À vos souhaits !
standard, polite
When someone sneezes, French speakers say À vos souhaits !, literally "to your wishes". It is the standard reply. It is also called À tes souhaits ! and À vos amours !
Meaning: reaction to a sneeze (interjection)
Ways to say it
| French | Note |
|---|---|
| À vos souhaits ! | standard, polite |
| À tes souhaits ! | informal |
| À vos amours ! | second sneeze |
With a friend or a child, use À tes souhaits ! If the person sneezes a second time, a traditional reply is À vos amours !, meaning "to your loves".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The vos form is polite and also used for groups. The tes form is for someone you call tu.
When do people say it?
French speakers do not use a religious blessing for a sneeze, and the saying is a wish for good luck.
Did you know?
- The usual French sound for a sneeze in writing is atchoum.
Examples in context
- À tes souhaits, Léo.Bless you, Léo.
- À vos amours !To your loves!
Example conversation
Colleagues Paul and Anne sit in a meeting room in Paris when Anne sneezes.
- AnneAtchoum !Achoo!
- PaulÀ vos souhaits !Bless you!
- AnneMerci, c'est le rhume.Thanks, it is the cold.
- PaulSoignez-vous bien.Take good care.
