vœux
Wishes in French, meaning hopes for someone's happiness or success, is vœux.
vœux is used for good wishes sent to someone and for wishes that may be granted. meilleurs vœux, best wishes, is a standard greeting, especially at the New Year.
Which one should you use?
For specific occasions French uses set greetings: Joyeux Noël for Merry Christmas, Bonne année for Happy New Year and Joyeuses Pâques for Happy Easter.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In French Canada people often say Bonne fête to wish someone a happy birthday. To congratulate someone they commonly say Bonne job! or Bravo!
How does it change in a sentence?
vœux is the plural. The singular is vœu.
When do people say it?
In France, people present les vœux during January, wishing friends, family and colleagues a Happy New Year.
Did you know?
- The word vœu is the root of the English word 'vow'. While 'wishes' in English are often whimsical, vœux can carry a weight of solemn commitment.
- In France, présenter ses vœux is a formal social ritual that extends throughout January, whereas English speakers typically limit New Year wishes to the first few days.
- In French, the word vœu can also refer to a formal or religious vow, such as a monk making a vœu de pauvreté.
Examples in context
- Elle t’adresse ses bon vœux.She wishes you well.ses bon vœux means her good wishes.Tatoeba #10524840 by sacredceltic, translation #9476457 by sundown
- J'exaucerai trois de vos vœux.I'll grant you three wishes.trois de vos vœux means three of your wishes.Tatoeba #13391088 by lbdx, translation #7112930 by CM
- Elle t'a envoyé ses meilleurs vœux.She sent you her best wishes.ses meilleurs vœux means her best wishes.Tatoeba #6724494 by GB3, translation #308158 by CK
- 20 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are exchanging cards at the beginning of the year.
- NathanJe t'envoie mes meilleurs vœux pour l'année.I am sending you my best wishes for the year.
- ChloéMerci Nathan, mes vœux pour toi aussi.Thank you Nathan, my wishes to you too.
- NathanC'est très gentil de ta part, Chloé.That is very kind of you, Chloé.
- ChloéBonne année et plein de bonheur !Happy New Year and much happiness!
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
