Joyeux anniversaire
song, standard
The French birthday song is sung with Joyeux anniversaire and uses the same melody as the English "Happy Birthday". Some families sing Bon anniversaire instead. It is also called Bonne fête.
Meaning: birthday wish sung at a party (phrase)
Ways to say it
| French | Note |
|---|---|
| Joyeux anniversaire | song, standard |
| Bon anniversaire | song, everyday |
| Bonne fête | Quebec |
At a party the guests sing Joyeux anniversaire to the person and add the name, for example Joyeux anniversaire, Léa. In Quebec many people sing Bonne fête in the same way.
Is it said differently in some regions?
France says joyeux anniversaire most of the time and Quebec often prefers bonne fête.
Did you know?
- The French birthday song uses the same melody as the English one.
Examples in context
- Bon anniversaire, papi !Happy birthday, grandpa!
- On chante « Joyeux anniversaire » ensemble.We sing "Happy Birthday" together.
Example conversation
Léa's family gathers around a birthday cake, and her Papa leads the song.
- PapaPrête ? On chante !Ready? Let us sing!
- PapaJoyeux anniversaire, Léa !Happy birthday, Léa!
- LéaMerci à tous !Thanks to all!
