Learning how to say “birthdate” in Japanese is essential for effective communication and building relationships with Japanese speakers. In this guide, we will explore both formal and informal ways of expressing this concept. While regional variations exist, we will primarily focus on standard Japanese usage. So, let’s dive in and discover various ways to say “birthdate” in Japanese!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say Birthdate
When speaking formally or in professional settings, you can use the following phrases to refer to someone’s birthdate:
1. Tanjōbi (誕生日)
One of the most common and widely used terms for “birthdate” in Japanese is “tanjōbi.” It comprises two kanji characters; “tanjō” means “birth” or “born,” while “bi” represents “day.” By combining these two, you obtain “tanjōbi” or “birthdate.”
Example: わたしの誕生日は６月８日です。 (Watashi no tanjōbi wa rokugatsu yokka desu.)
Translation: My birthdate is June 8th.
2. Seireki (西暦)
Another formal way to refer to a birthdate is using the word “seireki,” which translates to “Christian era.” It specifically denotes dates based on the Western calendar system.
Example: 私の西暦の誕生日は１９８８年１月１２日です。 (Watashi no seireki no tanjōbi wa sen-kyūhyaku-hachijū-hachinen ichigatsu jūninichi desu.)
Translation: My birthdate in the Christian era is January 12th, 1988.
3. Seinen gappi (生年月日)
A more formal term that encompasses a person’s birth year, month, and day is “seinen gappi.” It combines the kanji characters for “birth,” “year,” “month,” and “day.” Although less common, it offers a comprehensive way of expressing a birthdate.
Example: 生年月日は１９９５年３月２５日です。 (Seinen gappi wa sen-kyūhyaku-kyūjū-go-nen san-gatsu nijūgo-nichi desu.)
Translation: My birthdate is March 25th, 1995.
Informal Ways to Say Birthdate
When conversing in a more casual or friendly manner, you can utilize the following phrases:
1. Tanjōbi (誕生日)
Yes, “tanjōbi” can be used in both formal and informal contexts. In informal settings, it can help add a personal touch to your conversation and express a sense of familiarity.
Example: オレの誕生日は１１月２日だよ。 (Ore no tanjōbi wa jūichigatsu futsuka da yo.)
Translation: My birthdate is November 2nd.
2. Uma no hi (馬の日)
While not as widely used, especially in formal contexts, “uma no hi” can be a fun and unique way to refer to your birthdate. It literally translates to “horse’s day,” as each year in the Chinese zodiac is associated with an animal, and the horse represents seven.
Example: わたしってば馬の年の２月１５日生まれなの。 (Watashi tteba uma no toshi no nigatsu jūgono hi umare nano.)
Translation: I was born on February 15th, the year of the horse.
Tips for Talking About Birthdates in Japanese
Here are some valuable tips to keep in mind when discussing birthdates in Japanese:
1. Order of Information
In Japanese, the order of presenting information about a birthdate usually follows the pattern of year, month, and then day. However, when using “tanjōbi” alone, it is common to mention the month and day first.
2. Counting Systems
Japanese uses two counting systems for dates: native Japanese numbers and Sino-Japanese numbers. Native numbers are used more casually, while Sino-Japanese numbers are employed in formal contexts and when expressing exact dates.
3. Age Calculation
In Japan, people often count age differently than in some Western cultures. The traditional method considers a person to be one year old from the day they are born, and everyone gains an additional year on New Year’s Day. However, the Western way of reckoning age is becoming more prevalent in recent times.
In Conclusion
Now that you have learned various ways of saying “birthdate” in Japanese, ranging from formal to informal expressions, you can confidently communicate and establish connections with Japanese speakers. Remember to adapt your usage based on the level of formality required in different situations.
Whether you prefer the simplicity of “tanjōbi” or want to impress someone with the comprehensive “seinen gappi,” expressing birthdates accurately and appropriately is an essential part of effective communication in Japanese.
So, go ahead and utilize your newfound knowledge to celebrate your Japanese friends’ birthdays and build stronger connections with the language and culture!
