Is someone close to you having a birthday coming up? If yes, then try this time a French birthday theme, something unique and interesting. Do not worry! You do not need to learn the whole French language, but in short time, you can learn different ways to say happy birthday in French, message and other terms. In this blog, we will tell you different ways of saying happy birthday, French birthday songs and many more. So, let’s get started!
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A birthday celebration is an amazing thing that brings all your close people together for a party and fun. As you are celebrating a birthday in French style, you must know how to say happy birthday in French in different ways.
It is the very common or standard way for birthday greetings in French. The word “Joyeux” means joyful which adds positivity and enthusiasm tones to the wish. Anniversaire means simply “birthday “or anniversary. These phrases can be used for family, friends and romantic partners. For a personal touch to the birthday wish, you can combine these phrases and add some love. For instance, Joyeux Anniversaire, mon ami!
However, it would be difficult for you when you are a beginner, so follow the pronunciation of the respective phrase:
Pronunciation: Zhwa-yeu zah-ni-vehr-she
Example: Je te souhaite un joyeus anniversaire (I wish you a happy birthday)
It is the second best way of saying happy birthday in French, used widely by people in the country and worldwide. Bon means “good” in French. Thus, this phrase translates the word directly into “have a good birthday” rather than the usual happy birthday. Of course, this is the French practice to greet someone on their special day, but this is to be used when you are required to say happy birthday to your colleague. Talking about pronunciation, it also follows the same pattern of connecting two words. So, following is the pronunciation and example of how to write happy birthday in French of the term:
Pronunciation: Buhn ah-ni-vehr-sehr
Example: Passe un bon anniversaire (Have a good birthday)
Bonne fete is the most casual way of saying happy birthday in French, however, it is not used in France. It is used in French-speaking regions, like Canada, and Quebec. Bonne fete is generally used to wish someone a special day. It refers to the especially designated day to celebrate the life of a certain saint or event in the life of the church. Therefore, the meaning of Bonne is good or well, while fete refers to celebration. This is how we pronounce the word:
Pronunciation: Buhn feht
Example: Bonne fête! Que cette année soit remplie de Bonheur (happy birthday! May this year be filled with happiness)
Have you ever forgotten the special day of your loved one? It must have happened due to one or other reason. Next time if you face the same situation, then say “Joyeux Anniversaire en retard”. It means, a belated happy birthday! “Joyeux Anniversaire” is the standard phrase, and “en retard” means belated or late in French term. The pronunciation and example of how to say happy birthday in French is as follows:
Pronunciation: Zhwa-yeu zah-ni-vehr-sehr ehn ruh-tarh
Example: Joyeux Anniversaire en retard! J'espère que tu as passé une excellente journée. (Happy belated Birthday! I hope you had an excellent day.)
The English translation to “Je te souhaite un joyeux anniversaire” is I wish you a happy birthday in English. If you speak this word, it sounds like as "zhuh tuh swah-t uhn zhwɑ-yuh ɑ-ni-ver-sɛhr!". This term is usually longer than the previous one, and the sentence breakdown is as follows:
The English translation of the word “Santé et bonheur pour l'année à venir” is “health and happiness for the upcoming year”. This is the most common way to offer good wishes for the future on special occasions, like birthdays, New Year’s or holidays. The happy birthday in French pronunciation of the word is:
Pronunciation: Sahn-tay-eh-bo-nuer-poor-la-nay-ah-vuh-neer.
Example: Joyeux anniversaire! Santé et bonheur pour l'année à venir (Happy birthday! Health and happiness for the year to come)
The English translation of the word “Que tous tes désirs se réalisent” is “may all your wishes come true” or specifically your all desires be fulfilled. This is used as a supportive term alongside Joyeux Anniversaire (happy birthday). The pronunciation is “-kə tus te dezɪːʁ sə ʁe.a.liz.” Moreover, the detailed breakdown of the words is as follows;
These are the various ways to say happy birthday in French, however, what if the person is not present on their birthday, and you have writing birthday wishes in French as the only option? You need to write heartfelt and sweet words for the person so that he/she can feel the emotions via words. This would not be enough for your party. You need to explore French birthday customs and songs.
Also Read: Days of week in French
As mentioned earlier, there are various ways to say happy birthday in French, now let’s look at the sample message for the personal and professional aspects.
Following is a sample of happy birthday message in French for family, friends, relatives and loved ones.
En ce jour spécial,
je te souhaite mille éclats de rire,
des moments de douceur et une pluie de bonheur.”
The happy birthday in French translation of the above message is as:
On this special day,
I wish you a thousand bursts of laughter,
moments of sweetness and a shower of happiness.
Following is a sample of happy birthday message in French for professionals and collegues.
Joyeux anniversaire,
et merci pour tout ton travail!
Que cette nouvelle année vous apporte beaucoup de bonheur!
The happy birthday in French translation of the above message is as:
Happy Birthday
Thank you for all your work!
May this new year bring you lots of happiness!
These are the various sample to say happy birthday in French, however, this would not be enough for your party. French birthday celebration is nothing without song, which exaggerates the party environment.
The famous happy birthday song in French is “Joyeux Anniversaire”, which is sung in the same tune as the happy birthday song in English. Besides, “C’est à Toi” (It’s for you) and “Un an de Plus” (One year Older) are the other famous traditional song, sung in a standing circle. Thus, the following are the lyrics of “Joyeux Anniversaire” song:
Joyeux anniversaire,
Joyeux anniversaire,
Joyeux anniversaire mon cher (nom de la personne, disons Joseph)
Joyeux anniversaire.
The English translation of the above song is:
Happy birthday to you,
Happy birthday to you,
Happy birthday dear (name of the person, let's say Joseph)
Happy birthday to you
Joyeux anniversaire
Heureux anniversaire
Tous nos vœux sont sincères
Pour ton anniversaire
Tes amis aujourd’hui
Se sont tous réunis
Ton bonheur on l’espère
Pour ton anniversaire
The English translation of the above song is:
Happy Birthday
Happy Birthday
All our wishes are sincere
For your birthday
Your friends today
All gathered
Your happiness we hope
For your birthday.
Next, it is important to know the French birthday traditions and customs, that are popular world widely.
French traditions and customs have greatly evolved to be more diverse and inclusive. French cakes are known for their rich ingredient and elegant presentation. In Brittany, “Far Breton” a thick custard-like cake baked with prunes is the attraction point. It is the general belief that if a single “prune stone” is left in the cake, the person who gets it in the slice will have a marvellous year to come. Happy birthday in French traditions and the party are full of beautiful sitting tables, fresh flowers and centerpieces. Moreover, the tradition varies from one region to another.
In the rural area of Provence, birthday celebration includes a unique ritual. It is known as “Couronnée d’Étoiles” (crown of stars). During the celebration, the birthday person wears a crown inlaid of candles, and family & friends lit one by one. It represents the year of the individual life and wishes for good luck. In Alsace, “Kougelhopf", a brioche-like yeast cake baked in a distinctive ring mould, is the prime celebration aspect.
French birthday party is not limited to writing birthday wishes in French, there are many phrases and terms to be known that are equally important. It may include, cakes, songs and dance.
Following is the list of vocabulary related to French birthday customs and celebrations which is very easy to learn as numbers in French as beginner:
| French Birthday Vocabulary | English Meaning |
|---|---|
| Fêter son anniversaire | Celebrating one’s birthday |
| La date de naissance | Date of birth |
| Le gâteau d’anniversaire | Birthday cake |
| Les bougies | Candles |
| Le cadeau d’anniversaire | Birthday Cake |
| Les ballons | Candles |
| Une fête d’anniversaire | Birthday gift |
| L’invitation | Balloons |
| La surprise | Birthday party |
| La fête surprise | Birthday Party |
| L’âge | Invitation |
| Souffler les bougies | Blowing out the candles |
| Le chant d’anniversaire | Birthday song |
| La carte d’anniversaire | Birthday card |
Moreover, the other important birthday phrases in French is as follows:
| Common Phrases | English Meaning |
|---|---|
| Très bon anniversaire! | Very happy birthday |
| Profite bien de ta journée | Enjoy your day |
| Tous mes vœux de bonheur | All my wishes for happiness |
| Pour ton anniversaire | For your birthday |
| La santé, l'amour et le bonheur | Health, love, and happiness |
So here we are! French birthday celebration has unique styles and vibes. It has multiple ways to say happy birthday in French to family, friends, relatives and colleagues. However, it depends on the context from person to person. In addition to this, the French birthday song is somehow similar to the English birthday song. Now, you get the whole idea about how to write happy birthday in French, custom and way to adorn the birthday of their loved ones. So, the blog covers all you need for your French birthday party theme. Enjoy the day, and have a blast at the party!
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The most common and widely used way to say happy birthday in French is Joyeux anniversaire for family, friends, partners and relatives. This is used in French-speaking nations, like France, Quebec, and France. Moreover, “Bon Anniversaire” is also used especially in a more formal or heartfelt manner. These phrases are generally the same in terms of context, so you can use them as per the suitability.
Both Bon anniversaire and Joyeux anniversaire are the right way to say happy birthday in French. Specifically, if asked, “Joyeux anniversaire” is the most recognized style, which means joyful while “Bon anniversaire” means “good”.
Giving personal touch or using creative expression. For instance, “Passe une journée remplie de joie et de surprises pour ton anniversaire!” (Have a day filled with joy and surprise for your birthday). Moreover, “Quelle belle journée pour fêter ton anniversaire “(What a day to celebrate your birthday dear!).
Though “Bon anniversaire” and “Joyeux anniversaire” are the common way to greet birthday wishes. However, writing birthday wishes hits differently. You can write "Santé et bonheur pour l'année à venir” (health and happiness for the coming year!). Do not forget to add a load of love to your wishes, as emotions are better expressed via words.
A French-style birthday celebration includes family, friends get together. The French birthdays include flowers, cake (fruit flavour to chocolate cakes), a song (“Joyeux Anniversaire") and a birthday meal. The meal, includes several dishes, like charcuterie, cheese and baguettes, often enjoyed with wine.
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