bonne fête du travail
To say "happy labor day" in French, use bonne fête du travail.
This phrase is used as a greeting to wish someone a pleasant Labor Day holiday.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, the phrase translates to "good feast of the work".
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective bonne (good) is in the feminine form to agree with the feminine noun fête (feast/holiday).
Did you know?
- While we think of 'work' as a daily activity, the word travail is etymologically linked to the concept of 'torture' or 'suffering'. It stems from the Latin word for a torture device consisting of three stakes.
- The phrase bonne fête is also used in French Canada as a general way to wish someone a 'happy birthday'.
- In France, May 1st is not just a day of rest but is traditionally associated with giving muguet or lily of the valley to loved ones.
Examples in context
- Bonne fête du travail à tous !Happy Labor Day to everyone!
- Je vous souhaite une bonne fête du travail.I wish you a happy Labor Day.
- Bonne fête du travail, ma chère !Happy Labor Day, my dear!
Example conversation
Léa and Lucas are greeting each other on a holiday morning.
- LéaBonjour Lucas, bonne fête du travail !Hello Lucas, happy Labor Day!
- LucasMerci Léa, bonne fête du travail à toi aussi.Thanks Léa, happy Labor Day to you too.
- LéaTu as des projets pour aujourd'hui ?Do you have plans for today?
- LucasOui, je vais me reposer un peu.Yes, I am going to rest a little.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries du, fête, travail, CC BY-SA 4.0.
