joyeux anniversaire
/ʒwa.jø.z‿a.ni.vɛʁ.sɛʁ/
The English phrase "happy birthday to you" is translated into French as joyeux anniversaire.
Joyeux anniversaire is a common and straightforward way to wish someone a happy birthday in French.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of joyeux (joyful) and anniversaire (anniversary/birthday).
Which one should you use?
Bon anniversaire is a very common alternative to joyeux anniversaire, using bon (good) instead of joyeux (joyful).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Québec, Canada, bonne fête is a common expression used to wish someone a happy birthday.
How does it change in a sentence?
Because anniversaire is a masculine noun, the adjective joyeux remains in its masculine form.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʒwa.jø.z‿a.ni.vɛʁ.sɛʁ/
Did you know?
- In France, saying bonne fête does not wish someone a happy birthday, but instead celebrates their 'name day', the feast day of the saint they are named after.
- The term anniversaire comes from the Latin words annus meaning 'year' and vertō meaning 'to turn'.
- The word anniversaire is used for any yearly commemoration, meaning you use the same word for a birthday and a wedding anniversary.
Examples in context
- Joyeux anniversaire.Happy birthday to you.This sentence shows how to use joyeux anniversaire to wish someone a happy birthday.Tatoeba #1332414 by txoriburu, translation #10117415 by espamatics
- Joyeux anniversaire, Monsieur DupontHappy birthday, Mr. Dupont.
- Joyeux anniversaire à toi !Happy birthday to you!
- Je te souhaite un joyeux anniversaire.I wish you a happy birthday.
Example conversation
Hugo surprises Manon with a small gift at her home.
- HugoJoyeux anniversaire, Manon !Happy birthday, Manon!
- ManonOh, merci beaucoup Hugo !Oh, thank you very much Hugo!
- HugoC'est un petit cadeau pour toi.It is a little gift for you.
- ManonTu es vraiment très gentil.You are really very kind.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry joyeux anniversaire, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries anniversaire, joyeux, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
