joyeux 14 juillet
In French, "happy bastille day" is said as joyeux 14 juillet.
This phrase is a greeting used to wish someone a happy celebration of the French National Day.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "joyful July 14th" because the holiday is named after the date rather than the event itself.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often attempt to translate "Bastille Day" literally as Joyeux jour de la Bastille, but this is not a standard way to refer to the holiday in French.
When do people say it?
French people rarely refer to the holiday as "Bastille Day". They almost exclusively call it le 14 juillet.
Did you know?
- The word juillet actually has a diminutive origin, evolving from the Old French word juignet which meant 'little June'.
- The French celebration of le 14 juillet commemorates both the storming of the Bastille in 1789 and the Fête de la Fédération in 1790.
- In France, it is uncommon to hear people say joyeux 14 juillet as a greeting. The day is usually celebrated with military parades and fireworks rather than verbal wishes.
Examples in context
- Bonjour Monsieur, Je vous souhaite une joyeuse Fête Nationale!Hello Sir, I wish you a joyful National Day!
- Salut Marie! Je te souhaite un joyeux 14 juillet!Hi Marie! I wish you a joyful July 14th!
- Merci beaucoup! Toi aussi, profite bien de cette Fête Nationale!Thank you very much! You too, enjoy this National Day to the fullest!
- Joyeux 14 juillet à tous !Happy Bastille Day to everyone!
- Je vous souhaite un joyeux 14 juillet.I wish you a happy Bastille Day.
- Bonne fête et joyeux 14 juillet !Happy holiday and happy Bastille Day!
Example conversation
Two friends are greeting each other at a street festival.
- GabrielSalut Chloé, joyeux 14 juillet !Hi Chloé, happy Bastille Day!
- ChloéMerci Gabriel, joyeux 14 juillet à toi aussi !Thanks Gabriel, happy Bastille Day to you too!
- GabrielTu viens voir le feu d'artifice ?Are you coming to see the fireworks?
- ChloéOui, avec plaisir !Yes, with pleasure!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries joyeux, juillet, CC BY-SA 4.0.
