Joyeux anniversaire !
standard
To a friend, say Joyeux anniversaire ! or the shorter Bon anniversaire ! In text messages many people write Bon anniv !
Meaning: birthday greeting (phrase)
Ways to say it
| French | Note |
|---|---|
| Joyeux anniversaire ! | standard |
| Bon anniversaire ! | casual |
| Bon anniv ! | slang, text messages |
Use tu with a friend, as in Je te souhaite un joyeux anniversaire. Adding the name makes it warmer.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Belgium and Switzerland the same phrases are used, so the greeting works across the French-speaking world.
How does it change in a sentence?
The wording is the same for a male or female friend.
Did you know?
- Anniv is the shortened form of anniversaire and appears in everyday French texting.
Examples in context
- Bon anniv, ma belle !Happy birthday, gorgeous!
- Je te souhaite une belle journée.I wish you a lovely day.
Example conversation
Karim opens the door of his flat in Marseille as his friend Alex arrives with a gift.
- AlexJoyeux anniversaire, Karim !Happy birthday, Karim!
- KarimMerci, entrez !Thanks, come in!
- AlexOn a un petit cadeau pour toi.We have a little gift for you.
- KarimIl ne fallait pas !You should not have!
