Joyeux anniversaire
/ʒwa.jø.z‿a.ni.vɛʁ.sɛʁ/
The phrase 'happy birthday to a girl' is expressed in French as Joyeux anniversaire.
Joyeux anniversaire is a common greeting used to wish someone a happy birthday. It is used as a direct greeting and is also the standard lyric for the 'Happy Birthday' song in French. If you are writing a birthday card, you might start with Chère (Dear) to address the person. To sign off a card, you can use Avec toute mon affection (With all my love), Je t'embrasse (Hugs and kisses) or Amicalement (Sincerely).
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of joyeux (joyful/happy) and anniversaire (birthday).
Which one should you use?
Bon anniversaire is another common way to say 'Happy birthday' in French.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase Joyeux anniversaire is gender-neutral and can be used for both a girl and a boy.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʒwa.jø.z‿a.ni.vɛʁ.sɛʁ/
Did you know?
- While anniversaire means 'birthday', it is also the word used for a wedding anniversary, meaning the same phrase is used for both milestones.
- While Joyeux anniversaire is the standard, many French speakers in Quebec use the phrase Bonne fête to celebrate a birthday.
- The word anniversaire comes from the Latin anniversārius, combining annus for 'year' and vertō for 'to turn' or 'revolve'.
Examples in context
- Joyeux anniversaire, ma petite !Happy birthday, my little one!
- Joyeux anniversaire à la plus belle !Happy birthday to the most beautiful girl!
Example conversation
Emma and Lucas are at a birthday party.
- EmmaJoyeux anniversaire, Lucas !Happy birthday, Lucas!
- LucasMerci beaucoup, Emma !Thank you very much, Emma!
- EmmaTu aimes ton cadeau ?Do you like your gift?
- LucasOui, il est super !Yes, it is great!
Sources
- Pronunciation from the Wiktionary entry joyeux anniversaire.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries anniversaire, joyeux, CC BY-SA 4.0.
