meilleurs vœux
In French, warm wishes is translated as meilleurs vœux.
The phrase meilleurs vœux is a friendly expression used to convey kindness and goodwill. While it can serve as a closing in letters or cards, it is more frequently used as a standalone greeting to wish someone a Happy New Year.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to 'best wishes', where meilleurs means 'best' and vœux means 'wishes'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word vœux is the plural form of vœu, and the adjective meilleurs is the masculine plural form of meilleur to ensure agreement with it.
When do people say it?
In French-speaking cultures, meilleurs vœux is most commonly used as a greeting or a closing during the New Year holiday period.
Did you know?
- The word vœux is closely related to the English word 'vow'. While 'wishes' in English can be casual, vœux carries a historical weight of a solemn promise or a prayer.
- There is a distinct social window for meilleurs vœux. It is traditionally acceptable to send these wishes until the end of January, whereas 'Happy New Year' in English usually stops after the first week.
- If you use meilleurs vœux in a professional email outside of the New Year period, it may sound like you are offering a formal toast or an official blessing rather than a casual closing.
Examples in context
- Je vous envoie mes meilleurs vœux.I send you my warm wishes.
- Recevez mes meilleurs vœux pour l'année.Please accept my warm wishes for the year.
Example conversation
Emma and Hugo are writing holiday cards together.
- EmmaQue devrais-je écrire sur cette carte ?What should I write on this card?
- HugoTu peux simplement écrire : meilleurs vœux.You can simply write: warm wishes.
- EmmaC'est parfait, c'est très gentil.That is perfect, it is very kind.
- HugoOui, c'est classique et chaleureux.Yes, it is classic and warm.
