Birthdays are special occasions that allow us to celebrate the lives of our loved ones. If you’re learning French and want to wish someone a happy birthday or talk about someone else’s birthday, it’s essential to know how to express “his birthday is” in French. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the formal and informal ways of saying this phrase, and we’ll provide tips, examples, and even regional variations to help you master this expression. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions
When discussing someone’s birthday in a more formal setting, such as in professional or academic environments, it is crucial to use the appropriate language. Here are some formal expressions you can use:
- Son anniversaire est le – This is the most straightforward and commonly used phrase for saying “his birthday is” in French. However, keep in mind that you need to include the specific date afterwards. For example: “Son anniversaire est le 25 mai.” (His birthday is on May 25.)
- Il fête son anniversaire le – This expression literally means “he celebrates his birthday on.” It is also widely understood and used in formal contexts. For instance: “Il fête son anniversaire le 10 septembre.” (He celebrates his birthday on September 10.)
Informal Expressions
If you want to express someone’s birthday in a more relaxed, casual setting, such as with friends or family, you can use these informal expressions:
- C’est son anniversaire – This simple and commonly used phrase means “it’s his birthday.” When saying it, you can accompany it with exclamations of joy or well wishes. For example: “C’est son anniversaire aujourd’hui ! Joyeux anniversaire !” (It’s his birthday today! Happy birthday!)
- Il a son anniversaire le – This expression means “he has his birthday on.” Though less common, it is still used informally. You can use it when talking about someone’s birthday plans or gifts. For instance: “Il a son anniversaire le 5 juin, on devrait lui acheter un cadeau spécial.” (He has his birthday on June 5th, we should buy him a special gift.)
Regional Variations
French is spoken in many different regions across the globe, and as a result, there are some regional variations in the way people express “his birthday is” or talk about birthdays. However, these variations are not widely used and are not essential to understanding or communicating in French. Therefore, we will not delve into regional variations in this guide.
Tips and Examples
Now, let’s explore some tips and examples to further solidify your understanding of how to say “his birthday is” in French:
Tip: When stating the date, remember that the day comes before the month in French, unlike in some other languages. For example, “le 7 juillet” means “July 7th.”
Example 1:
Informal: Aujourd’hui, c’est l’anniversaire de Pierre ! (Today is Pierre’s birthday!)
Formal: Son anniversaire est le 14 février. (His birthday is on February 14th.)
Example 2:
Informal: Il a son anniversaire demain, il aura 25 ans. (He has his birthday tomorrow; he will be 25 years old.)
Formal: Il fête son anniversaire le dernier jeudi de novembre. (He celebrates his birthday on the last Thursday of November.)
Example 3:
Informal: C’est l’anniversaire de ma sœur ce week-end. (It’s my sister’s birthday this weekend.)
Formal: Sa date de naissance est le 5 mai. (Her date of birth is May 5th.)
Remember to adjust the expressions according to the gender of the person you are referring to. For example, if you are referring to a female, use “sa” instead of “son” in informal expressions and “elle” instead of “il” in formal expressions.
With these expressions, tips, and examples, you are now equipped to confidently talk about someone’s birthday in French. Whether you’re in a formal or informal setting, make sure to use the appropriate expressions and spread joy on special occasions. Bonne chance (good luck) and enjoy celebrating birthdays in French!
