Explaining the French Expression À tes Souhaits

Explaining the French Expression tes Souhaits The French expression tes souhaits  (pronounced [a  tay  sweh])  is a social nicety and literally  translates to to your wishes. It has an informal  register  and is the equivalent of the English phrase bless you. Explanation  and Example You can and should use the French expression tes souhaits any time a friend sneezes (as long as youre not interrupting a speech or something). Unlike its English equivalent bless you, tes souhaits has no religious connotation whatsoever, instead offering the sneezer your hopes that his or her wishes will come true. If the person sneezes more than once, theres a more elaborate saying: After the first sneeze: A tes souhaits Second sneeze: tes amours Third sneeze: One of the following: avec un grand A et beaucoup de set tes enfantset ton argentet quelles durent toujoursque les tiennes durent toujoursNote: Elles and tiennes in the last two variations refer to amours. The formal equivalent vos souhaits can be addressed to a complete stranger with no risk of offense, but again, consider the context. On the bus: yes. During a business meeting: probably not. Souhaits is the plural of un souhait (wish), from the verb souhaiter (to wish).