chanson de joyeux anniversaire
The English phrase "happy birthday song" is chanson de joyeux anniversaire in French.
chanson de joyeux anniversaire is the name used to refer to the traditional song sung to celebrate someone's birthday.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of chanson (song), de (of) and joyeux anniversaire (happy birthday).
Which one should you use?
While chanson de joyeux anniversaire refers to the song itself, the actual lyrics sung during the celebration are typically just Joyeux anniversaire.
How does it change in a sentence?
As a noun phrase, it can be preceded by the definite article la to become la chanson de joyeux anniversaire, meaning "the happy birthday song".
Did you know?
- In Quebec, people often sing a different song called Bonne fête, which uses the word for 'holiday' or 'feast day' instead of anniversaire.
- The word anniversaire comes from the Latin roots for 'year' and 'to turn', implying a year that has turned or revolved.
- If you want to say 'birthday' as a standalone noun, you use anniversaire, but you must be careful, as 'mon anniversaire' can also mean 'my anniversary' (like a wedding anniversary).
Examples in context
- On chante la chanson de joyeux anniversaire ?Shall we sing the happy birthday song?
- Elle adore la chanson de joyeux anniversaire.She loves the happy birthday song.
- Tout le monde connaît la chanson de joyeux anniversaire.Everyone knows the happy birthday song.
Example conversation
Hugo and Manon are preparing a surprise party.
- HugoJe m'occupe du gâteau et des bougies.I'll take care of the cake and the candles.
- ManonD'accord, et qui chante la chanson de joyeux anniversaire ?Okay, and who is singing the happy birthday song?
- HugoOn peut tous la chanter ensemble.We can all sing it together.
- ManonC'est une excellente idée, Hugo !That's a great idea, Hugo!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries anniversaire, chanson, de, joyeux, CC BY-SA 4.0.
