Significado
Said to someone who has just sneezed.
Contexto cultural
It is very common to hear this from strangers. If you sneeze in a supermarket, don't be surprised if the person in line behind you says it. Quebecers are generally very warm and will almost always say 'À tes/vos souhaits'. They might also follow up with 'Tu couves quelque chose ?' (Are you coming down with something?). Similar to France, but in some regions, you might hear 'Santé' more often than in Paris, influenced by proximity to Dutch/German cultures. In French-speaking Switzerland (Suisse romande), the usage is identical to France, emphasizing the 'vous' vs 'tu' distinction strictly.
The 'Merci' Rule
Always wait for the person to finish sneezing before saying it. If they have a fit, wait for the pause!
Avoid 'Santé'
Don't say 'Santé' unless you are holding a glass of wine. It's a common mistake for English and Spanish speakers.
Significado
Said to someone who has just sneezed.
The 'Merci' Rule
Always wait for the person to finish sneezing before saying it. If they have a fit, wait for the pause!
Avoid 'Santé'
Don't say 'Santé' unless you are holding a glass of wine. It's a common mistake for English and Spanish speakers.
The Second Sneeze
Using 'À tes amours' for a second sneeze is a great way to sound more like a native speaker.
Plural Use
If two people sneeze at once, 'À vos souhaits' covers both of them perfectly!
Ponte a prueba
You are in a job interview and the interviewer sneezes. What do you say?
L'interviewer éternue. Vous dites :
In a formal setting like an interview, you must use the 'vous' form.
Complete the informal response to a friend.
Atchoum ! — À ___ souhaits !
'Tes' is the informal possessive adjective for 'tu'.
Match the response to the number of sneezes.
Match 1: Premier éternuement, Match 2: Deuxième éternuement.
The tradition is 'souhaits' first, then 'amours'.
What is the polite response after someone says 'À vos souhaits'?
— À vos souhaits ! — _________.
Always thank the person who wishes you well.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
The Sneeze Ritual
1st Sneeze
- • À vos souhaits
2nd Sneeze
- • À vos amours
3rd Sneeze
- • Et que les vôtres durent toujours
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosL'interviewer éternue. Vous dites :
In a formal setting like an interview, you must use the 'vous' form.
Atchoum ! — À ___ souhaits !
'Tes' is the informal possessive adjective for 'tu'.
Match 1: Premier éternuement, Match 2: Deuxième éternuement.
The tradition is 'souhaits' first, then 'amours'.
— À vos souhaits ! — _________.
Always thank the person who wishes you well.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasTechnically yes, but it sounds very old-fashioned. Stick to the plural 'souhaits'.
Use 'À vos souhaits'. It is perfectly polite for strangers.
No, unlike 'Bless you', it is a secular wish for your desires to come true.
Say 'Pardon' or 'Excusez-moi', and then 'Merci' when someone blesses you.
Yes, it is still very much a standard part of French daily life.
It's a traditional joke/rhyme. First sneeze is for wishes, second is for love, third is for long-lasting love.
In casual settings, it can seem a bit cold. In very formal settings, it's okay to stay silent.
It sounds like 'sweh'. The 'h' and 'ts' are silent.
Yes, 'À vos souhaits' works for one person (formal) or many people.
You can say 'Et que les vôtres durent toujours' or just smile and stop!
Frases relacionadas
À tes amours
builds onTo your loves
Santé
similarHealth
Faire un souhait
similarTo make a wish
Éternuer
relatedTo sneeze
