pro.

French has a rich vocabulary for expressing happiness, and while être aux anges is a fantastic idiom, knowing its alternatives will help you fine-tune your expression based on the situation. Depending on whether you are in a formal meeting, a casual chat with friends, or writing a romantic letter, you might want to choose a different word.

Être au septième ciel: This is the direct equivalent of 'to be in seventh heaven.' It is very similar in intensity to 'être aux anges' and can often be used interchangeably. It also carries a celestial theme.
Être ravi(e): More common in polite, formal contexts. If someone invites you to dinner, you say 'Je serais ravi de venir.' It means 'delighted' but is less 'ecstatic' than being with the angels.
Être comblé(e): This means 'to be fulfilled' or 'to have everything one wants.' It implies a deep, lasting satisfaction, often used in the context of family or life achievements.
Nager dans le bonheur: Literally 'to swim in happiness.' It suggests being surrounded by joy, much like 'being aux anges,' but with a more fluid, immersive imagery.

Depuis la naissance de leur fils, ils nagent dans le bonheur.

For more informal or slangy situations, you might hear être refait (to be 'made again' - very common among young people to mean 'stoked' or 'thrilled') or avoir la patate (to have the potato - meaning to be full of energy and happy). However, 'être aux anges' remains the most elegant way to describe high-level joy without sounding too casual.

Another interesting alternative is être sur un petit nuage (to be on a little cloud). This is very close to the English 'to be on cloud nine.' It suggests a state of dreamlike happiness where you are slightly detached from reality. While 'aux anges' is purely ecstatic, 'sur un petit nuage' has a slightly more ethereal, distracted quality to it.

Elle a réussi son audition ; elle est sur un petit nuage depuis ce matin.

In professional settings, stick to être très satisfait or être enchanté. For example, 'Nous sommes enchantés de cette collaboration.' This is professional and warm without the poetic intensity of 'aux anges.' By mastering these synonyms, you can navigate the emotional landscape of the French language with precision and confidence.

How Formal Is It?

Curiosidade

In the Middle Ages, the 'seventh heaven' was believed to be the highest part of the heavens where God and the highest angels lived. 'Être aux anges' is a more direct way of saying you have reached that highest level of joy.

Guia de pronúncia

UK /ɛtʁ o.z‿ɑ̃ʒ/

US /ɛtʁ o.z‿ɑ̃ʒ/

The stress falls slightly on the final syllable 'anges'.

Rima com

manges (you eat) granges (barns) étranges (strange) changes (changes) mélanges (mixtures) loanges (praises) échanges (exchanges) phalanges (phalanges)

Erros comuns

Pronouncing the 'x' in 'aux' as a 'ks' sound instead of a 'z' liaison.
Forgetting the nasal 'an' sound in 'anges'.
Pronouncing the 's' at the end of 'anges' (it is silent).

Nível de dificuldade

Leitura 2/5

Easy to recognize in text due to the word 'anges'.

Escrita 4/5

Requires correct conjugation of 'être' and 'aux' (not 'au' or 'dans').

Expressão oral 3/5

Requires the 'z' liaison to sound natural.

Audição 3/5

The liaison 'aux-anges' can sometimes confuse beginners who don't hear the 'z'.

O que aprender depois

Pré-requisitos

être ange content heureux très

Aprenda a seguir

être au septième ciel nager dans le bonheur ravi comblé enchanté

Avançado

la félicité la béatitude le ravissement jubiler exulter

Gramática essencial

Conjugation of 'être' in all tenses.

Je suis, j'étais, j'ai été, je serai...

Contraction of 'à' + 'les' = 'aux'.

Je vais aux magasins ; Je suis aux anges.

The use of 'de' before an infinitive.

Je suis content de manger.

The use of 'que' + Subjunctive for emotions.

Je suis heureux que tu sois là.

The liaison with 'z' sound.

Aux(z)anges.

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Exemplos por nível

Je suis aux anges aujourd'hui !

I am overjoyed today!

Uses 'être' in the present tense (je suis).

Tu es aux anges avec ton nouveau vélo ?

Are you overjoyed with your new bike?

Question form using 'tu es'.

Il est aux anges car il a un cadeau.

He is overjoyed because he has a gift.

'Car' connects the state to the reason.

Nous sommes aux anges ici.

We are overjoyed here.

'Nous sommes' is the plural form of 'être'.

Elle est aux anges avec son chat.

She is overjoyed with her cat.

'Avec' indicates the cause of happiness.

Ils sont aux anges à la plage.

They are overjoyed at the beach.

'Ils sont' is the plural 'they are'.

Maman est aux anges !

Mom is overjoyed!

Simple subject-verb-idiom structure.

Vous êtes aux anges, n'est-ce pas ?

You are overjoyed, aren't you?

Using 'n'est-ce pas' for a tag question.

J'étais aux anges quand j'ai vu mon ami.

I was overjoyed when I saw my friend.

Uses the imperfect 'étais' for a past state.

Elle était aux anges pendant tout le film.

She was overjoyed during the whole movie.

'Pendant' shows duration in the past.

Ils étaient aux anges de manger une glace.

They were overjoyed to eat an ice cream.

'De' + infinitive explains the reason.

Nous étions aux anges après la fête.

We were overjoyed after the party.

'Après' marks the time after the event.

Est-ce que tu étais aux anges hier ?

Were you overjoyed yesterday?

'Est-ce que' question in the imperfect.

Le petit garçon était aux anges avec son chien.

The little boy was overjoyed with his dog.

Descriptive imperfect tense.

Ma sœur était aux anges de recevoir ta lettre.

My sister was overjoyed to receive your letter.

Infinitive construction after the idiom.

Vous n'étiez pas aux anges ?

Weren't you overjoyed?

Negative form in the imperfect.

Je suis aux anges d'avoir réussi mon examen.

I am overjoyed to have passed my exam.

'De' + past infinitive (avoir réussi).

Elle a été aux anges quand il a fait sa demande.

She was overjoyed when he proposed.

Passé composé 'a été' for a specific past event.

Nous serons aux anges si vous venez nous voir.

We will be overjoyed if you come to see us.

Future tense 'serons' in a conditional sentence.

Il est aux anges depuis qu'il a sa nouvelle voiture.

He has been overjoyed since he got his new car.

'Depuis que' + present tense.

Mes parents sont aux anges de partir en croisière.

My parents are overjoyed to go on a cruise.

Plural subject with 'sont'.

Tu serais aux anges si tu gagnais au loto.

You would be overjoyed if you won the lottery.

Conditional tense 'serais'.

Ils sont aux anges que tout se soit bien passé.

They are overjoyed that everything went well.

'Que' + subjunctive (soit passé).

Je ne suis pas aux anges à l'idée de travailler samedi.

I am not overjoyed at the idea of working Saturday.

Negative use of the idiom.

Bien qu'elle soit fatiguée, elle est aux anges.

Although she is tired, she is overjoyed.

Subjunctive 'soit' after 'bien que'.

Il était aux anges, comme s'il avait gagné le gros lot.

He was overjoyed, as if he had hit the jackpot.

'Comme si' + plus-que-parfait.

Elle sera aux anges pourvu que tu sois là.

She will be overjoyed provided that you are there.

'Pourvu que' + subjunctive.

Nous sommes aux anges que le projet ait été accepté.

We are overjoyed that the project has been accepted.

Subjunctive past 'ait été'.

Si j'avais su, j'aurais été aux anges plus tôt.

If I had known, I would have been overjoyed sooner.

Conditionnel passé 'aurais été'.

Les critiques sont aux anges devant son nouveau film.

The critics are overjoyed with his new film.

'Devant' used to show the cause of reaction.

Elle est aux anges, ce qui se voit sur son visage.

She is overjoyed, which can be seen on her face.

Relative clause 'ce qui'.

Il n'est pas aux anges, loin de là.

He is not overjoyed, far from it.

Idiomatic 'loin de là' for emphasis.

À l'annonce de la nouvelle, elle fut aux anges.

Upon the announcement of the news, she was overjoyed.

Passé simple 'fut' for literary narrative.

On le sentait aux anges, vibrant d'une joie pure.

One could feel he was overjoyed, vibrating with pure joy.

Participial phrase 'vibrant d'une joie'.

Il est aux anges, pour ne pas dire en extase.

He is overjoyed, not to say in ecstasy.

Rhetorical 'pour ne pas dire'.

Que vous soyez aux anges me ravit au plus haut point.

That you are overjoyed delights me to the highest degree.

Subjunctive clause as the subject.

Elle était aux anges, baignée dans une lumière céleste.

She was overjoyed, bathed in a celestial light.

Metaphorical imagery matching the idiom.

Ils sont aux anges, non sans une certaine fierté.

They are overjoyed, not without a certain pride.

Litotes 'non sans'.

L'artiste était aux anges face à l'ovation du public.

The artist was overjoyed facing the audience's ovation.

Contextual usage in high culture.

Être aux anges est un état que beaucoup recherchent.

Being overjoyed is a state that many seek.

Infinitive used as a noun subject.

Elle se complaisait dans ce succès, étant manifestement aux anges.

She was reveling in this success, being obviously overjoyed.

Present participle 'étant'.

Nul ne doutait qu'il fût aux anges après un tel triomphe.

No one doubted that he was overjoyed after such a triumph.

Imperfect subjunctive 'fût' after doubt.

Il était aux anges, au comble d'une félicité indicible.

He was overjoyed, at the height of an unspeakable bliss.

High-level vocabulary 'félicité indicible'.

Sa réaction, celle d'un homme aux anges, surprit l'assemblée.

His reaction, that of an overjoyed man, surprised the assembly.

Appositive phrase.

L'on eût dit qu'elle était aux anges, tant son sourire rayonnait.

One would have said she was overjoyed, so much did her smile radiate.

'L'on eût dit' - literary conditional past.

Bien qu'il s'en défendît, il était visiblement aux anges.

Although he denied it, he was visibly overjoyed.

Imperfect subjunctive 'défendît'.

C'est un spectacle qui laisserait n'importe quel mélomane aux anges.

It is a show that would leave any music lover overjoyed.

Conditional 'laisserait'.

Il se retrouva aux anges, comme transporté dans une autre sphère.

He found himself overjoyed, as if transported to another sphere.

Passive-reflexive 'se retrouva'.

Sinônimos

être au septième ciel être ravi être comblé nager dans le bonheur être aux oiseaux être enchanté être au comble de la joie être refait

Antônimos

être aux cent coups être au trente-sixième dessous être malheureux comme les pierres être dépité

Colocações comuns

être littéralement aux anges

être tout simplement aux anges

être aux anges de (+ infinitive)

être aux anges que (+ subjunctive)

sembler être aux anges

rendre quelqu'un aux anges

être aux anges depuis...

être aux anges à l'idée de...

un homme aux anges

être aux anges pour...

Frases Comuns

Je suis aux anges !

— I am overjoyed! (Standard exclamation of joy)

J'ai eu le job ! Je suis aux anges !

Il est aux anges, le bougre !

— He's overjoyed, the lucky guy! (Informal/friendly)

Regarde-le, il est aux anges le bougre avec sa nouvelle montre.

Elle va être aux anges.

— She is going to be overjoyed. (Predicting a reaction)

Quand elle verra les fleurs, elle va être aux anges.

On serait aux anges si...

— We would be overjoyed if... (Hypothetical joy)

On serait aux anges si vous pouviez venir à Noël.

Tout le monde était aux anges.

— Everyone was overjoyed. (Collective happiness)

Après le concert, tout le monde était aux anges.

Pas vraiment aux anges.

— Not exactly overjoyed. (Understatement for unhappiness)

Il n'est pas vraiment aux anges avec son nouveau patron.

Être aux anges, c'est peu dire.

— To say they are overjoyed is an understatement.

Elle a gagné un million ? Être aux anges, c'est peu dire !

Vraiment aux anges.

— Truly overjoyed.

Depuis qu'il a son diplôme, il est vraiment aux anges.

Aux anges, comme toujours.

— Overjoyed, as always.

Elle a revu ses petits-enfants, elle est aux anges comme toujours.

Être aux anges malgré tout.

— To be overjoyed despite everything.

Malgré la pluie, nous étions aux anges pendant le mariage.

Frequentemente confundido com

être aux anges vs être un ange

Means to be a kind, helpful person, not necessarily happy.

être aux anges vs être aux abois

Means to be at bay/in a desperate situation; sounds vaguely similar but opposite meaning.

être aux anges vs être aux pièces

Means to be in a hurry or paid by the piece; very different meaning.

Expressões idiomáticas

"être au septième ciel"

— To be in seventh heaven; exactly the same as 'être aux anges'.

Elle est au septième ciel.

neutral

"être sur un petit nuage"

— To be on cloud nine; suggests a dreamy, detached happiness.

Il est sur un petit nuage.

neutral

"nager dans le bonheur"

— To be swimming in happiness; surrounded by joy.

Ils nagent dans le bonheur.

neutral

"avoir le cœur léger"

— To have a light heart; to be free of worries and happy.

Je me sens aux anges, j'ai le cœur léger.

neutral

"voir la vie en rose"

— To see life through rose-colored glasses; to be very optimistic and happy.

Elle est aux anges et voit la vie en rose.

neutral

"être aux oiseaux"

— Quebecois idiom for being overjoyed.

Il est aux oiseaux.

informal/regional

"être au comble de la joie"

— To be at the peak of joy.

Il est au comble de la joie.

elevated

"péter de joie"

— To burst with joy (literally 'to fart joy').

Il pète de joie.

informal/slang

"être comme un coq en pâte"

— To be very comfortable and happy (like a rooster in dough).

Il est aux anges, comme un coq en pâte.

informal

"ne plus se sentir de joie"

— To be so happy you can no longer feel yourself.

Elle ne se sentait plus de joie.

elevated

Fácil de confundir

être aux anges vs Heureux

Both mean happy.

'Heureux' is a general state; 'être aux anges' is an intense, momentary or specific peak of joy.

Je suis heureux dans ma vie, mais aujourd'hui je suis aux anges !

être aux anges vs Content

Both mean happy.

'Content' is basic and common; 'être aux anges' is much stronger and more idiomatic.

Il est content de son cadeau, mais elle est aux anges avec le sien.

être aux anges vs Ravi

Both mean happy.

'Ravi' is often used politely (delighted); 'être aux anges' is more emotional and personal.

Ravi de vous voir ! (Polite) vs Je suis aux anges de te voir ! (Emotional)

être aux anges vs Ange (noun)

The literal word for angel.

'Un ange' is a being; 'être aux anges' is a state of mind.

Elle a un visage d'ange.

être aux anges vs Ciel

Used in 'au septième ciel'.

Both idioms mean the same thing, but 'aux anges' is slightly more common in daily speech.

Il est au septième ciel.

Padrões de frases

Je suis aux anges.

Je suis aux anges !

J'étais aux anges quand...

J'étais aux anges quand il est arrivé.

Sujet + être + aux anges de + infinitif.

Elle est aux anges d'avoir fini son travail.

Sujet + être + aux anges que + subjonctif.

Nous sommes aux anges que vous veniez.

Sujet + être + vraiment/littéralement + aux anges.

Il était littéralement aux anges.

Si + imparfait, + conditionnel (être aux anges).

Si je gagnais, je serais aux anges.

Sujet + fut + aux anges (passé simple).

Elle fut aux anges à cette annonce.

Participe présent + aux anges, sujet + verbe.

Étant aux anges, il ne put s'empêcher de sourire.

Família de palavras

Substantivos

un ange (an angel)

angélique (angelic - can be used as a noun in 'mon angélique')

angélisme (angelicism)

Verbos

angéliser (to angelize)

Adjetivos

angélique (angelic)

angéliquement (angelically)

Relacionado

le paradis (paradise)

le ciel (heaven/sky)

la félicité (bliss)

le ravissement (delight)

la béatitude (beatitude)

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Como usar

frequency

High in spoken and written French.

Erros comuns

Je suis à l'ange. → Je suis aux anges.
The phrase must be plural. You cannot be with just one angel in this idiom.
Il est dans les anges. → Il est aux anges.
Don't translate 'in' from English. French uses 'aux' (at/to the).
Je suis très aux anges. → Je suis vraiment aux anges.
'Très' usually modifies adjectives; 'aux anges' is a prepositional phrase, so 'vraiment' fits better.
Je suis aux anges que tu es là. → Je suis aux anges que tu sois là.
Expressions of emotion followed by 'que' require the subjunctive mood.
Elle est aux anges de ton succès. → Elle est aux anges pour ton succès / de ton succès.
While 'de' works, 'pour' is often clearer when expressing joy for someone else's achievement.

Dicas

Always Plural

Remember that 'anges' always takes an 's'. It is a collective state of bliss!

The Z-Liaison

Make sure to pronounce the 'z' sound between 'aux' and 'anges'. It's the mark of a fluent speaker.

Beyond 'Content'

Use this phrase when 'content' or 'heureux' isn't strong enough for the situation.

Subjunctive Trigger

When followed by 'que', don't forget the subjunctive mood for the next verb.

Safe for Work

This idiom is perfectly safe to use in professional settings to express high satisfaction.

Divine Joy

Think of the heavenly origin to help you remember the intensity of the meaning.

Avoid for Minor Things

Keep it for real joy so it doesn't lose its impact in your speech.

Context Clues

If you hear 'aux anges' at a party, look for the person smiling the most!

Oooooh-Angels

Associate the 'aux' with a sound of wonder to remember the phrase.

Vs Seventh Heaven

Use it interchangeably with 'au septième ciel' to vary your French.

Memorize

Mnemônico

Think of 'AUX' as 'Oooooh' and 'ANGES' as 'Angels'. When you are 'Oooooh-Angels', you are so happy you are singing with them!

Associação visual

Imagine yourself floating on a white cloud, surrounded by little cartoon angels playing harps while you eat your favorite French pastry.

Word Web

Joie Paradis Ciel Sourire Bonheur Extase Ravissement Ange

Desafio

Try to use 'être aux anges' in a sentence today to describe a small victory, like finding a parking spot or a five-euro bill in your pocket.

Origem da palavra

The phrase dates back to the 17th century. It originates from the religious belief that angels reside in the presence of God in a state of eternal and perfect happiness. Therefore, being 'with the angels' means sharing in that divine joy.

Significado original: To be in a state of spiritual ecstasy or to be in the company of the divine.

Romance (French).

Contexto cultural

The phrase is universally positive and has no offensive connotations. It is safe for all audiences.

English speakers use 'over the moon' or 'cloud nine'. 'Être aux anges' is slightly more elegant and less 'bouncy' than 'over the moon'.

Used in countless French poems by authors like Victor Hugo. Frequently appears in French pop songs (e.g., Edith Piaf style lyrics). Commonly used by French sports commentators when a team wins.

Pratique na vida real

Contextos reais

Family news

La naissance d'un bébé
Un mariage
Une réunion de famille
Une bonne nouvelle

Professional success

Une promotion
Réussir un examen
Signer un contrat
Trouver un emploi

Travel and leisure

Partir en vacances
Voir un beau paysage
Se reposer
Découvrir une ville

Romance

Tomber amoureux
Un premier rendez-vous
Une demande en mariage
Vivre ensemble

Hobbies and arts

Gagner un match
Voir son artiste préféré
Réussir une recette
Finir un livre

Iniciadores de conversa

"Tu as l'air d'être aux anges aujourd'hui, qu'est-ce qui se passe ?"

"Est-ce que tu étais aux anges quand tu as reçu tes résultats ?"

"Qu'est-ce qui te rendrait vraiment aux anges en ce moment ?"

"Je parie que tes parents seront aux anges de te voir ce week-end !"

"Elle était aux anges après son voyage, tu as vu les photos ?"

Temas para diário

Décrivez un moment de votre vie où vous étiez vraiment aux anges.

Quelles sont les trois petites choses qui vous rendent aux anges au quotidien ?

Imaginez que vous gagnez un voyage de rêve. Décrivez pourquoi vous seriez aux anges.

Est-ce qu'il est facile pour vous d'être aux anges ? Pourquoi ?

Racontez une histoire où un personnage est aux anges grâce à un acte de gentillesse.

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

No, the correct preposition is always 'aux' (à + les). 'Dans les anges' is a literal translation from English 'in the angels' which doesn't work in French.

It is neutral to slightly elevated. You can use it with friends, family, or even in a polite professional email. It is never considered rude or slang.

No, the phrase is fixed in the plural. Even if you say 'Je suis aux anges,' you use the plural 'anges.'

You can, but it might sound a bit dramatic or sarcastic. Usually, it is reserved for things that cause significant joy.

They are virtually identical in meaning. 'Être aux anges' is perhaps used slightly more frequently in everyday conversation.

The 'x' in 'aux' is pronounced like a 'z' because it is followed by a vowel. So it sounds like 'oh-zanj'.

Yes, 'ne pas être aux anges.' It is often used as a polite way to say someone is unhappy or disappointed.

Yes, if you use 'que' after it (e.g., 'Je suis aux anges que tu sois là'), the following verb must be in the subjunctive mood.

It's better to use 'vraiment' or 'absolument.' 'Très aux anges' sounds grammatically awkward to native speakers.

Yes, though Quebecers also have their own version: 'être aux oiseaux.'

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