Joyeux anniversaire, mon cher
The English phrase "happy birthday, dear" is translated into French as Joyeux anniversaire, mon cher.
This phrase is a warm greeting used to wish a male friend or loved one a happy birthday. An alternative way to express this is by saying Bon anniversaire, mon cher/ ma chère.
Which one should you use?
Use Joyeux anniversaire, mon cher when addressing a male and Joyeux anniversaire, ma chère when addressing a female.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, the phrase Bonne fête is used to mean Happy Birthday.
How does it change in a sentence?
You must change the masculine mon cher to the feminine ma chère if the person you are addressing is female.
Did you know?
- While mon cher means 'my dear', the word cher also means 'expensive' in French, as both senses come from the Latin word for 'valuable'.
- If you use Bonne fête in France instead of Quebec, people will think you are celebrating the person's 'name day', which is the feast day of the saint they are named after.
- The word anniversaire comes from the Latin words for 'year' and 'to turn'. It literally describes the earth turning back to the same point in its orbit.
Examples in context
- Joyeux anniversaire, mon cher.Happy birthday, dear.
- Joyeux anniversaire, mon cher ami.Happy birthday, my dear friend.
Example conversation
Manon gives a gift to Hugo for his birthday.
- HugoMerci beaucoup pour le cadeau !Thank you so much for the gift!
- ManonDe rien. Joyeux anniversaire, mon cher Hugo !You're welcome. Happy birthday, my dear Hugo!
- HugoC'est vraiment très gentil de ta part.That is really very kind of you.
- ManonJe suis ravie que ça te plaise.I am glad that you like it.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries anniversaire, cher, joyeux, mon, CC BY-SA 4.0.
