anniversaire
neutral
The word for a birthday is anniversaire in Quebec as elsewhere in French. In Quebec people also say fête for the person's birthday, and Bonne fête! is the usual wish.
Meaning: the day someone was born, and its celebration (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | Note |
|---|---|
| anniversaire | neutral |
| fête | everyday, Quebec |
| Bonne fête ! | greeting, Quebec |
Mon anniversaire est en mai tells someone the date. C'est ma fête demain says it is your birthday tomorrow.
Which one should you use?
Joyeux anniversaire is also understood and used, but Bonne fête! is what you will hear most when someone blows out candles in Quebec.
How does it change in a sentence?
Fête is feminine, so you say ta fête and sa fête. Anniversaire is masculine, so ton anniversaire.
Did you know?
- In Quebec people wish Bonne fête! to a person on their birthday, where France would more often say Joyeux anniversaire.
Examples in context
- Mon anniversaire est en mai.My birthday is in May.
- Bonne fête, Marie!Happy birthday, Marie!
- C'est la fête de mon frère demain.It is my brother's birthday tomorrow.
Example conversation
Camille and her coworker Éric talk in the break room in Quebec City.
- ÉricC'est quand, ton anniversaire?When is your birthday?
- CamilleC'est demain, en fait.It is tomorrow, actually.
- ÉricBonne fête d'avance, alors!Happy early birthday, then!
