souhaitons

Souhaitons is the first-person plural present indicative form of the French verb souhaiter, meaning “we wish.” It is used to express a desire, a hope, or a goodwill toward someone or something. As a common verb in both spoken and written French, it often appears in everyday statements as well as in formal or ceremonial language.

The verb souhaiter derives from the noun souhait, which designates a wish or a desire. In usage, souhaiter is employed to convey good wishes, blessings, or approvals, and it can take a direct object (Nous souhaitons la bienvenue à nos nouveaux membres) or be used with an indirect object (Nous vous souhaitons beaucoup de succès). It is frequent in greetings, announcements, letters, speeches, and editorials.

In construction with a subordinate clause introduced by que, the meaning remains a wish or hope for the action described in the second clause, but the verb in that clause typically appears in the present subjunctive: Souhaitons que tout se passe bien. This reflects the indirect, or non-real, nature of the wished outcome. The exhortative use with nous souhaitons is a way to invite others to share the sentiment or aim.

The noun form souhait (a wish) exists as a separate word in French and is used in expressions like “faire un souhait” or “formuler des souhaits.” In synonyms, souhaiter overlaps with désirer or espérer, but it carries a more explicit connotation of wishing someone else well or offering a cordial intention.

Overall, souhaitons functions as a versatile, polite, and inclusive way to express collective goodwill or future hopes.