Meaning
A greeting for someone's birthday.
Cultural Background
In France, 'Bonne fête' is strictly for name days, not birthdays. Using it for a birthday can cause confusion. In Quebec, 'Bonne fête' is the standard way to say 'Happy Birthday'. The 'Joyeux anniversaire' song is sung to the same tune as 'Happy Birthday to You'.
Keep it simple
You don't need to add anything else. 'Joyeux anniversaire !' is perfect on its own.
Name days
If you are in France, avoid 'Bonne fête' unless you know it is the person's name day.
Meaning
A greeting for someone's birthday.
Keep it simple
You don't need to add anything else. 'Joyeux anniversaire !' is perfect on its own.
Name days
If you are in France, avoid 'Bonne fête' unless you know it is the person's name day.
Test Yourself
Select the correct phrase.
Which is correct?
'Anniversaire' is masculine, so 'Joyeux' is the correct adjective.
Complete the sentence.
___ anniversaire, Marie !
Joyeux is the correct masculine adjective.
Match the situation to the phrase.
What do you say to a friend on their birthday?
This is the standard birthday greeting.
Complete the dialogue.
A: C'est mon anniversaire ! B: ___
The appropriate response to a birthday announcement.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesWhich is correct?
'Anniversaire' is masculine, so 'Joyeux' is the correct adjective.
___ anniversaire, Marie !
Joyeux is the correct masculine adjective.
What do you say to a friend on their birthday?
This is the standard birthday greeting.
A: C'est mon anniversaire ! B: ___
The appropriate response to a birthday announcement.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsYes, it is perfectly correct and very common.
It can be considered impolite in close relationships.
It is okay to ask 'C'est quand ton anniversaire ?'.
Only at the start of a sentence.
No, it is for all ages.
Yes, people often do!
It depends on the region (Quebec vs France).
Just say 'Merci !'.
Related Phrases
Bon anniversaire
synonymHappy birthday
Fête
contrastName day/Party
Anniversaire de mariage
specialized formWedding anniversary
