A Surprise 30th in Marseille
Get invited, chip in for the present and say all the right things when the candles come out.
In France friends often club together for a group present with 'une cagnotte', usually an online collection or a quick bank transfer, and guests bring a bottle or a dessert to a house party. You greet friends with 'la bise', a kiss on each cheek, and everyone sings « Joyeux anniversaire » before the candles are blown out. At work it's the birthday person who brings cake or croissants for colleagues, not the other way round.
- 1
Joyeux anniversaire !
Happy birthday!
- 2
Ça te fait quel âge ?
So how old are you now? (to a friend)
- 3
J'ai trente ans aujourd'hui.
I'm thirty today.
- 4
Je fais une fête samedi.
I'm throwing a party on Saturday.
- 5
Je peux apporter quelque chose ?
Can I bring anything?
- 6
Apporte une bouteille, si tu veux.
Bring a bottle if you like.
- 7
On a fait une cagnotte pour le cadeau.
We've set up a collection for the present.
- 8
C'est une surprise, dis-lui rien !
It's a surprise, don't tell her anything!
- 9
Fais un vœu !
Make a wish!
- 10
Souffle les bougies !
Blow out the candles!
- 11
Un discours ! Un discours !
Speech! Speech!
- 12
Tiens, c'est pour toi.
Here, this is for you.
- 13
Fallait pas !
You shouldn't have!
- 14
C'est exactement ce que je voulais.
It's exactly what I wanted.
- 15
Qui veut du gâteau ?
Who wants some cake?
- 16
À ta santé !
Cheers, to you!
- 17
On chante « Joyeux anniversaire » !
Let's sing Happy Birthday!
- 18
Elle est top, ta fête !
Your party is great!
- 19
Merci d'être venu !
Thanks for coming!
- 20
Profite bien de la fin de ton anniversaire !
Enjoy the rest of your birthday!