cumpleaños
/kumpleˈaɲos/
The English phrase 'birthdays' is translated into Spanish as cumpleaños.
The word cumpleaños refers to a birthday or birthdays. While Feliz cumpleaños is the most common way to say 'Happy Birthday', you can also use the phrase Que tengas un cumpleaños genial to say 'Have an awesome birthday'.
What does it mean word for word?
The word cumpleaños is a compound of cumplir (to fulfill or complete) and años (years).
How does it change in a sentence?
The word cumpleaños is invariant in form for both singular and plural. Its number is determined by the accompanying article, such as el or los.
How do you pronounce it?
/kumpleˈaɲos/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid trying to pluralize the word by adding an 's' to the end (such as cumpleañoses). The word already ends in 's' and does not change.
Did you know?
- In some regions, the gesture of la mordida occurs during the birthday cake presentation. The guests cheer for the birthday person to take a bite of the cake directly with their face, often resulting in someone pushing their head into the frosting.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, the traditional birthday song is called Las Mañanitas. Unlike the English 'Happy Birthday', it is often sung very early in the morning to wake up the celebrated person.
- In some Latin American cultures, it is common to celebrate the Quinceañera, a lavish birthday party for a girl's fifteenth birthday. This event marks the transition from childhood to womanhood and is often more significant than an 18th or 21st birthday.
Examples in context
- Creo que los cumpleaños son importantes.I think birthdays are important.Tatoeba #4774168 by DarkHollow, translation #3728527 by CM
- ¿Tú sientes que los cumpleaños son importantes?Do you feel birthdays are important?Tatoeba #1239386 by marcelostockle, translation #953185 by CK
- Los cumpleaños son importantes.Birthdays are important.Tatoeba #2592189 by Espi, translation #1898424 by CK
- Estimado señor Gómez, le escribo para desearle un feliz cumpleaños en este día especial. ¡Que todos sus deseos se hagan realidad!Dear Mr. Gomez, I'm writing to wish you a happy birthday on this special day. May all your wishes come true!
- ¡Feliz cumple, amiga! Espero que tu día esté lleno de alegría y sorpresas. ¡Te quiero mucho!Happy birthday, friend! I hope your day is filled with joy and surprises. I love you loads!
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofía and Mateo are talking about their plans for the month.
- Sofía¿Hay muchos cumpleaños este mes?Are there many birthdays this month?
- MateoSí, hay tres cumpleaños en mi familia.Yes, there are three birthdays in my family.
- Sofía¡Qué bien! ¿Vas a celebrar los cumpleaños?That's great! Are you going to celebrate the birthdays?
- MateoSí, organizaré una cena para ellos.Yes, I will organize a dinner for them.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry cumpleaños, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
