joyeux anniversaire
/ʒwa.jø.z‿a.ni.vɛʁ.sɛʁ/
joyeux anniversaire is the French way to say happy anniversary.
This phrase is used to congratulate someone on their birth date or any special yearly milestone.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the adjective joyeux (joyful/happy) and the noun anniversaire (anniversary/birthday).
How do you pronounce it?
/ʒwa.jø.z‿a.ni.vɛʁ.sɛʁ/. The word has 6 syllables.
Did you know?
- In France, bonne fête is not used for birthdays but to celebrate a person's 'name day', the feast day of the saint they are named after.
- The word anniversaire comes from the Latin roots for 'year' and 'to turn', essentially describing a year that has 'turned' around the sun.
- While joyeux is common, you will also hear bon anniversaire, where bon literally means 'good' rather than 'joyful'.
Examples in context
- Joyeux anniversaire !Happy anniversary!This is useful for offering a standard happy anniversary greeting.Tatoeba #530346 by fs, translation #2044414 by CK
- Je vous souhaite un joyeux anniversaire de mariage. Que cette journée spéciale vous rappelle les merveilleux moments partagés et vous apporte encore plus de moments de joie et de complicité!I wish you a happy wedding anniversary. May this special day remind you of the wonderful moments you've shared and bring even more moments of joy and togetherness!
Example conversation
A couple celebrating their wedding anniversary at a restaurant.
- LucasJoyeux anniversaire, Emma.Happy anniversary, Emma.
- EmmaMerci, Lucas. Joyeux anniversaire à nous !Thank you, Lucas. Happy anniversary to us!
- LucasTu es magnifique ce soir.You look magnificent tonight.
- EmmaC'est très gentil, mon chéri.That is very kind, my darling.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry joyeux anniversaire, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries anniversaire, joyeux, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
