French Expression of the Day: Meilleurs vœux!
You'll hear this French phrase a lot this time of year, but its use isn't restricted to January.
Why do I need to know meilleurs vœux?
If you live in France or have visited over the festive period and in the new year you'll no doubt be familiar with this phrase but it can be useful during the rest of the year as well.
What does it mean?
Meilleurs vœux - roughly pronounced may-yur vuh - literally means "best wishes" however its meaning all depends on context.
When used at the start of the year, meilleurs vœux means "happy new year". As such, don't be surprised if you hear it a lot from friends, colleagues and people you cross regularly in everyday life shortly following the Christmas holidays.
Similarly when used during the month of December it means "season's greetings".
If someone does say it to you it's normal to say the phrase right back to them. You can also response 'bonne année' (a synonym for meilleurs vœux, which is a little more casual).
Meilleurs vœux can also be used all year round either on its own or as part of a set phrase.
For example, you can end a letter with the phrase Je vous adresse mes meilleurs vœux (Please accept my best wishes) or you could wish someone a speedy recovery by saying Meilleurs vœux de prompt rétablissement.
Use it like this
Meilleurs vœux! - Happy New Year!
Meilleurs vœux de bonne et heureuse année! - Best wishes for a good and happy new year!
Je vous présente mes meilleurs vœux pour le nouvel an! - I offer you my best wishes for the new year!
Nous vous adressons nos meilleurs vœux. - With our best wishes.
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See Also
Why do I need to know meilleurs vœux?
If you live in France or have visited over the festive period and in the new year you'll no doubt be familiar with this phrase but it can be useful during the rest of the year as well.
What does it mean?
Meilleurs vœux - roughly pronounced may-yur vuh - literally means "best wishes" however its meaning all depends on context.
When used at the start of the year, meilleurs vœux means "happy new year". As such, don't be surprised if you hear it a lot from friends, colleagues and people you cross regularly in everyday life shortly following the Christmas holidays.
Similarly when used during the month of December it means "season's greetings".
If someone does say it to you it's normal to say the phrase right back to them. You can also response 'bonne année' (a synonym for meilleurs vœux, which is a little more casual).
Meilleurs vœux can also be used all year round either on its own or as part of a set phrase.
For example, you can end a letter with the phrase Je vous adresse mes meilleurs vœux (Please accept my best wishes) or you could wish someone a speedy recovery by saying Meilleurs vœux de prompt rétablissement.
Use it like this
Meilleurs vœux! - Happy New Year!
Meilleurs vœux de bonne et heureuse année! - Best wishes for a good and happy new year!
Je vous présente mes meilleurs vœux pour le nouvel an! - I offer you my best wishes for the new year!
Nous vous adressons nos meilleurs vœux. - With our best wishes.
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