anniversaire en retard
The English phrase "belated birthday" is translated into French as anniversaire en retard.
This phrase is used to describe a birthday celebration or greeting that occurs after the actual date of the birthday.
What mistakes should you avoid?
If you have forgotten someone's birthday, a personal and polite way to apologize is to say Je suis désolé d'avoir oublié ton anniversaire.
Did you know?
- In French, the word anniversaire is used for both a birthday and a wedding anniversary.
- The word anniversaire comes from the Latin anniversārius, which describes a year turning or revolving.
- While English speakers say a 'belated birthday', a French speaker literally says an 'anniversaire en retard', which sounds more like the birthday itself is running late for an appointment.
Examples in context
- Je me demande si elle acceptera un cadeau d'anniversaire en retard.I wonder if she'll accept a belated birthday present.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use anniversaire en retard in the context of a gift.Tatoeba #695190 by qdii, translation #695185 by darinmex
- Joyeux anniversaire en retardHappy belated birthday
- Pardonnez-moi d'avoir manqué votre anniversaireForgive me for missing your birthday
- Bon anniversaire en retardHappy late birthday
- On fête ton anniversaire en retard samedi ?Are we celebrating your birthday late on Saturday?
Example conversation
Chloé and Hugo are talking on the phone about a party.
- ChloéHugo, joyeux anniversaire en retard !Hugo, happy belated birthday!
- HugoMerci Chloé, c'est très gentil.Thank you Chloé, that is very kind.
- ChloéOn peut fêter ton anniversaire en retard ce week-end ?Can we celebrate your birthday late this weekend?
- HugoOui, avec plaisir !Yes, with pleasure!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries anniversaire, en, retard, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
