Birthdays are special occasions that bring joy and celebration to our lives. Whether you want to greet someone on their birthday or simply expand your vocabulary, learning how to say “birthday” in Romanian can be a valuable skill. In this guide, we will explore both formal and informal ways to express this term, along with some tips, examples, and regional variations.
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say Birthday in Romanian
When addressing someone in a more formal or polite manner, the following expressions can be used:
1. Ziua de naștere – This is the most common and neutral term used in formal Romanian. It directly translates to “day of birth” and is the standard way to refer to birthdays.
Example: Vă doresc o zi de naștere minunată! (I wish you a wonderful birthday!)
2. Aniversare – This word is slightly more formal and often used in written language or on formal occasions, such as in official invitations or speeches.
Example: La mulți ani cu ocazia aniversării tale! (Happy birthday on your anniversary!)
Informal Ways to Say Birthday in Romanian
When talking to friends, family, or colleagues in a more casual setting, you can use the following expressions:
1. Zi de naștere – While “ziua de naștere” is more widely used in formal language, it is also perfectly acceptable in informal conversations.
Example: Sărbătorește-ți ziua de naștere în stil mare! (Celebrate your birthday in a big way!)
2. Aniversare – Similar to the formal usage, you can use “aniversare” in informal contexts as well. It adds a touch of formality, but still sounds warm and friendly.
Example: La mulți ani de ziua ta de aniversare! (Happy birthday on your anniversary!)
Regional Variations
Romanian is a diverse language spoken in various regions and among different communities. While the above expressions are widely understood throughout the country, there might be some regional variations:
1. Botez – In some regions, particularly in Transylvania, people may use the word “botez” to refer to a birthday. Originally, “botez” refers to the religious ritual of baptism, but it has also adopted the meaning of “birthday” in these areas.
Example: La mulți ani de botez! (Happy birthday!)
2. Onomastică – This term is used to refer to the name day celebration, which is an important tradition in Romania. While distinct from birthdays, in some regions, people may consider their onomastică as an important personal celebration.
Example: La mulți ani cu ocazia onomasticii tale! (Happy onomastică!)
Tips for Celebrating Birthdays in Romanian
Here are a few tips to enhance your understanding and celebration of birthdays in Romanian:
1. Singing “La Mulți Ani” – The most common way to wish someone a happy birthday in Romania is by singing the traditional song “La Mulți Ani” which means “Happy Birthday to You.” It’s a joyful and important part of birthday celebrations.
Example: La mulți ani, cu sănătate și fericire! (Happy birthday, with health and happiness!)
2. Offering Greetings and Gifts – Just like in many other cultures, it is customary to offer greetings and gifts to the birthday celebrant. Common gifts include flowers, chocolates, or personalized items. 3. Sharing Traditional Romanian Food – If you’re attending a birthday celebration, you might encounter some traditional Romanian dishes. Popular options include “sarmale” (stuffed cabbage rolls), “mici” (grilled ground meat rolls), and various types of cakes and pastries.
Conclusion
Celebrating birthdays is a universal way of showing love and appreciation for our loved ones. In Romanian, you can express your wishes and congratulations using a variety of phrases. Whether you choose formal or informal expressions, the most important thing is to convey your warm feelings and celebrate the occasion with joy.
Remember, when saying “birthday” in Romanian:
- Formal ways: “Ziua de naștere” or “Aniversare”
- Informal ways: “Zi de naștere” or “Aniversare”
- Regional variations: “Botez” (Transylvania) or “Onomastică” (considered in some regions)
Now that you have a better understanding of how to say “birthday” in Romanian, go ahead and celebrate this special occasion with your Romanian-speaking friends or loved ones. La mulți ani!
