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B1 noun #4,000 most common 12 min read

vœux

Top 4,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips vœux in 30 Seconds

Explanation vœux in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to know vœux in one specific context: the New Year. You will see it on cards and hear people say 'Meilleurs vœux !'. This is a short way of saying 'Best wishes for the new year.' You don't need to worry about the complex 'vow' meaning yet. Just remember that it is plural and masculine. You might also hear it in simple stories where someone makes a wish, like blowing out candles on a cake: 'Fais un vœu !' (Make a wish!). The spelling is tricky because of the 'œ', but at this level, focusing on the sound /vø/ (like 'huh' but with very round lips) is more important.

At the A2 level, you start to see vœux used in more complete sentences. You should learn the expression 'présenter ses vœux'. This is the polite way to say you are giving someone your New Year's wishes. You will also encounter 'une carte de vœux'. You should begin to distinguish between souhaiter (the verb 'to wish') and un vœu (the noun 'a wish'). For example: 'Je vous souhaite (verb) une bonne année et je vous présente mes vœux (noun).' You might also see it in the context of a 'wish list' for gifts, although liste de souhaits is also common.

At the B1 level, you should understand the dual meaning of vœux: both 'wishes' and 'solemn vows.' You should be able to use it in contexts like weddings (échanger ses vœux) or religious settings (prononcer ses vœux). You should also be aware of the month-long tradition in France where people exchange vœux throughout January, both in person and in professional emails. You should know the verb exaucer (to grant a wish). This is also the level where you might hear the term vœux used in school applications (like Parcoursup in France), where it means 'choices' or 'preferences.'

At the B2 level, you should be comfortable with the nuances and idiomatic uses of the word. You should know the expression vœu pieux and understand its cynical or critical connotation (wishful thinking). You should be able to follow the vœux du Président on the news and understand that it is a formal political tradition. You should also be able to use the word in the subjunctive mood when expressing a desire: 'Mon vœu est que tout le monde puisse vivre en paix.' Your spelling should be perfect, including the 'œ' ligature and the 'x' for the plural.

At the C1 level, you should appreciate the historical and literary weight of vœux. You can use it to discuss complex commitments, such as vœux monastiques or vœux de silence, and understand their implications in literature or history. You should be able to use the word in formal writing to express aspirations for a project or a nation. You should also recognize its use in older texts where it might refer to a 'vote' or a 'will' (le vœu de la nation). You should be able to distinguish between vœux and other formal terms like serments (oaths) or allégeance (allegiance) in precise contexts.

At the C2 level, you have complete mastery over the word's etymological roots and its broad semantic field. You can analyze the rhetoric of 'les vœux' in political speeches, identifying how the word is used to build a sense of national unity or to mask a lack of concrete action (as in vœux pieux). You can use the word in philosophical or theological discussions about the nature of promising and desire. You are also aware of very rare or archaic uses, such as vœu meaning an object offered to a deity (an ex-voto). Your usage is indistinguishable from that of an educated native speaker, choosing between souhait, vœu, and serment with perfect precision.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

vœux in 30 Seconds

Vœux means 'wishes' or 'vows' depending on the context.
It is a masculine plural noun; the singular is 'vœu'.
Essential for New Year greetings in France ('Meilleurs vœux').
Used for wedding vows and religious promises.

The French word vœux is a masculine plural noun that sits at the heart of French social and formal life. Derived from the Latin votum, it carries a weight of intentionality that simple English 'wishes' often lacks. In its most common everyday usage, it refers to the formal expressions of goodwill shared during specific life events, particularly the New Year. When a French person says 'mes meilleurs vœux', they aren't just saying 'good luck'; they are offering a formalized, culturally significant bundle of hopes for health, prosperity, and happiness. This word is essential for anyone looking to navigate French social etiquette, as the 'période des vœux' (the time for exchanging wishes) lasts throughout the entire month of January, a tradition much more prolonged and structured than in the English-speaking world.

Formal Vows: In a religious or legal context, vœux refers to solemn promises or oaths. This includes vœux de mariage (wedding vows) or vœux monastiques (monastic vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience). Here, the word implies a life-altering commitment.

Le couple a échangé ses vœux devant une assemblée émue, promettant fidélité et soutien éternel.

Beyond the formal and the festive, vœux can also represent a deep-seated desire or a prayer. It is the word used when one makes a wish upon a star or before blowing out birthday candles (faire un vœu). It bridges the gap between the mundane act of wishing and the profound act of promising. Understanding this duality is key: it is both a gift given to others (wishes) and a burden taken upon oneself (vows). In political discourse, you will often hear about the vœux du Président, a televised address where the head of state outlines hopes and goals for the nation, blending the social tradition with political signaling.

Aspiration: In literary contexts, vœux can mean a fervent hope or an aspiration. It is often paired with verbs like exaucer (to grant), as in 'Que tes vœux soient exaucés' (May your wishes be granted).

Chaque année, elle envoie ses vœux de bonheur à toute sa famille par courrier postal.

The Plural Power: We almost always use the plural vœux when talking about greetings or multiple promises. The singular vœu is reserved for a single specific wish (like a birthday wish) or a single specific vow.

Il a fait le vœu de ne plus jamais mentir après cet incident.

Finally, the word appears in the common expression vœu pieux (pious wish), which in modern French has come to mean 'wishful thinking' or a desire that is unlikely to be realized because no action is taken to achieve it. This demonstrates the word's flexibility from the highest spiritual promise to the most cynical observation of human inaction. Whether you are writing a card, attending a wedding, or listening to the news in January, vœux is a word that will help you understand the deeper intentions of the people around you.

Using vœux correctly requires understanding the verbs it typically pairs with. Because it can mean both 'wishes' and 'vows,' the verb choice changes the meaning entirely. To 'send' or 'give' wishes, we use verbs like présenter, adresser, or formuler. To 'take' or 'make' a vow, we use prononcer, faire, or prêter. This distinction is vital for sounding natural in French.

New Year Greetings: The most common structure is Présenter ses vœux à quelqu'un. Example: 'Je vous présente mes meilleurs vœux pour la nouvelle année.' This is the standard formal way to wish someone a Happy New Year.

Nous vous adressons nos vœux les plus sincères de bonheur et de réussite.

When talking about the act of making a wish (like at a fountain), use faire un vœu. Note that here it is usually singular. If you are talking about a wish being granted, the verb is exaucer. For example, 'Le génie a exaucé mes trois vœux' (The genie granted my three wishes). This verb exaucer is almost exclusively used with vœux or prières (prayers).

Solemn Oaths: When a priest or a monk takes their vows, the phrase is prononcer ses vœux. Similarly, for marriage, you 'exchange' them: échanger ses vœux.

Avant de devenir moine, il doit prononcer ses vœux définitifs de pauvreté.

Grammatically, vœux is often followed by the preposition de to indicate the content of the wish. For example: vœux de bonheur (wishes of happiness), vœux de réussite (wishes of success), or vœux de prompt rétablissement (wishes for a speedy recovery). It can also be followed by que + subjunctive when expressing a fervent hope: 'Mon vœu le plus cher est que tu sois heureux' (My dearest wish is that you be happy).

Compound Forms: Common compounds include carte de vœux (greeting card) and liste de vœux (wish list, though 'liste de souhaits' is also used in e-commerce).

N'oublie pas d'envoyer une carte de vœux à ta grand-mère pour le Nouvel An.

One final nuance: vœux can be used in the context of voting or elections in very specific, slightly archaic or formal contexts (related to the expression of a will), but 99% of the time, you will use it for wishes or vows. Remember that vœux is plural; if you use the singular vœu, you are referring to one specific promise or one specific wish made at a moment in time.

If you are in France during the month of January, you will hear the word vœux constantly. It is the 'season of vœux.' But its presence extends far beyond just the New Year. It permeates media, rituals, and personal celebrations. Understanding where it pops up will help you recognize its cultural weight.

The Presidential Address: Every December 31st at 8:00 PM, the French President gives a televised speech known as les vœux aux Français. It is a national ritual where the leader reviews the past year and offers hopes for the next. This is followed by mayors and CEOs giving their own 'cérémonies des vœux' throughout January.

Le discours des vœux présidentiels est suivi par des millions de téléspectateurs.

In weddings, the word is the standard term for the promises made between the couple. Unlike English, where we might say 'I do' or 'the vows,' French specifically uses l'échange des vœux. You will hear the officiant say, 'Nous allons maintenant procéder à l'échange des vœux.' It marks the transition from a legal ceremony to a personal commitment.

Greeting Cards and Sign-offs: In stationery shops, you will see sections labeled Cartes de vœux. These aren't just for New Year's; they can be for any occasion where a 'vow' or 'solemn wish' is appropriate, though 'souhaits' is more common for birthdays. However, 'vœux de bonheur' is a standard way to sign a wedding guestbook.

J'ai reçu une magnifique carte de vœux avec des dorures pour la nouvelle année.

In the workplace, the 'cérémonie des vœux' is often a cocktail party where the boss thanks the employees and 'presents their wishes' for the company's success. It is a key moment for internal networking. You will also hear the term vœux pieux in political debates when one candidate accuses another of making empty promises that sound good but are impossible to fulfill.

Education and Careers: In the French education system (Parcoursup), students must enter their vœux—their choices for university or higher education. Here, the word means 'preferences' or 'applications,' showing its evolution into the realm of formal selection.

Les lycéens ont jusqu'à minuit pour valider leurs vœux sur la plateforme.

From the President's desk to a student's computer, from a monk's monastery to a child's birthday cake, vœux is the word that connects what we want with the formal expression of that desire.

The word vœux is a minefield for learners, both in terms of spelling and pronunciation. Because it contains the rare 'œ' ligature and is homophonous with other common words, it is frequently misused. Let's break down the most common pitfalls so you can avoid them.

Confusion with 'Voix': This is the #1 mistake. Voix (voice) and vœux (wishes/vows) sound very similar to the untrained ear. However, voix is pronounced /vwa/ (rhymes with 'moi'), while vœux is pronounced /vø/ (like the 'u' in 'burn' but with rounded lips). Saying 'mes meilleures voix' instead of 'mes meilleurs vœux' means 'my best voices'!

Faites attention : on dit « porter sa vœu » (non, c'est voix) et « faire un vœu ».

Another common error is the gender. Vœu is masculine. Because many abstract nouns ending in 'e' or 'ion' are feminine, learners often assume it's feminine. It is un vœu and les meilleurs vœux (masculine plural adjectives). If you use 'meilleures' (feminine), you are making a grammatical error that is very noticeable to native speakers.

Misusing 'Souhait' vs 'Vœu': While often interchangeable, using vœu for very trivial things can sound overly dramatic. If you want a cup of coffee, that's a souhait or a désir. If you use vœu, it sounds like a life-long mission or a magical request. Use vœu for big things: New Year, marriage, life goals, or magic genies.

Erreur : « Mon vœu est d'avoir un croissant. » (Trop dramatique ! Dites plutôt : « J'aimerais un croissant. »)

Finally, the expression vœu pieux is often misunderstood. Some learners think it means a 'holy wish.' In reality, it is almost always used sarcastically or critically to mean a wish that has no chance of coming true because the person making it isn't doing anything to help. If a politician says they want to end poverty but doesn't change the budget, a journalist might call it a vœu pieux.

The 'œ' Ligature: Typing this can be hard. While 'voeux' (with separate o and e) is often accepted in informal digital communication, in formal writing, the ligature œ is mandatory. On a French keyboard, it's a specific shortcut; on others, you might need to copy-paste or use Alt codes.

By keeping the masculine gender in mind, distinguishing the /ø/ sound from /vwa/, and reserving the word for significant occasions, you'll master this elegant French noun.

The French language has several words for 'wishes,' 'promises,' and 'desires.' Choosing the right one depends on the level of formality and the nature of the commitment. Vœux is at the top of the formality scale, but here are the alternatives you should know.

Vœux vs. Souhaits: Souhait is the most common word for a general wish. It is less formal than vœu. You use souhaits for birthdays (souhaits d'anniversaire), while vœux is used for the New Year and weddings. Souhait is what you want; vœu is what you solemnly express.

Je vous adresse mes meilleurs vœux (Nouvel An) vs. Je te souhaite un bon anniversaire (Quotidien).

When the meaning is 'vow' or 'promise,' you might consider serment or promesse. A serment is a legal or sacred oath (like in court or for a knight). A promesse is a general promise made to someone. Vœu is unique because it implies a promise made to oneself, to God, or as part of a formal ritual.

Comparison Table

Vœu: Formal, ritualistic, solemn (New Year, Marriage, Genie).
Souhait: General, everyday (Birthday, 'I wish you well').
Serment: Legal, official oath (Court, Allegiance).
Promesse: Personal commitment ('I promise to come').
Désir: Internal want or physical craving.

Il a prêté serment devant le juge, mais il a fait le vœu personnel de changer de vie.

In the context of 'choices' (like in school applications), you might hear choix or options. However, the French administration loves the word vœux because it implies a preference that the administration 'grants' to the student. Finally, in religious contexts, engagement is often used as a synonym for the commitment one makes when taking vœux.

Summary of Nuance: Use vœux when the occasion is grand, the promise is sacred, or the calendar says January 1st. Use souhaits for everything else that involves wishing someone well.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

The 'œ' ligature in 'vœux' is a remnant of how French scribes combined 'o' and 'e' to represent a specific sound change from Latin. It is one of the few words in French that still mandates this spelling.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /vø/

US /vø/

Single syllable, no specific stress.

Rhymes With

bleu jeu feu peu deux ceux nœud vœu

Common Errors

Pronouncing it like 'voix' (/vwa/).
Pronouncing it like 'view' (/vju/).
Making the 'œu' sound like 'oo' in 'food'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The 'œ' ligature can be confusing for beginners to recognize.

Writing 4/5

Spelling 'vœux' correctly with the 'œ' and the 'x' is a common challenge.

Speaking 4/5

Distinguishing the /ø/ sound from /vwa/ (voix) is difficult for many learners.

Listening 3/5

Context usually helps, but it can be confused with 'voix' in fast speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

souhaiter bonne année promesse mariage

Learn Next

exaucer serment engagement pieux ligature

Advanced

votum ex-voto vouer dévouement

Grammar to Know

Plural of nouns ending in -eu

Un vœu -> Des vœux (like feu -> feux).

The 'œ' ligature

Cœur, œuf, vœu.

Subjunctive after expressions of desire

Je fais le vœu qu'il vienne.

Masculine plural adjective agreement

Mes meilleurs vœux (not meilleures).

Preposition 'de' after vœux

Vœux de bonheur, vœux de réussite.

Examples by Level

Meilleurs vœux pour la nouvelle année !

Best wishes for the new year!

A common greeting used in January.

Fais un vœu avant de souffler les bougies.

Make a wish before blowing out the candles.

Uses the singular 'vœu' for a single wish.

J'écris une carte de vœux.

I am writing a greeting card.

'Carte de vœux' is a compound noun.

Mes vœux de bonheur pour toi.

My wishes of happiness for you.

'De bonheur' specifies the type of wish.

Il a trois vœux.

He has three wishes.

Plural 'vœux' with a number.

C'est mon vœu le plus cher.

It is my dearest wish.

Masculine adjective 'cher' matches 'vœu'.

Bonne année, meilleurs vœux !

Happy New Year, best wishes!

Often used together as a set phrase.

Voici mes vœux pour ta famille.

Here are my wishes for your family.

Possessive 'mes' is masculine plural.

Je vous présente mes vœux les plus sincères.

I present to you my most sincere wishes.

'Présenter ses vœux' is the standard formal verb phrase.

Elle a envoyé ses vœux par e-mail.

She sent her wishes by email.

Plural 'vœux' used for a general greeting.

Quel est ton vœu pour ton anniversaire ?

What is your wish for your birthday?

Interrogative 'quel' is masculine singular.

Le génie exauce tous ses vœux.

The genie grants all his wishes.

The verb 'exaucer' means to grant a wish/prayer.

Nous adressons nos vœux de réussite à l'équipe.

We address our wishes of success to the team.

'Adresser' is a formal synonym for 'envoyer' here.

C'est la période des vœux en janvier.

It is the season of wishes in January.

'Période des vœux' is a cultural concept in France.

Il n'a qu'un seul vœu : voyager.

He has only one wish: to travel.

'Un seul vœu' emphasizes the singular nature.

Recevez mes vœux de prompt rétablissement.

Please accept my wishes for a speedy recovery.

Standard phrase for someone who is ill.

Les mariés ont échangé leurs vœux à l'église.

The newlyweds exchanged their vows at the church.

Here 'vœux' means marriage vows.

Le moine a prononcé ses vœux de silence.

The monk took his vows of silence.

'Prononcer ses vœux' means to take religious vows.

J'ai formulé dix vœux sur Parcoursup.

I made ten choices on Parcoursup.

In education, 'vœux' refers to university preferences.

Que tes vœux les plus fous se réalisent !

May your wildest wishes come true!

Uses 'se réaliser' for a wish coming true.

Elle a fait le vœu de ne plus manger de viande.

She made a vow to no longer eat meat.

A personal vow or resolution.

Le maire organise une cérémonie des vœux.

The mayor is organizing a wishes ceremony.

A formal local government event in France.

Il a exprimé son vœu de rester anonyme.

He expressed his wish to remain anonymous.

Formal way to state a preference.

Mes vœux t'accompagnent dans cette nouvelle aventure.

My wishes go with you on this new adventure.

A supportive and formal sentiment.

Dire qu'on va supprimer la pauvreté est un vœu pieux.

Saying we will eliminate poverty is wishful thinking.

'Vœu pieux' means an idealistic but unrealistic wish.

Le Président a adressé ses vœux à la nation.

The President addressed his wishes to the nation.

Refers to the annual New Year's Eve address.

Ils ont rompu leurs vœux de mariage après deux ans.

They broke their wedding vows after two years.

'Rompre ses vœux' is the opposite of 'prononcer'.

C'est mon vœu le plus cher que tu réussisses ce concours.

It is my dearest wish that you pass this competitive exam.

Followed by 'que' + subjunctive ('réussisses').

Elle a consacré sa vie à l'exaucement des vœux des autres.

She dedicated her life to granting the wishes of others.

'Exaucement' is the noun form of 'exaucer'.

Le candidat a multiplié les vœux pieux pendant sa campagne.

The candidate multiplied empty promises during his campaign.

Plural use of the 'vœu pieux' idiom.

Le vœu de chasteté est une règle stricte de cet ordre.

The vow of chastity is a strict rule of this order.

Specific religious vow.

Il a formulé le vœu que justice soit faite.

He expressed the wish that justice be done.

Formal expression of a moral desire.

Le vœu de la nation a été entendu par le Parlement.

The will of the nation was heard by Parliament.

Here 'vœu' means 'collective will' or 'desire'.

Elle a fait vœu de pauvreté pour se consacrer aux démunis.

She took a vow of poverty to dedicate herself to the poor.

'Faire vœu de' is a fixed expression for taking a vow.

Ce projet n'est qu'un vœu pieux sans financement réel.

This project is nothing but wishful thinking without real funding.

Used to criticize lack of practical planning.

L'ex-voto est le témoignage d'un vœu exaucé par la divinité.

The ex-voto is the testimony of a wish granted by the deity.

Technical term in art history/theology.

Le souverain a ignoré les vœux de ses conseillers les plus proches.

The sovereign ignored the wishes of his closest advisors.

Refers to advice or formal requests.

Il s'agit là d'un vœu de principe, sans portée juridique.

This is a wish in principle, with no legal standing.

'Vœu de principe' implies a symbolic gesture.

La cérémonie des vœux au corps diplomatique est très codifiée.

The ceremony of wishes to the diplomatic corps is highly codified.

Refers to high-level state protocol.

Ses vœux de réussite étaient teintés d'une pointe de jalousie.

His wishes for success were tinged with a hint of jealousy.

Describes the emotional subtext of a wish.

Le texte se termine par un vœu ardent pour la fraternité universelle.

The text ends with a fervent wish for universal brotherhood.

'Ardent' adds intensity to the desire.

Elle a rompu ses vœux perpétuels pour retrouver sa liberté.

She broke her perpetual vows to regain her freedom.

'Vœux perpétuels' are lifelong religious commitments.

L'expression de ses vœux n'était que pure rhétorique électorale.

The expression of his wishes was nothing but pure electoral rhetoric.

Cynical analysis of formal speech.

Le vœu de l'assemblée fut consigné dans le procès-verbal.

The assembly's wish was recorded in the minutes.

Formal administrative use of 'vœu'.

Il a fait le vœu d'un silence absolu jusqu'à la fin de ses jours.

He made a vow of absolute silence until the end of his days.

Extreme personal commitment.

Les vœux formulés par la commission restent lettre morte.

The wishes expressed by the commission remain a dead letter.

'Lettre morte' means ignored or not implemented.

Dans ce poème, le vœu de l'auteur se confond avec sa prière.

In this poem, the author's wish merges with his prayer.

Literary analysis of the word's meaning.

Que ce vœu de paix ne soit pas seulement un vœu pieux.

May this wish for peace not only be wishful thinking.

Contrast between a sincere wish and an empty one.

Common Collocations

présenter ses vœux

meilleurs vœux

faire un vœu

vœux de mariage

exaucer un vœu

vœu pieux

prononcer ses vœux

carte de vœux

vœux de bonheur

vœu de silence

Common Phrases

À tes vœux

— A rare variant of 'à tes souhaits' (bless you), though less common.

Atchoum ! À tes vœux !

Vœux de prompt rétablissement

— Get well soon wishes, used in cards or emails.

Nous vous envoyons nos vœux de prompt rétablissement.

Vœux de réussite

— Wishes for success in an exam or a new job.

Tous mes vœux de réussite pour ton nouvel emploi.

L'échange des vœux

— The specific moment in a wedding when vows are spoken.

L'échange des vœux fut le moment le plus émouvant.

Prendre ses vœux

— To officially become a monk or nun.

Il a décidé de prendre ses vœux cet été.

Faire vœu de...

— To solemnly promise to do or not do something.

Il a fait vœu de pauvreté.

Adresser ses vœux

— A formal way to send greetings.

Le directeur adresse ses vœux à tout le personnel.

Un vœu exaucé

— A wish that has come true.

C'est enfin un vœu exaucé pour cette famille.

Mes vœux les plus chers

— My most heartfelt or important wishes.

Voici mes vœux les plus chers pour votre avenir.

La liste de vœux

— A list of things one wants (like for a birthday).

Il a déjà préparé sa liste de vœux pour Noël.

Often Confused With

vœux vs voix

Voice. Pronounced /vwa/. 'Ma voix est cassée' vs 'Mon vœu est fait'.

vœux vs vues

Views. Pronounced /vy/. 'Mes vues sur le sujet' vs 'Mes vœux de bonheur'.

vœux vs veaux

Calves (animals). Pronounced /vo/. Sounds similar but the vowel is different (/o/ vs /ø/).

Idioms & Expressions

"Vœu pieux"

— A wish that is unlikely to be fulfilled because no action is taken.

Promettre la paix mondiale sans diplomatie est un vœu pieux.

formal/critical

"Faire vœu de chasteté"

— To promise to remain celibate, often in a religious context.

Les prêtres font vœu de chasteté.

formal

"Faire vœu d'obéissance"

— To promise to obey a superior, usually in a religious order.

Elle a fait vœu d'obéissance en entrant au couvent.

formal

"Être au vœu de quelqu'un"

— An archaic way to say 'to be at someone's beck and call' or 'to satisfy someone's desire'.

Je suis tout à votre vœu.

archaic

"Porter ses vœux sur quelqu'un"

— To choose or select someone (often in an election context).

L'assemblée a porté ses vœux sur le doyen.

formal

"Faire vœu de silence"

— To promise not to speak for a period of time.

Il a fait vœu de silence pendant sa retraite spirituelle.

neutral

"Au gré de ses vœux"

— According to one's wishes or desires.

Tout s'est passé au gré de ses vœux.

literary

"Faire le vœu que..."

— To express a strong hope that something happens.

Je fais le vœu que nous nous revoyions bientôt.

formal

"Un vœu de principe"

— A formal expression of support for an idea without concrete commitment.

Le conseil a voté un vœu de principe pour le nouveau parc.

administrative

"Ex-voto"

— A Latin term used in French for an object offered in fulfillment of a vow.

L'église est remplie d'ex-voto laissés par les marins.

specialized

Easily Confused

vœux vs Souhait

Both mean wish.

Souhait is casual and used for birthdays. Vœu is formal and used for New Year or vows.

Bon anniversaire (souhait) vs Meilleurs vœux (New Year).

vœux vs Serment

Both mean a promise.

Serment is a legal or official oath. Vœu is a personal or religious promise.

Prêter serment au tribunal vs Prononcer ses vœux au temple.

vœux vs Promesse

Both mean a promise.

Promesse is a simple commitment to another person. Vœu is more solemn or ritualistic.

Une promesse d'achat vs Un vœu de silence.

vœux vs Désir

Both mean wanting something.

Désir is the internal feeling of wanting. Vœu is the formal expression of that want.

Un désir de chocolat vs Un vœu de réussite.

vœux vs Choix

In school applications, 'vœux' means choices.

Vœux implies a wish that must be granted by an authority. Choix is a general selection.

J'ai fait trois vœux sur la plateforme.

Sentence Patterns

Meilleurs vœux pour [occasion].

Meilleurs vœux pour la nouvelle année.

Je vous présente mes vœux de [nom].

Je vous présente mes vœux de bonheur.

Faire le vœu de [infinitif].

Il a fait le vœu de changer de vie.

Échanger ses vœux.

Ils vont échanger leurs vœux demain.

C'est un vœu pieux.

Espérer qu'il change est un vœu pieux.

Exaucer les vœux de quelqu'un.

Le sort a exaucé ses vœux.

Porter ses vœux sur [quelqu'un].

Le jury a porté ses vœux sur ce candidat.

Sous le sceau du vœu de [nom].

Il agit sous le sceau du vœu de pauvreté.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in January, medium the rest of the year.

Common Mistakes

Mes meilleures vœux → Mes meilleurs vœux
Vœux is masculine, so the adjective must be 'meilleurs'.
J'ai fait une vœu → J'ai fait un vœu
Vœu is masculine, so use 'un' not 'une'.
Pronouncing it like 'vwa' → Pronouncing it like /vø/
'Vwa' is 'voix' (voice). 'Vø' is 'vœu'.
Writing 'voeux' in a formal letter → Writing 'vœux'
The 'œ' ligature is required in formal French orthography.
Using 'vœu' for 'I want a coffee' → Using 'souhait' or 'envie'
'Vœu' is too formal and solemn for trivial desires.

Tips

January is Vœux Month

In France, you have the whole month of January to send your 'vœux.' Don't feel rushed on January 1st!

Masculine Alert

Always use 'mes meilleurs vœux' (masculine), never 'mes meilleures' (feminine).

The X Factor

Remember that 'vœu' becomes 'vœux' in the plural, not 'vœus'.

Exaucer vs Réaliser

Use 'exaucer' for wishes granted by fate/gods, and 'réaliser' for goals you achieve yourself.

Round Your Lips

The sound /ø/ in 'vœux' is all about the lip shape. If your lips aren't rounded, it won't sound right.

Vœu Pieux

Use this to describe a politician's promise that you don't believe will happen.

Email Closings

In early January, 'Avec tous mes vœux' is a perfect way to end a professional email.

Wedding Guestbooks

Writing 'Tous mes vœux de bonheur' is the most classic and safe thing to write in a wedding guestbook.

Latin Roots

Remembering 'votum' (vow) helps you understand the solemnity of the word.

Genie Wishes

In French, a genie gives you 'vœux,' never 'souhaits'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Vow' that you 'View' as important. The 'V' and 'o' are there, but you need to add the 'e' and 'u' to make it French. Just remember: Vows are for You (vœux).

Visual Association

Imagine a genie coming out of a bottle. He says 'Vœux!' (Wishes!). Or imagine a monk in a 'V' shape robe taking a 'vow'.

Word Web

Mariage Nouvel An Genie Promesse Serment Souhait Exaucer Pieux

Challenge

Try to write three 'vœux' for your own future in French using the phrase 'Mon vœu est que...' followed by the subjunctive.

Word Origin

Derived from the Latin 'votum', the past participle of 'vovere', meaning 'to vow' or 'to promise solemnly to a deity'.

Original meaning: A solemn promise or a thing promised to a god.

Romance (Latin root)

Cultural Context

Be careful when using 'vœu pieux' as it can sound dismissive or cynical about someone's goals.

In English, we use 'vows' for marriage and 'wishes' for birthdays/New Year. French uses 'vœux' for both, which can be confusing for English speakers who see them as very different concepts.

The movie 'Aladdin' (French dub) uses 'vœux' for the three wishes. The annual televised 'Vœux du Président de la République'. Religious texts regarding 'vœux monastiques'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

New Year

Meilleurs vœux
Bonne année et meilleurs vœux
Présenter ses vœux
Carte de vœux

Weddings

Échanger ses vœux
Vœux de mariage
Tous nos vœux de bonheur
Écrire ses vœux

Religion

Prononcer ses vœux
Vœu de silence
Vœu de pauvreté
Prendre ses vœux

Magic/Fantasy

Faire un vœu
Exaucer un vœu
Trois vœux
Le vœu du génie

Politics/Formal

Vœux à la nation
Vœu pieux
Vœu de principe
Cérémonie des vœux

Conversation Starters

"Quels sont tes vœux pour la nouvelle année ?"

"As-tu déjà fait un vœu qui s'est réalisé ?"

"Est-ce que tu envoies encore des cartes de vœux papier ?"

"Penses-tu que les vœux de mariage sont importants ?"

"Si un génie t'offrait trois vœux, que choisirais-tu ?"

Journal Prompts

Écrivez une lettre à vous-même pour présenter vos vœux pour l'année prochaine.

Décrivez un moment où vous avez fait un vœu important (devant une fontaine, une étoile, etc.).

Que pensez-vous de l'expression 'vœu pieux' ? Donnez un exemple dans l'actualité.

Si vous deviez prononcer des vœux (de mariage ou autres), quelles seraient les trois promesses les plus importantes ?

Racontez une histoire courte où un personnage voit son vœu exaucé de manière inattendue.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It's a matter of tradition and formality. The New Year is seen as a major, ritualized transition requiring the more formal 'vœux,' whereas a birthday is a personal celebration where the lighter 'souhaits' is appropriate. However, you can say 'vœux de bonheur' for a birthday in a formal card.

On a Mac, it's Option+Q. On Windows, hold Alt and type 0156. On a French keyboard, it's often a dedicated combination. In informal texts, many people just type 'oe', but 'œ' is the correct orthography.

No. Use the singular 'vœu' when referring to one specific wish (like at a birthday) or one specific vow. Use the plural 'vœux' for general greetings like the New Year or when referring to a set of vows.

It translates literally as 'pious wish,' but it's used to describe an idealistic desire that has no chance of happening because it lacks a practical plan or real effort. It's often used in politics.

Yes, absolutely! 'Échanger ses vœux' is the standard way to say 'to exchange vows.' You can also say 'Tous nos vœux de bonheur' to the couple.

It is masculine. Un vœu, les vœux. This is important for adjective agreement: 'mes meilleurs vœux' (masculine plural).

A 'serment' is an oath, often legal or official (like in court). A 'vœu' is more personal, spiritual, or ritualized (like a New Year's wish or a monk's vow).

It is pronounced /vø/. It sounds like the 'u' in 'burn' or the 'e' in 'her', but you must round your lips very tightly into an 'O' shape while saying it.

In very specific, old-fashioned, or formal contexts, it can refer to the expression of a will or a vote, but in modern French, 'vote' or 'suffrage' are used instead.

It is a French tradition in January where mayors, CEOs, and the President hold a small event to give their official wishes for the year to their constituents or employees.