cartes de vœux
The English phrase "greeting cards" is cartes de vœux in French.
The term refers to printed cards sent to people to express good wishes for a special occasion or holiday.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of cartes (cards) and de vœux (of wishes).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Canadian French, Cartes de souhaits is commonly used.
How does it change in a sentence?
When referring to a single greeting card, use the singular form une carte de vœux. In this singular form, the noun carte is singular while vœux remains in the plural.
Did you know?
- In France, it is a common custom to send cartes de vœux well into January, often until the end of the month, rather than strictly before the new year begins.
- The word vœux carries a weight of solemnity that might surprise English speakers, as it is the same word used for a monk's religious vows or a sacred oath.
- In France, if you want to send a card for a birthday, you would not use cartes de vœux, but instead specifically ask for a carte d'anniversaire.
Examples in context
- J'achète des cartes de vœux pour Noël.I am buying greeting cards for Christmas.
- Elle a choisi de jolies cartes de vœux.She chose some pretty greeting cards.
- Où sont les cartes de vœux pour les anniversaires ?Where are the greeting cards for birthdays?
Example conversation
Emma and Lucas are at a stationery shop.
- EmmaEst-ce que tu vois les cartes de vœux ?Do you see the greeting cards?
- LucasOui, elles sont dans ce rayon, Emma.Yes, they are in this aisle, Emma.
- EmmaJe cherche des cartes de vœux originales.I am looking for original greeting cards.
- LucasRegarde celles-ci, elles sont très mignonnes.Look at these ones, they are very cute.
