Happy Valentines Day In French

Do you want to learn how to say Valentine’s Day in French?

In France, February 14 is St. Valentine’s Day, also known as la fête de Saint Valentin. In French, simply referring to it as Valentine’s Day is said as la Saint Valentin.

If you are learning French and are confused by the article used, there is an explanation. Indeed, “Saint Valentin” is a masculine noun, so the article linked with it should be “le.” However, what we’re really talking about here is “la fête de Saint Valentin” hence the “la.”

In any case, in France, Saint Valentine’s Day is a day dedicated solely to lovers. Unlike in English-speaking countries, where you can exchange cards, chocolates, flowers, or celebrate with family and friends, Valentine’s Day is only for lovers.

During Valentine’s Day in France, most couples go out to a restaurant or the theater. Afterwards, they visit a jazz club or other music venue. Gifts like perfumes, chocolates, and jewelry are given to loved ones by French people as a way to show their appreciation for them.

However, Valentine’s Day celebrations aren’t always tied to expensive, meticulously planned romantic dinners and nights out. Other couples opt for the most basic of activities, such as a picnic in the park or a moonlit stroll through quiet streets.

Happy Valentine’s Day In French

Valentine’s Day Greetings

How then do the French greet each other on Valentine’s Day? There are a couple of ways, which means pretty much the same thing:

1. Happy Valentine’s Day. – Joyeux Saint Valentin

This is the standard Valentine’s Day greeting where you are wishing someone a happy time on Valentine’s day.

2. Happy Valentine’s Day – Bonne Saint Valentin

This is an alternative way to say Happy Valentine’s Day in French, where you’re wishing someone to have a good time on Valentine’s Day.

3. Do you have plans for Valentine’s Day? – Tu as des projets pour la Saint Valentin?

Not exactly a greeting, but a question you can ask people you know about their plans on February 14 – Valentine’s Day. Another way to say it is this:

• Do you have plans for Valentine’s Day? – Tu as quelque-chose de prevu pour la Saint Valentin?

4. Do you have plans for Valentine’s Day? – Vous-avez des projets pour la Saint Valentin?

This is a more formal way to ask someone about their plans on Valentine’s Day. You can use this on people you know who are older or an authority figure like your boss.

5. Would you be my valentine? – Tu veux être mon valentin / ma valentine?

This is how you ask someone to be your date, or your “valentine”. Tu veux être mon valentin if you are asking a man, Tu veux être ma valentine if you’re asking a woman.

French Love Vocabulary

Since we’re learning phrases that have to do with Valentine’s Day, here are a few terms that you’d most likely hear. Along with the greetings, it’s best to know a few love vocabulary in French to impress your amoureux on Valentine’s Day.

• L’amour – love

• Je t’aime – I love you

• Je vous aime – I am in love with you

• Je l’aime – I am in love with him/her

• Je suis amoureux / amoureuse de toi, lui, elle, vous… – I am in love with you, him, her, you

• Est-ce que tu veux sortir avec moi – would you like to go out with me ?

• Un amoureux / une amoureuse – a sweetheart

• Un petit-ami/ un petit-copain – a boyfriend

• Une petite-amie / une petite-copine – a girlfriend

• un amant – lover

**You have to be very careful with this phrase because “lover” in French often refers to someone you have sexual relations with.

In English, “lover” can mean anything from someone you’re dating to someone you’re officially in a relationship with, but in French it implies your sexual relations with that other person.

It can also imply that “un amant” is someone you are cheating on your spouse with. Be careful; this is a term that’s not to be used lightly in French.

Want to learn more French phrases? Check out our language guides below:

• Most Common French Terms of Endearment
• Happy Mother’s Day In French
• 6 Ways To Say Merry Christmas In French
• Happy New Year In French