Celebrating a birthday is a fantastic occasion to bring all your loved ones together for a party. If you have friends across the world, it’s also a great way to learn how to say happy birthday in their language — in this case, French.
Given the number of French-speaking countries in the world, many people may be wondering how you say happy birthday in French.
So let’s dive into 15 different ways to wish someone the best birthday wishes, depending on who they are and your relationship with them. Plus, we’ll cover some French traditions related to French birthday parties and of course, the birthday song in French!
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How to say Happy Birthday in French – the classic way
These phrases are the same in terms of content and register, so you can use any of them when wishing your family member, friend or partner a happy birthday in French. You can also say:
If you want to wish your partner a happy birthday, it’s nice to say:
Wishing happy birthday to a colleague
Now, if you’re celebrating somebody’s birthday at work, you might want to be a little more formal. Especially if you address your colleagues using vous instead of tu. You could try out some of the following phrases:
The formal way for people you don’t know very well
Lastly, let’s look at how you can give the best birthday wishes in French to someone you don’t know very well, or within a formal context. For example, your boss.
Félicitations can also be used to congratulate people in other ways, for example, when someone buys a house or passes an exam.
More birthday wishes
Bonus: French birthday traditions
Birthdays are celebrated in France like many other countries, with gifts (cadeaux), parties (fêtes) and of course, the happy birthday song (chanson d’anniversaire)! Some interesting French birthday traditions include:
- Birthday cakes tend to be more subtle in France than in the United States, for example. It’s unusual to have lots of icing on the cake, French birthday cakes tend to be more minimal, like a fruit tart.
- Birthday cards are not as common as in other countries.
- Like the cake, birthday parties are less fancy or less over-the-top than other places. A simple birthday dinner with a bottle of champagne and a birthday toast often suffice.
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The French Birthday Song
But one tradition that transcends borders: The birthday song!
Why not have a go at singing the happy birthday song in French? It’s a great way to practice the language while singing along to a tune you already know:
“Joyeux anniversaire” is the easiest and most popular version of the “happy birthday” song in French, and it’s very similar to the English one:
Joyeux anniversaire
Joyeux anniversaire
Joyeux anniversaire (name of the person)
Joyeux anniversaire
Here are also the lyrics of another version:
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
Words related to French birthday customs, birthday cake and celebrations:
The icing on the cake
So there we have it, 15 ways to say happy birthday in French.
Hopefully, the next time your French-speaking friend celebrates a birthday, you’ll feel well-equipped to express all your wishes in French and celebrate it as they would do in French culture.
FAQs
Here are also some of the questions people ask about French expressions to say “Happy birthday” in French
How do French people say happy birthday?
French people typically say “Joyeux anniversaire” to wish someone a happy birthday.
Is it better to say “Bon anniversaire” or “Joyeux anniversaire”?
Both “Bon anniversaire” and “Joyeux anniversaire” are commonly used in French to wish someone a happy birthday. However, “Joyeux anniversaire” is more widely recognized and used.
How do you say “happy birthday” in French for girls?
To wish a girl a happy birthday in French, you can simply say “Joyeux anniversaire” or “Bon anniversaire.”
How to say “happy birthday” and wish you all the best in French?
To wish someone a happy birthday and all the best in French, you can say “Joyeux anniversaire et meilleurs vœux” or “Bon anniversaire et tous mes vœux de bonheur.”
How do you say “happy birthday” in a unique way?
To say happy birthday in a unique way in French, you could add a personal touch or use creative expressions like “Passe une journée remplie de joie et de surprises pour ton anniversaire !” (Have a day filled with joy and surprises for your birthday!) or “Quelle belle journée pour fêter ton anniversaire “(What a great day to celebrate your birthday!).
What does “anniversaire de mariage” mean in French?
“Anniversaire de mariage” in French means “wedding anniversary.”
Summing up: ways to say happy birthday in French
So, wishing your French friend or colleague a wonderful birthday in French is now much easier with the list of various options listed here.
From the classic “Joyeux Anniversaire” to the heartfelt “Je te souhaite le plus joyeux des anniversaires,” the language offers a rich array of expressions to convey warmth and celebration.
Whether it’s at a lively birthday party, surrounded by loved ones, or through a heartfelt message to the birthday person on a birthday card, these phrases express the joy and camaraderie inherent in French birthday celebrations.
So, next time you’re celebrating with your French-speaking friends, remember these expressions to make their birthdays even more memorable and wonderful. Bon anniversaire !
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Clara Avrillier
Clara Avrillier is a writer, linguist and content manager living in the South of France. She loves getting out in nature, doing sport, reading and playing music. She also works with many expats looking to move to France. Find out more on her website, ON IT Translations, or connect with her on LinkedIn.
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