Bonne fête!
Quebec, everyday
In Quebec the typical birthday wish is Bonne fête! Joyeux anniversaire is understood too and is the usual phrase in France.
Meaning: birthday greeting (phrase)
Ways to say it
| French | Note |
|---|---|
| Bonne fête! | Quebec, everyday |
| Joyeux anniversaire | standard |
Say Bonne fête! to a friend, a coworker or a child, and add the name: Bonne fête, Julie!
Which one should you use?
In France Bonne fête is wished on a name day, the feast day of a saint with the person's name. In Quebec it is the normal birthday greeting.
When do people say it?
Quebec has its own birthday song that begins Mon cher ami, c'est à ton tour…, and it is sung at parties.
Did you know?
- In Quebec fins is a common way to say "nice" or "kind" about people.
Examples in context
- Bonne fête, papa!Happy birthday, Dad!
- Joyeux anniversaire, mon ami.Happy birthday, my friend.
Example conversation
A group of coworkers gather around Julie at the office in Quebec City.
- MarcBonne fête, Julie!Happy birthday, Julie!
- JulieMerci! Vous êtes fins.Thanks! You are all so kind.
- MarcIl y a du gâteau dans la cuisine.There is cake in the kitchen.
