bénis-moi
The French phrase for "bless me" is bénis-moi.
This phrase is used as a request for a divine blessing or spiritual favor.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the imperative verb bénir (to bless) and the direct object pronoun moi (me).
How does it change in a sentence?
When addressing a deity or a person using the formal vous form, use bénissez-moi instead of bénis-moi. In the context of a prayer or a wish, such as "May you bless me", the verb must be in the subjunctive mood: que tu me bénisses.
Did you know?
- French distinguishes between bénir for divine blessings and féliciter for human congratulations, meaning bénis-moi would sound very strange if used to celebrate a promotion at work.
- In a sarcastic or ironic context, a French speaker might say bénis-moi to mock someone acting like a saint or behaving with exaggerated piety.
- While bénis-moi sounds purely religious, in very old French literature, the verb could be used metaphorically to mean 'to speak well of' someone.
Examples in context
- Je vous prie de me bénirI request you to bless me
- Seigneur, bénis-moi dans cette épreuve.Lord, bless me in this trial.
- S'il te plaît, bénis-moi avant mon départ.Please, bless me before my departure.
- Dieu, bénis-moi et protège ma famille.God, bless me and protect my family.
Example conversation
A young man prays at a small altar in a quiet chapel.
- NathanSeigneur, bénis-moi aujourd'hui.Lord, bless me today.
- ChloéIl t'entendra, Nathan.He will hear you, Nathan.
- NathanJ'ai besoin de sa force.I need his strength.
- ChloéSois courageux, mon ami.Be courageous, my friend.
