Joyeux anniversaire
/ʒwa.jø.z‿a.ni.vɛʁ.sɛʁ/
The English phrase 'happy birthday to a man' is translated into French as Joyeux anniversaire.
Joyeux anniversaire is a common way to say Happy Birthday in French. You can personalize the greeting by adding the person's name, such as Joyeux anniversaire, [Name].
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of joyeux (joyful) and anniversaire (anniversary/birthday).
Which one should you use?
Another common way to say 'happy birthday' is Bon anniversaire. You can also add a person's name to either phrase, such as Bon anniversaire, [Name].
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase Joyeux anniversaire is gender-neutral and can be used for any person regardless of their gender.
How do you pronounce it?
The phrase has 6 syllables and is pronounced /ʒwa.jø.z‿a.ni.vɛʁ.sɛʁ/.
Did you know?
- In Quebec, you will often hear Bonne fête instead of Joyeux anniversaire. In France, however, Bonne fête is used to celebrate a person's name day rather than their date of birth.
- The word 'anniversaire' contains a hidden connection to the movement of the earth, as it stems from the Latin 'vertō', meaning 'to turn' or 'to revolve' around the sun.
- Because 'anniversaire' is a masculine noun, if you were to use an adjective to describe the 'birthday' itself, you would always use the masculine form, even when speaking to a woman.
Examples in context
- Joyeux anniversaire, mon ami.Happy birthday, my friend.
- Joyeux anniversaire à toi !Happy birthday to you!
Example conversation
Emma gives a gift to Hugo.
- EmmaJoyeux anniversaire, Hugo !Happy birthday, Hugo!
- HugoMerci beaucoup, Emma !Thank you very much, Emma!
- EmmaTu aimes ton cadeau ?Do you like your gift?
- HugoOui, c'est parfait !Yes, it is perfect!
Sources
- Pronunciation from the Wiktionary entry joyeux anniversaire.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries anniversaire, joyeux, CC BY-SA 4.0.
