Both succès and réussite mean "success" in French, but they are used in different contexts and carry distinct nuances. Succès often refers to public recognition, popularity, or a favorable outcome that is visible and celebrated, such as in entertainment, business, or a product launch. Réussite, on the other hand, emphasizes the achievement of a goal, the process of succeeding, or personal accomplishment, and is commonly used in education, exams, and personal or professional milestones. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right word for the right situation.
- Succès = public, visible, celebrated success (e.g., a hit song, a popular show)
- Réussite = achievement, accomplishment, often personal or private (e.g., passing an exam, completing a project)
- Using the wrong word can confuse whether the success is about recognition (succès) or achievement (réussite).
'Succès' is used for public or recognized success, such as a praised play or a best-selling novel.
'Réussite' is preferred for achievements like graduating or completing a project.
Réussite is used for achieving milestones like passing a test.
Succès is used for gaining popularity and recognition.
'succès' is often linked to intangible recognition such as fame or approval.
'réussite' pairs with contexts like education and career, not typically with events.
'succès' and 'réussite' are both nouns.
'réussite' can refer to both achieving success and the result of that achievement.
Succès
Succès is a masculine noun that describes success as a public, noticeable, and often celebrated phenomenon. It can refer to a hit, a triumph, or a victory that people recognize and applaud. This word is used when success is evident to others, such as in shows, products, books, or performances.
- Gender: Masculine (le succès)
- Public, visible, celebrated success
- Used for hits, trends, victories, and outcomes that gain recognition
- Common in entertainment, business, and public achievements
Example Sentences:
- Le film a rencontré un énorme succès auprès du public.
(The movie was a huge success with the audience.)
- Son invention connaît un succès mondial.
(His invention is experiencing worldwide success.)
- Après tant d’efforts, leur entreprise a finalement obtenu le succès escompté.
(After so much effort, their company finally achieved the anticipated success.)
'succès' is masculine: le succès.
Yes, because 'succès' refers to public and visible success.
'succès' is common in entertainment, business, and sports, not usually for private or educational achievements.
Réussite
Réussite is a feminine noun that expresses the idea of successfully achieving a goal or completing a task. It often applies to personal, academic, or professional achievements where the emphasis is on the accomplishment itself, not its public recognition.
- Gender: Feminine (la réussite)
- Focuses on achievement and accomplishment
- Used for results, milestones, and personal/professional success
- Common in education, careers, and personal development
Example Sentences:
- Sa réussite à l’examen a fait la fierté de toute la famille.
(Her success in the exam made the whole family proud.)
- La clé de la réussite réside dans la persévérance.
(The key to success lies in perseverance.)
- Leur réussite professionnelle est un modèle pour les jeunes diplômés.
(Their professional success is a model for young graduates.)
'réussite' is feminine: la réussite.
'réussite' is the ideal word for academic or personal achievements like passing an exam.
'réussite' is used for achievements in education, career, and personal growth—not for public recognition.
Succès vs Réussite: Comparison Table
| Aspect | Succès | Réussite |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Success as public recognition | Success as achievement |
| Typical Contexts | Entertainment, business, popularity | Education, work, personal goals |
| Nuance | Visible, celebrated success | Accomplishment, reaching goals |
| Gender & Article | Masculine, le succès | Feminine, la réussite |
| Common Collocations | Un grand succès, succès commercial | Réussite scolaire, réussite pro |
Succès is used for a new TV show that becomes popular.
Réussite fits best for academic or personal achievements like graduating.
Yes, but they are used in different contexts.
'Succès' is more appropriate for a high-profile financial achievement.
Conclusion
Succès and réussite both express "success" but in distinct ways: succès is for public, recognized success, while réussite is for achieving goals or milestones.
- Use succès for things that gain public acclaim (a hit, a trend).
- Use réussite for personal or professional achievements (passing exams, career milestones).
You would use 'succès' for a campaign that gains public recognition and boosts sales.
'Réussite' can be used for personal achievements, including overcoming challenges.
They could use 'succès' for public acclaim and 'réussite' for personal achievement.