Updated on October 7, 2024
15 ways to say happy birthday in French
Celebrating a birthday is a fantastic occasion to bring all your loved ones together for a party. If you have friends across the world, it’s also a great way to learn how to say happy birthday in their language — in this case, French.
Given the number of French-speaking countries in the world, many people may be wondering how you say happy birthday in French.
So let’s dive into 15 different ways to wish someone the best birthday wishes, depending on who they are and your relationship with them. Plus, we’ll cover some French traditions related to French birthday parties and of course, the birthday song in French!
These phrases are the same in terms of content and register, so you can use any of them when wishing your family member, friend or partner a happy birthday in French. You can also say:
If you want to wish your partner a happy birthday, it’s nice to say:
Now, if you’re celebrating somebody’s birthday at work, you might want to be a little more formal. Especially if you address your colleagues using vous instead of tu. You could try out some of the following phrases:
Lastly, let’s look at how you can give the best birthday wishes in French to someone you don’t know very well, or within a formal context. For example, your boss.
Félicitations can also be used to congratulate people in other ways, for example, when someone buys a house or passes an exam.
Birthdays are celebrated in France like many other countries, with gifts (cadeaux), parties (fêtes) and of course, the happy birthday song (chanson d’anniversaire)! Some interesting French birthday traditions include:
But one tradition that transcends borders: The birthday song!
Why not have a go at singing the happy birthday song in French? It’s a great way to practice the language while singing along to a tune you already know:
“Joyeux anniversaire” is the easiest and most popular version of the “happy birthday” song in French, and it’s very similar to the English one:
Joyeux anniversaire
Joyeux anniversaire
Joyeux anniversaire (name of the person)
Joyeux anniversaire
Here are also the lyrics of another version:
Joyeux anniversaire
Heureux anniversaire
Tous nos vœux sont sincères
Pour ton anniversaire
Tes amis aujourd’hui
Se sont tous réunis
Ton bonheur on l’espère
Pour ton anniversaire
Words related to French birthday customs, birthday cake and celebrations:
So there we have it, 15 ways to say happy birthday in French.
Hopefully, the next time your French-speaking friend celebrates a birthday, you’ll feel well-equipped to express all your wishes in French and celebrate it as they would do in French culture.
Here are also some of the questions people ask about French expressions to say “Happy birthday” in French
French people typically say “Joyeux anniversaire” to wish someone a happy birthday.
Both “Bon anniversaire” and “Joyeux anniversaire” are commonly used in French to wish someone a happy birthday. However, “Joyeux anniversaire” is more widely recognized and used.
To wish a girl a happy birthday in French, you can simply say “Joyeux anniversaire” or “Bon anniversaire.”
To wish someone a happy birthday and all the best in French, you can say “Joyeux anniversaire et meilleurs vœux” or “Bon anniversaire et tous mes vœux de bonheur.”
To say happy birthday in a unique way in French, you could add a personal touch or use creative expressions like “Passe une journée remplie de joie et de surprises pour ton anniversaire !” (Have a day filled with joy and surprises for your birthday!) or “Quelle belle journée pour fêter ton anniversaire “(What a great day to celebrate your birthday!).
“Anniversaire de mariage” in French means “wedding anniversary.”
So, wishing your French friend or colleague a wonderful birthday in French is now much easier with the list of various options listed here.
From the classic “Joyeux Anniversaire” to the heartfelt “Je te souhaite le plus joyeux des anniversaires,” the language offers a rich array of expressions to convey warmth and celebration.
Whether it’s at a lively birthday party, surrounded by loved ones, or through a heartfelt message to the birthday person on a birthday card, these phrases express the joy and camaraderie inherent in French birthday celebrations.
So, next time you’re celebrating with your French-speaking friends, remember these expressions to make their birthdays even more memorable and wonderful. Bon anniversaire !
