que Dieu vous bénisse
The English phrase "may God bless you" is translated into French as que Dieu vous bénisse.
This phrase is used to express a wish for divine favor or protection for another person.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of que (that/may), Dieu (God), vous (you) and bénisse (bless).
Which one should you use?
que Dieu vous bénisse is used when addressing a group of people or a single person in a formal context, whereas que Dieu te bénisse is used when speaking to a single person you know well or a child.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb bénisse is in the subjunctive mood because the phrase expresses a wish or a desire.
Did you know?
- While que Dieu vous bénisse is a religious blessing, the French use the unrelated word à vos souhaits to say 'bless you' after someone sneezes.
- Using que Dieu vous bénisse in a non-religious context in modern France can sometimes be perceived as overly dramatic or archaic, similar to using 'thee' or 'thou' in English.
- The root of Dieu comes from the Proto-Indo-European word *deywós, which originally referred to the 'shining' or 'sky' aspect of a deity.
Examples in context
- Que Dieu vous bénisse !May God bless you.This sentence is useful for seeing the phrase que Dieu vous bénisse used in a complete thought.Tatoeba #3382349 by sacredceltic, translation #269634 by CM
- Que Dieu vous bénisse et vous protège dans votre voyage.May God bless and protect you on your journey.
- Que Dieu te bénisse pour ta gentillesse.May God bless you for your kindness.
- Que Dieu vous bénisse durant ce voyage.May God bless you during this journey.
- Que Dieu vous bénisse, ma chère amie.May God bless you, my dear friend.
Example conversation
Lucas is leaving Manon's house after a visit.
- LucasMerci pour tout, Manon.Thank you for everything, Manon.
- ManonC'était un plaisir, Lucas.It was a pleasure, Lucas.
- LucasQue Dieu vous bénisse et protège votre famille.May God bless you and protect your family.
- ManonMerci beaucoup, bonne route !Thank you very much, have a safe trip!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Dieu, dieu, que, vous, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
