How to say happy birthday in French
Joyeux anniversaire
Say it like this: zhwah-YUH zah-nee-vair-SAIR
To say happy birthday in French, you say "Joyeux anniversaire". It is understood everywhere French is spoken, from France to Belgium, Switzerland and Canada. Here is how to say it, plus other easy ways to send your good wishes.
"Joyeux" means joyful or happy, and "anniversaire" means birthday. The same word is used for other anniversaries too, such as a wedding anniversary.
Other ways to say happy birthday in French
- Bon anniversaireSay it like this: boh nah-nee-vair-SAIRMeans "good birthday". Just as common as "Joyeux anniversaire" and fine for anyone.
- Bon anniv' !Say it like this: boh nah-NEEVA short, casual version for friends and text messages.
- Bonne fête !Say it like this: bun FETIn Quebec, this is the usual way to say happy birthday. In France, it is more often said on someone's name day.
- Je te souhaite un joyeux anniversaireSay it like this: zhuh tuh SWET uh zhwah-YUH zah-nee-vair-SAIRMeans "I wish you a happy birthday". Warm and personal, for friends and family.
- Je vous souhaite un joyeux anniversaireSay it like this: zhuh voo SWET uh zhwah-YUH zah-nee-vair-SAIRThe polite form, for a boss, a client or someone you do not know well.
- Meilleurs vœuxSay it like this: may-YUR VUHMeans "best wishes". A nice extra line to add in a birthday card.
The Happy Birthday song in French
Joyeux anniversaire,
joyeux anniversaire,
joyeux anniversaire [name],
joyeux anniversaire.
This is sung to the usual Happy Birthday tune, and in Quebec many people also sing "Gens du pays", a much loved song by Gilles Vigneault.
Birthday customs
- In France, many people also celebrate their name day, the day in the calendar linked to the saint who shares their name. Friends may say "Bonne fête" on that day.
- In Quebec, "Bonne fête" is the everyday way to say happy birthday, so you will hear it more than "Joyeux anniversaire".
- As in the UK, a cake with candles is the centre of most birthday parties. Guests often cheer "Souffle tes bougies !", which means "Blow out your candles!".
A quick tip
Always write "joyeux", not "joyeuse", even when the birthday person is a woman. The word matches "anniversaire", not the person. And remember the double n in "anniversaire".
Questions people ask
Is it "Bon anniversaire" or "Joyeux anniversaire"?
Both are correct and both are used all the time. "Bon anniversaire" is perhaps a little more everyday in France.
How do you say happy birthday in French to someone you do not know well?
Use the polite form: "Je vous souhaite un joyeux anniversaire". A simple "Joyeux anniversaire" is also fine.
What does "Bonne fête" mean?
In Quebec it means happy birthday. In France it is often used for a name day or any special day, so "Joyeux anniversaire" is the safer choice there.
Wish someone happy birthday in French
Type their name, and we will turn it into a birthday surprise in French: a gift box to open, confetti, their name in gold and the birthday song. Then send it by WhatsApp, text or email. It is free.