Birthdays are special occasions that are celebrated across the globe. If you’re in a French-speaking country or simply want to impress your francophone friends, it’s always fun to know how to express “It is my birthday” in French. In this guide, we will cover both the formal and informal ways to say it, along with some tips and examples to help you out.
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions
When using formal expressions, it is important to maintain a respectful and polite tone. Here are two common ways to say “It is my birthday” formally:
C’est mon anniversaire.
In this phrase, “C’est” means “It is,” “mon” means “my,” and “anniversaire” translates to “birthday.” This is a straightforward and widely used formal expression.
Aujourd’hui, c’est ma journée d’anniversaire.
This longer expression means “Today is my birthday” and sounds more formal. It emphasizes the idea that your birthday is a special day.
Informal Expressions
When speaking with friends or family in a casual setting, you can use some more relaxed expressions. Here are two examples:
C’est mon anniv!
This short and informal phrase is commonly used among friends. “Anniv” is a common abbreviation for “anniversaire.”
Aujourd’hui, je fête mon anniversaire.
This expression translates to “Today, I am celebrating my birthday” and is used in informal conversations among close acquaintances.
Tips and Examples
Here are some tips and additional examples for using these birthday expressions:
1. Adding “Bon” for Well-Wishes
If you want to express birthday well-wishes, you can add “Bon” (meaning “Good” or “Happy”) before the word “anniversaire” in both formal and informal expressions. For example:
Bon anniversaire! – Happy birthday!
Bon anniv! – Happy b-day!
2. Emphasizing the Number of Years
To specify the number of years you are celebrating, you can use “J’ai” (meaning “I have”) followed by the number and the word “ans” (meaning “years”). For instance:
J’ai 30 ans aujourd’hui. C’est mon anniversaire. – I’m turning 30 today. It is my birthday.
3. Including “Joyeux” for a Cheerful Touch
In informal expressions, you can add “Joyeux” (meaning “Joyful” or “Cheerful”) before “anniversaire” to make it even more festive. For example:
Joyeux anniv! – Happy birthday!
Joyeux anniversaire à moi! – Happy birthday to me!
4. Regional Variations
While French is spoken in numerous countries, there may be slight variations in birthday expressions. For instance, in Quebec, Canada, you might hear:
C’est ma fête aujourd’hui. – It is my birthday today.
Remember that these regional variations might exist, but they are not necessary for general communication.
By now, you should feel confident in expressing “It is my birthday” in French. Remember to adapt your phrase based on the level of formality and to add well-wishes or personalize the expression as needed. Birthdays are a joyous occasion, and now you can celebrate in French with ease!
