遅れてごめんね誕生日
okurete gomen ne tanjōbi
The English phrase 'belated birthday' is translated into Japanese as 遅れてごめんね誕生日 (okurete gomen ne tanjōbi).
This phrase is used as a greeting to wish someone a happy birthday after the actual date of their birthday has already passed.
How do you pronounce it?
okurete gomen ne tanjōbi
Did you know?
- If you miss a birthday by a long time, Japanese social norms might suggest waiting for a more 'appropriate' time to reach out rather than sending a very late wish that feels forced.
- Japanese culture often emphasizes 'seasonal greetings' (jisetsu no aisatsu), so a belated birthday wish might be accompanied by a comment about the current season to smooth over the lateness.
- In Japan, it is often more common to say 遅れてすみません (I am sorry for being late) before the actual birthday wish. This prioritizes the apology for the lapse in communication over the celebration itself.
Example conversation
Yui meets Kenta a few days after his birthday.
- 結衣 Yui健太くん、遅れてごめんね誕生日おめでとう！Kenta-kun, okurete gomen ne tanjōbi omedetō!Kenta, sorry I'm late, happy birthday!
- 健太 Kentaありがとう、結衣ちゃん！arigatō, Yui-chan!Thank you, Yui!
- 結衣 Yuiこれ、小さなプレゼントだよ。kore, chiisana purezento dayo.Here is a small present for you.
- 健太 Kentaわあ、嬉しい！ありがとう。waa, ureshii! arigatō.Wow, I'm so happy! Thank you.
