What does it mean word for word?
The word félicitations is a feminine plural noun that literally means "congratulations". The word votre is a possessive adjective meaning "your", used in its formal or plural form.
Which one should you use?
While English uses the preposition "on", French uses the preposition pour (for) to express the reason for the congratulations. If you are speaking to a close friend or someone you use 'tu' with, you would use félicitations pour ton mariage instead of félicitations pour votre mariage.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, Canada, you can use either Félicitations pour votre mariage! or Félicitations pour ton mariage!
How does it change in a sentence?
The preposition pour is used to state the reason for the congratulations. The possessive adjective votre is used when addressing someone formally or when addressing more than one person.
Did you know?
- In a traditional French wedding toast, it is common to shout Vive les mariés! (Long live the newlyweds!) immediately after offering your congratulations.
- In traditional French etiquette, it was once considered a faux pas to congratulate a bride or groom during the ceremony itself. It was more proper to wait until the reception or send a written note.
- The word mariage is used for both the legal contract and the wedding celebration. In English, 'marriage' and 'wedding' are distinct, but French uses one word for both the state of being married and the event.
Examples in context
- Félicitations pour votre mariage.Congratulations on your marriage.Tatoeba #11580194 by carlosalberto, translation #11580191 by carlosalberto
- Félicitations pour votre mariage, Marie et Jean! Votre amour est inspirant!Congratulations on your marriage, Marie and Jean! Your love is inspiring!
- Toutes mes félicitations pour votre mariage.All my congratulations on your marriage.
- Encore félicitations pour votre mariage, vous êtes magnifiques.Congratulations again on your marriage, you look magnificent.
Example conversation
Gabriel meets Emma at her wedding reception.
- GabrielEmma, félicitations pour votre mariage !Emma, congratulations on your marriage!
- EmmaMerci beaucoup, Gabriel !Thank you very much, Gabriel!
- GabrielVous êtes vraiment magnifiques aujourd'hui.You both look truly magnificent today.
- EmmaC'est très gentil de ta part.That is very kind of you.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
