Joyeux anniversaire !
standard
To a girl say Joyeux anniversaire ! It is the same greeting as for a boy, because anniversaire is masculine and joyeux agrees with it. It is also called Bon anniversaire ! and Joyeux anniversaire, ma belle !
Meaning: birthday greeting (phrase)
Ways to say it
| French | Note |
|---|---|
| Joyeux anniversaire ! | standard |
| Bon anniversaire ! | common |
| Joyeux anniversaire, ma belle ! | affectionate |
Add her name or a term such as ma belle or ma puce for a close friend or a young daughter. Bon anniversaire ! is equally common.
How does it change in a sentence?
Avoid joyeuse anniversaire. The adjective agrees with the masculine noun, not with the girl.
Did you know?
- For a child, the French often add ma puce, literally "my flea", as a pet name.
Examples in context
- Bon anniversaire, ma puce !Happy birthday, sweetheart!
- Tu as huit ans aujourd'hui !You are eight today!
Example conversation
Zoé turns eight and her father, Papa, brings her cake in the kitchen.
- PapaJoyeux anniversaire, Zoé !Happy birthday, Zoé!
- ZoéMerci, papa !Thanks, Dad!
- PapaSouffle les bougies.Blow out the candles.
- ZoéUn, deux, trois !One, two, three!
