French edit

Etymology edit

Literally, well come, from Old French bienvenue; compare also bienvenu (without the -e). Presumably a calque of an Old Frankish term, from Proto-Germanic *wiljakwemô (a welcome guest or arrival), from which many modern Germanic forms descend, as English welcome.

Interjection sense #2 is a recent semantic loan from English you're welcome found only in Canada; English “you’re welcome” dates from early 20th century, French Canadian usage correspondingly later.

Pronunciation edit

  • IPA(key): /bjɛ̃.v(ə).ny/
  • (file)

Noun edit

bienvenue f (plural bienvenues)

  1. welcome
    Mesdames et messieurs, je vous souhaite la bienvenue.
    Ladies and gentlemen, I bid you welcome.

Derived terms edit

Interjection edit

bienvenue

  1. welcome!
    Bienvenue à Paris!Welcome to Paris!
    Bienvenue dans la maison.Welcome to the house.
  2. (Canada) you're welcome (as an answer to thank you)
    Merci pour le party! — Bienvenue.
    Thanks for the party! — You're welcome.

Adjective edit

bienvenue

  1. feminine singular of bienvenu

Further reading edit

Sango edit

Etymology edit

From French bienvenue (welcome).

Interjection edit

bienvenue

  1. welcome