Joyeuses fêtes
/ʒwa.jøz fɛt/
The English phrase "happy holiday" translates to Joyeuses fêtes in French.
Joyeuses fêtes is the standard greeting used to wish someone a pleasant time during the winter holiday season, covering the period from Christmas to New Year. For specific holidays, you can use Joyeux Noël! for Merry Christmas or Joyeuses Pâques! for Happy Easter.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the feminine plural adjective joyeuses (joyful) and the feminine plural noun fêtes (holidays/celebrations).
Which one should you use?
While Joyeuses fêtes is a general greeting for the holiday season, Joyeux Noël is used specifically to wish someone a Merry Christmas.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʒwa.jøz fɛt/
Did you know?
- The word fête can also refer to a specific saint's day, and wishing someone a bonne fête on that day is a common custom in Quebec.
- In a professional context, French speakers often avoid Joyeuses fêtes in favor of Meilleurs vœux, which means 'best wishes'.
- The word fête shares a root with the English word 'festival', emphasizing the public and communal nature of the celebration.
Examples in context
- Joyeuses fêtes à toute la famille.Happy holidays to the whole family.
- Je vous souhaite de joyeuses fêtes.I wish you a happy holiday season.
Example conversation
Gabriel and Chloé are parting ways after a Christmas party.
- GabrielMerci pour la soirée, Chloé.Thanks for the evening, Chloé.
- ChloéDe rien, Gabriel. Joyeuses fêtes !You're welcome, Gabriel. Happy holidays!
- GabrielMerci, joyeuses fêtes à toi aussi.Thank you, happy holidays to you too.
- ChloéÀ bientôt !See you soon!
Sources
- Pronunciation from the Wiktionary entry joyeuses fêtes.
