joyeux anniversaire petit-fils
To say "happy birthday grandson" in French, use joyeux anniversaire petit-fils.
This phrase is a greeting used specifically to wish a grandson a happy birthday.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of joyeux (joyful), anniversaire (birthday) and petit-fils (grandson), which literally translates to "little-son".
How does it change in a sentence?
If you are wishing a granddaughter a happy birthday instead of a grandson, replace petit-fils with petite-fille.
Did you know?
- In some French-speaking regions, people may say bonne fête instead of joyeux anniversaire to celebrate a birthday.
- While 'birthday' is anniversaire, if you were to say 'anniversary' for a wedding or a historical event, you would use the exact same word in French.
- The word anniversaire contains a hidden movement in its roots, coming from the Latin 'vertō', which means 'to turn' or 'to revolve' like the cycle of a year.
Example conversation
Hugo is giving a gift to his grandson while Manon watches.
- HugoJoyeux anniversaire petit-fils !Happy birthday grandson!
- ManonMerci beaucoup, Papy !Thank you very much, Grandpa!
- HugoTiens, voici ton cadeau.Here, here is your present.
- ManonOh, c'est super !Oh, it's great!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries anniversaire, joyeux, petit-fils, CC BY-SA 4.0.
