Celebrating birthdays is a special occasion around the world, and if you’re looking to wish someone a happy birthday in Portuguese, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we will explore various ways to say “birthday” in Portuguese, both formally and informally. Whether you’re planning to write a birthday card or want to impress your Portuguese-speaking friends, these tips and examples will come in handy.
Table of Contents
1. Formal Ways to Say Birthday
When addressing someone older, in a more formal context, or simply wanting to maintain a sense of respect, you can use the following phrases:
- Aniversário – This is the most basic and widely used term for “birthday” in Portuguese. For instance, you can say “Feliz Aniversário!” (Happy Birthday!), or “Desejo-lhe um ótimo aniversário!” (Wishing you a great birthday!).
- Data de Nascimento – This translates to “date of birth” and can be used interchangeably in formal situations. You can say “Parabéns pela sua data de nascimento!” (Congratulations on your date of birth!).
2. Informal Ways to Say Birthday
Informal situations call for a more relaxed and friendly approach. Here are some commonly used phrases in Portuguese:
- Aniversário – Yes, the same word can be used in an informal setting as well. For example, “Feliz Aniversário!” would also be appropriate to wish someone informally.
- Aniversário Feliz – This phrase is a slight variation of the previous one, adding the word “feliz” (happy) at the beginning. It’s a way to emphasize the joyous aspect of the occasion, and you can say “Aniversário feliz!” to convey your wishes.
- Parabéns – In Portuguese, “parabéns” means congratulations, but it is commonly used to wish someone a happy birthday. You can simply say “Parabéns!” or “Parabéns pelo aniversário!” to celebrate the person’s special day.
- Tudo de Bom no Seu Dia! – Translating to “All the best on your day!”, this is an affectionate and informal way of wishing someone a happy birthday.
3. Regional Variations
The Portuguese language varies across different regions, with some countries adopting their own variations. While the phrases mentioned above are universally understood, it’s worth noting the following regional differences:
- Brazilian Portuguese – In Brazil, you can often hear “Feliz Aniversário!” and “Parabéns!” being used interchangeably to wish someone a happy birthday. Additionally, “Felicidades!” (Happiness!) is commonly used too.
- European Portuguese – In Portugal, the term “Feliz Aniversário!” is widely used, but you may also come across “Muitos Parabéns!” (Many congratulations!) or “Que contes muitos!” (May you have many more!).
4. Examples and Tips
Example 1:
Marina: Hoje é o seu aniversário? Parabéns!
(Today is your birthday? Congratulations!)Carlos: Obrigado! Sim, hoje eu completo 35 anos.
(Thank you! Yes, today I’m turning 35.)
Example 2:
Sofia: Ana, feliz aniversário! Tudo de bom no seu dia!
(Ana, happy birthday! All the best on your day!)Ana: Muito obrigada, Sofia! Adorei o presente!
(Thank you very much, Sofia! I loved the gift!)
Here are some additional tips:
- Avoid mentioning age unless the person has already shared it.
- If you’re unsure about formality, it’s generally safe to use “Feliz Aniversário!” or “Parabéns!”.
- Include a personalized message or wish along with the birthday greeting for a more heartfelt touch.
- Consider learning and incorporating a few birthday-related Portuguese phrases or songs to make the occasion even more special.
With these formal and informal phrases to say “birthday” in Portuguese, you can now confidently wish someone a happy birthday while embracing the language and culture. Whether you’re celebrating with Brazilian cake or Portuguese pastries, your warm greetings will surely make the birthday person’s day even more memorable!
