Saying “anniversary” in Spanish is quite simple, but it’s important to use the correct word based on the context and formality. In this guide, we will explore the formal and informal ways to express “anniversary” in Spanish, along with some tips, examples, and a brief mention of regional variations when necessary.
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Formal Ways to Say “Anniversary” in Spanish
When speaking formally or in professional settings, you can use the word “aniversario” to refer to an anniversary. This is the most common and universally understood term for “anniversary” in Spanish. Here are a few examples:
- ¡Feliz aniversario de bodas! – Happy wedding anniversary!
- Hoy celebramos nuestro aniversario de empresa. – Today we celebrate our company’s anniversary.
- El aniversario de la independencia se celebra el 4 de julio. – Independence anniversary is celebrated on July 4th.
Informal Ways to Say “Anniversary” in Spanish
Informally, you can use the word “cumpleaños” or even “aniversario” to refer to an anniversary. However, it’s important to note that “cumpleaños” primarily means “birthday.” When used in the context of an anniversary, it is more informal and works best among close friends and family. Here are a few examples:
- ¡Feliz cumpleaños de bodas! – Happy wedding anniversary! (informal)
- Hoy es nuestro aniversario juntos. – Today is our anniversary together. (informal)
- Celebramos el cumpleaños del restaurante. – We celebrate the restaurant’s anniversary. (informal)
Regional Variations
While the words mentioned above are widely understood throughout the Spanish-speaking world, there may be some regional variations when it comes to expressing “anniversary.” For example, in some Latin American countries, instead of using “aniversario,” they may use words like:
“Fecha conmemorativa” – Commemorative date
“Día de celebración” – Celebration day
“Fecha especial” – Special date
These variations can add a unique touch to your Spanish, but remember that using “aniversario” is always a safe choice.
Additional Tips and Examples
Here are a few additional tips and examples to help you further:
- In Spanish, you typically say “Feliz aniversario” (Happy anniversary), just like in English. It’s a popular expression used to express good wishes on someone’s special day.
- When mentioning a specific anniversary year, you can use the ordinal numbers. For example, “Feliz vigésimo quinto aniversario” means “Happy 25th anniversary.”
- If you want to express the length or duration of an anniversary, you can use the phrase “celebrar X años” (celebrate X years). For instance, “Vamos a celebrar nuestros cinco años juntos” means “We are going to celebrate our five years together.”
- Remember that in Spanish, the word “aniversario” is a masculine noun. Therefore, adjectives or articles that accompany it should also be masculine. For example, “El aniversario” (The anniversary) instead of “La aniversario” (incorrect).
Now armed with the knowledge of how to express “anniversary” in Spanish, you can confidently share your greetings and celebrations with your Spanish-speaking friends, loved ones, or colleagues.
