French Phrase
Je prépare mon anniv.
Meaning
Literally, “I’m getting ready for my birthday.” The speaker is saying they are making arrangements—buying a cake, inviting friends, etc.—for their upcoming birthday celebration.
When to use
Use this sentence when you’re talking to friends or family about the plans you’re making for your own birthday, especially in informal contexts like texting, social media, or a casual conversation.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Jepréparemonanniv.
Subject pronoun
‘Je’ is the first‑person singular subject pronoun, always placed before the verb.
Présent de préparer
‘préparer’ is a regular –er verb; in the present tense the ending –e is added for ‘je’ (je prépare).
Possessive adjective
‘mon’ agrees with a masculine singular noun; because ‘anniversaire’ is masculine, we use ‘mon’.
Abbreviation ‘anniv.’
‘anniv.’ is a casual written shortcut for ‘anniversaire’; it is common in texts, chats and informal notes.
🗨In Conversation
Tu fais quoi ce week‑end ?
What are you doing this weekend?
Je prépare mon anniv. On va faire une petite soirée.
I’m getting ready for my birthday. We’re having a small party.
✕Common Mistakes
Je prépare ma anniv.
‘Anniversaire’ is masculine, so the correct possessive is ‘mon’, not ‘ma’.
Je prépare mon anniv. (when meaning I’m arranging the whole party)
While ‘préparer’ is correct, many learners mistakenly use ‘préparer’ for ‘planifier’ when they mean ‘to organize the whole party’. ‘Organiser’ is more precise for event planning.
Je prépare mon anniv
The abbreviation must keep the period (anniv.) to signal it’s a shortened form; omitting it can look like a typo.
↔Alternatives
Je prépare mon anniversaire.
I’m preparing my birthday.
J’organise ma fête d’anniversaire.
I’m organizing my birthday party.
Je prépare ma soirée d’anniversaire.
I’m preparing my birthday evening.
Cultural Tip
In France, birthdays are often celebrated with a ‘gâteau d’anniversaire’ (birthday cake) and a small gathering of friends or family. The phrase ‘anniv.’ is strictly informal; in a formal email or spoken presentation you would say ‘anniversaire’. Also, French speakers usually say ‘c’est ma fête’ (it’s my party) rather than ‘c’est mon anniv.’ when they want to emphasize the celebration itself.