fais un vœu
To make a wish in French is to say fais un vœu.
The phrase faire un vœu is used for the ritual of making a wish, such as when blowing out birthday candles or seeing a shooting star. This is distinct from the verb souhaiter, which is used for the act of wishing something for someone else, like saying "I wish you a happy birthday".
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb faire (to do/make) and the noun un vœu (a wish).
How does it change in a sentence?
The imperative form changes to faites un vœu when addressing more than one person or when using the formal vous.
Did you know?
- French law sometimes refers to vœux in the context of a 'will' or final testament. This links the act of wishing for the future with the legal distribution of assets after death.
- The word vœu is spelled with the ligature œ, where the 'o' and 'e' are joined. This is a remnant of Latin spelling that remains in a few specific French words today.
- The word vœu shares the same Latin ancestor as the English word 'vote', meaning both words trace back to the idea of a solemn vow or promise.
Examples in context
- Ferme les yeux et fais un vœu.Close your eyes and make a wish.This sentence shows how to use fais un vœu when telling someone to close their eyes.Tatoeba #10510365 by pkill, translation #10510362 by CM
- Fais un vœu et souffle les bougies.Make a wish and blow out the candles.This sentence uses fais un vœu in the context of blowing out candles.Tatoeba #486613 by sacredceltic, translation #20741 by CK
- Fais un vœu lorsque tu vois une étoile filante.When you see a shooting star, make a wish.This sentence uses fais un vœu regarding seeing a shooting star.Tatoeba #983101 by U2FS, translation #6196028 by sundown
- Fais un vœu et que tous tes rêves se réalisent.Make a wish, and may all your dreams come true.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Manon and Lucas are celebrating a birthday with a cake.
- ManonC'est l'heure de souffler tes bougies, Lucas !It is time to blow out your candles, Lucas!
- LucasD'accord, je suis prêt.Okay, I am ready.
- ManonFais un vœu avant de les éteindre.Make a wish before you blow them out.
- LucasC'est fait, je l'ai déjà fait !Done, I already did it!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries un, vœu, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
