誕生会
tanjōkai[tã̠ɲ̟d͡ʑo̞ːka̠i]
The English phrase "birthday party" is translated into Japanese as 誕生会 (tanjōkai).
A birthday party is a celebration held to mark the anniversary of the day someone was born.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 誕生会 is composed of 誕生 (tanjō), meaning birth and 会 (kai), meaning meeting or party.
Which one should you use?
誕生会 is a formal term. In contrast, 誕生日パーティー (tanjōbi pāti) is a more common, loanword-based way to say birthday party in casual conversation. This alternative uses the word 誕生日 (tanjōbi) for "birthday" instead of the more formal 誕生 (tanjō).
How do you pronounce it?
tanjōkai
When do people say it?
A significant 60th birthday celebration in Japan is called Kanreki (還暦), which marks the completion of one cycle in the traditional zodiac calendar.
Did you know?
- Until the mid-20th century, most people in Japan did not actually have individual birthday parties. Instead of celebrating the specific day they were born, everyone aged one year collectively on New Year's Day.
- The term 誕生 (tanjō) within 誕生会 carries a heavy, dignified weight. Historically, this specific word was often reserved for describing the birth of deities or members of the nobility, which is why the phrase can feel quite stiff.
- At a 還暦 (Kanreki) party, the 60-year-old guest of honor often wears a red vest and a red hood. This symbolizes a 'rebirth' and reflects the tradition of babies wearing red clothes.
Examples in context
- 私の誕生会に来てください。Please attend my birthday party.This sentence is useful for inviting someone to attend your 誕生会.Tatoeba #628686 by satosi, translation #628387 by AmberShadow
- ケイトの誕生日は11月15日です！お誕生日会を開きます。Kate's birthday is November 15th! We are holding a birthday party.
- 今週末友達のバースデーパーティーがあるんだけど、何を持って行ったらいい？My friend has a birthday party this weekend, what should I bring?
- 妹の誕生会はとても賑やかでした。Imōto no tanjōkai wa totemo nigiyaka deshita.My younger sister's birthday party was very lively.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a weekend plan.
- 大翔 Hiroto今週の土曜日に誕生会をするよ。Konshuu no doyoubi ni tanjoukai o suru yo.I'm having a birthday party this Saturday.
- 結衣 Yuiいいですね！ぜひ行きたいです。Ii desu ne! Zehi ikitai desu.That sounds great! I'd love to go.
- 大翔 Hiroto結衣、時間があるかな？Yui, jikan ga aru kana?Yui, do you have time?
- 結衣 Yuiはい、空いていますよ。Hai, aite imasu yo.Yes, I'm free.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 誕生会, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
