Meaning
Said when someone sneezes.
Cultural Background
It is considered quite rude to sneeze and not say 'Pardon' or 'Excusez-moi', just as it is rude not to respond with 'À tes souhaits'. While 'À tes souhaits' is used, you might also hear 'Santé !' more frequently than in France, influenced by the English 'Bless you' or other immigrant cultures. The usage is identical to France, but the 'À tes amours' variation is particularly popular in social settings. In French-speaking Switzerland, 'À vos souhaits' is strictly followed in professional settings, reflecting the local emphasis on formal politeness.
The 'Merci' Rule
Always wait for the person to finish sneezing before saying it. If they have a fit, wait for the end!
Avoid 'Bless You'
Don't try to say 'Je te bénis'. It sounds like you're performing an exorcism.
Meaning
Said when someone sneezes.
The 'Merci' Rule
Always wait for the person to finish sneezing before saying it. If they have a fit, wait for the end!
Avoid 'Bless You'
Don't try to say 'Je te bénis'. It sounds like you're performing an exorcism.
The Sarcastic Wish
If someone says 'I want a Ferrari for Christmas', you can jokingly say 'À tes souhaits' to mean 'Dream on!'
Test Yourself
Choose the correct form to use with your French teacher.
Votre professeur éternue. Que dites-vous ?
You must use 'vos' with a teacher to show respect.
Complete the 'three-sneeze' sequence.
1. À tes souhaits ! 2. À tes _______ ! 3. Et que les tiennes durent toujours !
The traditional second response is 'À tes amours'.
Match the response to the person.
Match: 1. Your best friend, 2. A group of strangers, 3. Your boss.
Friends get 'tes', groups and bosses get 'vos'.
What does the person who sneezed say back?
— Atchoum ! — À tes souhaits ! — _________.
The standard response to being 'blessed' is 'Merci'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
The Sneeze Count
Sneeze #1
- • À tes souhaits
Sneeze #2
- • À tes amours
Sneeze #3
- • Et que les tiennes durent toujours
Practice Bank
4 exercisesVotre professeur éternue. Que dites-vous ?
You must use 'vos' with a teacher to show respect.
1. À tes souhaits ! 2. À tes _______ ! 3. Et que les tiennes durent toujours !
The traditional second response is 'À tes amours'.
Match: 1. Your best friend, 2. A group of strangers, 3. Your boss.
Friends get 'tes', groups and bosses get 'vos'.
— Atchoum ! — À tes souhaits ! — _________.
The standard response to being 'blessed' is 'Merci'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsWhen in doubt, always use 'À vos souhaits'. It is never rude to be too formal, but it can be rude to be too informal.
No, you say 'Pardon' or 'Excusez-moi'. Other people say 'À tes souhaits' to you.
No, French doesn't have a specific phrase for coughing. Just ask if they are okay.
Only with very close friends or teenagers. It's like saying 'Bless' instead of 'Bless you'.
It's a historical quirk! French culture shifted toward wishing for happiness and desires rather than just survival.
Not at all. Even atheists in France use it every day.
After the third time, just offer a tissue and stop saying the phrase. It becomes a bit much!
No, the 'h' is silent. It sounds like 'sway'.
Yes, children are taught this as one of their first 'polite' phrases.
Yes, if someone tells you they just sneezed or are sick, it's a cute thing to text.
Related Phrases
À tes amours
builds onTo your loves
Bonne santé
similarGood health
Santé !
contrastCheers!
Bon rétablissement
specialized formGet well soon
