je vous souhaite un joyeux anniversaire
The English phrase "I wish you a happy birthday" is translated into French as je vous souhaite un joyeux anniversaire.
This phrase is used to express good wishes to someone on the anniversary of their birth.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is built from je (I), vous (you), souhaite (wish), un (a), joyeux (happy) and anniversaire (birthday).
Which one should you use?
While je vous souhaite un joyeux anniversaire is a complete sentence, it is very common to simply say joyeux anniversaire as a standalone greeting. Bon anniversaire is also a common alternative to joyeux anniversaire.
How does it change in a sentence?
Replacing the pronoun vous with te makes the phrase informal, used for friends or family.
Did you know?
- The word vous in your greeting is actually a cognate of the Russian word вы (vy). Both descend from the same ancient roots used to address groups or show respect.
- In French, 'anniversaire' is a general term for any anniversary. Without the word 'birthday' implied by context, the phrase could technically refer to any yearly recurrence, like a wedding anniversary.
- The word joyeux comes from the noun joie, meaning 'joy'. This connects your birthday wishes directly to the concept of deep, intense happiness.
Examples in context
- Cher Monsieur Dupont, je vous souhaite un joyeux anniversaire, en espérant que cette journée soit remplie de bonheur et de succès. Cordialement, Marie.Dear Mr. Dupont, I wish you a happy birthday, hoping that this day will be filled with happiness and success. Sincerely, Marie.
- Mon cher ami, je te souhaite un joyeux anniversaire, que cette journée soit remplie de bonheur et d'amour. Amicalement, Jean.My dear friend, I wish you a happy birthday, may this day be filled with happiness and love. Best regards, Jean.
- Je vous souhaite un joyeux anniversaire, Madame.I wish you a happy birthday, Madam.
- Je vous souhaite un joyeux anniversaire et beaucoup de bonheur.I wish you a happy birthday and much happiness.
- Je vous souhaite un joyeux anniversaire, Monsieur le Directeur.I wish you a happy birthday, Mr. Director.
Example conversation
Lucas greets his colleague Manon in the office on her birthday.
- LucasBonjour Manon, je vous souhaite un joyeux anniversaire !Hello Manon, I wish you a happy birthday!
- ManonOh, c'est très gentil, merci Lucas.Oh, that is very kind, thank you Lucas.
- LucasVous allez fêter ça ce soir ?Are you celebrating it tonight?
- ManonOui, je vais dîner avec ma famille.Yes, I am going to have dinner with my family.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries anniversaire, je, joyeux, un, vous, CC BY-SA 4.0.
