meilleurs vœux
The English phrase "best wishes" is translated into French as meilleurs vœux.
meilleurs vœux is a polite phrase used to express good intentions and hope for someone's future happiness, often in cards or letters. In France, it is most commonly used as a standard greeting during the New Year period to wish someone a happy new year.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the adjective meilleurs (best) and the noun vœux (wishes/desires).
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase is almost exclusively used in its plural form meilleurs vœux when expressing well-wishes.
Did you know?
- In French, the word vœux can also refer to the solemn religious or legal 'vows' taken by a monk or a person getting married.
- In France, people traditionally send their meilleurs vœux throughout the entire month of January, not just on the first day.
- The word vœu comes from the Latin 'votum', which refers to a solemn promise or a vow made to a deity.
Examples in context
- Elle t'a envoyé ses meilleurs vœux.She sent you her best wishes.This sentence shows how to say someone sent her meilleurs vœux.Tatoeba #6724494 by GB3, translation #308158 by CK
- Meilleurs vœux de notre part à tous.Best wishes from all of us.This sentence is useful for expressing meilleurs vœux on behalf of a group.Tatoeba #4561937 by sacredceltic, translation #2819986 by patgfisher
- Transmets mes meilleurs vœux à Peter.Please pass on my best wishes to Peter.This sentence demonstrates how to ask someone to pass on your meilleurs vœux to a third party.Tatoeba #3622130 by fleur74, translation #6176039 by sundown
- Joyeux anniversaire, mon cher ami ! Meilleurs vœux pour une année fantastique.Happy birthday, my dear friend! Best wishes for a fantastic year ahead.
- Que votre chemin soit parsemé de succès et de bonheur lors de cette nouvelle aventure professionnelle.As you embark on this new business venture, we wish you every success.
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma and Gabriel are exchanging New Year's greetings.
- EmmaBonne année Gabriel ! Meilleurs vœux pour cette année.Happy New Year Gabriel! Best wishes for this year.
- GabrielMerci Emma, meilleurs vœux à toi aussi !Thank you Emma, best wishes to you too!
- EmmaJ'espère que tout ira bien pour toi.I hope everything goes well for you.
- GabrielC'est très gentil de ta part.That is very kind of you.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
