Felix dies anniversarius
The English phrase "happy anniversary" is translated into Latin as Felix dies anniversarius.
This phrase is used as a greeting to congratulate someone on the anniversary of a special event.
What does it mean word for word?
The literal translation is "Happy anniversary day", where felix means happy or lucky, dies means day and anniversarius means returning yearly.
Which one should you use?
If you are wishing the anniversary upon someone (for example, in the sentence "I wish you a happy anniversary"), you should use the accusative form Felicem diem anniversarium.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase Felix dies anniversarius, the adjective felix agrees in gender (masculine) and case (nominative) with the noun dies.
Did you know?
- The word felix originally described a nursing animal with young. It evolved from a term meaning 'suckling' to denote the luck and prosperity associated with a plentiful supply of milk.
- In ancient Rome, felix was often used to describe a person's 'luck' or 'divine favor' rather than just a fleeting emotion of happiness.
Examples in context
- Felix dies anniversarius!Happy anniversary!
- Nobis felix dies anniversarius sit.May it be a happy anniversary to us.
Example conversation
Gaius and Lucia are celebrating their wedding anniversary at home.
- GaiusFelix dies anniversarius, Lucia!Happy anniversary, Lucia!
- LuciaGratias tibi ago, mi amor.Thank you, my love.
- GaiusTibi felix dies anniversarius sit.May it be a happy anniversary to you.
- LuciaAmemus nos in perpetuum.Let us love each other forever.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Felix, anniversarius, dies, felix, CC BY-SA 4.0.
