vœux d'anniversaire
The English phrase 'birthday wishes' is translated into French as vœux d'anniversaire.
vœux d'anniversaire refers to the kind words or messages sent to someone to celebrate their birthday. If you want to say 'Happy birthday' directly, the most common and general expression is Joyeux anniversaire, though bon anniversaire is also a common alternative. For more elaborate sentiments, you might say Que tous tes vœux se réalisent to mean 'May all your wishes come true'.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase vœux d'anniversaire literally translates to 'wishes of birthday'.
Which one should you use?
While Joyeux anniversaire and bon anniversaire are used to express 'Happy birthday', other phrases change based on the level of formality. For example, Je vous souhaite un joyeux anniversaire is a more formal way to extend birthday greetings, whereas Je te souhaite un joyeux anniversaire is an informal way to say I wish you a happy birthday.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the province of Quebec, Canada, the phrase Bonne fête is commonly used to mean Happy birthday.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form vœu d'anniversaire is used when referring to a single birthday wish.
Did you know?
- In Quebec, using Bonne fête is the standard way to wish someone a happy birthday, whereas in France it would typically be used to celebrate a saint's name day.
- The word vœu comes from the Latin 'votum', which referred to a solemn promise or a vow made to a deity.
- In traditional French culture, the 'name day' associated with fête was historically considered more important to celebrate than the actual date of birth.
Examples in context
- Cher Monsieur Dupont, je vous souhaite un joyeux anniversaire rempli de bonheur et de prospérité.Dear Mr. Dupont, I wish you a happy birthday filled with joy and prosperity.
- Madame Martin, puissiez-vous être entourée de vos proches et profiter de cette merveilleuse journée d'anniversaire.Mrs. Martin, may you be surrounded by your loved ones and enjoy this wonderful birthday.
- Joyeux anniversaire, mon cher ami ! J'espère que cette journée te réserve plein de belles surprises. On se voit bientôt pour célébrer comme il se doit !Happy birthday, my dear friend! I hope this day brings you many wonderful surprises. See you soon to celebrate properly!
- Ma chère sœur, je te souhaite un joyeux anniversaire rempli d'amour et de bonheur. Profite de chaque instant et souviens-toi que je suis toujours là pour toi.My dear sister, I wish you a happy birthday filled with love and happiness. Enjoy every moment and remember that I'm always here for you.
- Merci pour tes vœux d'anniversaire.Thank you for your birthday wishes.
- Elle a reçu beaucoup de vœux d'anniversaire.She received many birthday wishes.
- Je t'envoie mes meilleurs vœux d'anniversaire.I send you my best birthday wishes.
Example conversation
Léa is thanking Hugo for a text message she received.
- LéaMerci Hugo pour tes vœux d'anniversaire !Thank you Hugo for your birthday wishes!
- HugoDe rien, j'espère que tu passes une bonne journée.You're welcome, I hope you are having a good day.
- LéaOui, c'est très gentil de ta part.Yes, it is very kind of you.
- HugoProfite bien de ta soirée !Enjoy your evening!
