What does it mean word for word?
Literally, merci pour les vœux d'anniversaire translates to "thanks for the wishes of birthday".
Which one should you use?
You can use merci pour les messages d'anniversaire to thank people for digital birthday greetings, which is a common, slightly more modern way. If you wish to address a specific group of people more directly, you can replace les (the) with vos (your) to say merci pour vos vœux d'anniversaire.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
To make the expression of gratitude warmer and more polite, you can add beaucoup (much) after merci to say merci beaucoup pour vos vœux d'anniversaire.
How does it change in a sentence?
Replacing 'les' (the) with 'vos' (your) makes the phrase more direct when addressing a specific group of people in merci pour vos vœux d'anniversaire.
Did you know?
- The French word for 'birthday', anniversaire, is used for both birthdays and wedding anniversaries.
- The word merci is etymologically linked to the concept of a 'price' or 'reward', as it originates from the Latin mercēdem meaning 'wages'.
- The word vœu shares a root with the English word 'vow', reflecting a transition from a solemn promise to a friendly wish.
Examples in context
- Merci pour les vœux d'anniversaire, tout le monde !Thank you for the birthday wishes, everyone!
- Un grand merci pour les vœux d'anniversaire reçus.A big thank you for the birthday wishes received.
Example conversation
Hugo is replying to Chloé's message on a social media post.
- HugoMerci pour les vœux d'anniversaire, Chloé !Thank you for the birthday wishes, Chloé!
- ChloéDe rien, Hugo. Tu as passé une bonne journée ?You're welcome, Hugo. Did you have a good day?
- HugoOui, c'était super, merci encore.Yes, it was great, thanks again.
- ChloéJe suis ravie de l'entendre.I am delighted to hear it.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries les, merci, pour, CC BY-SA 4.0.
