記念日おめでとう
kinenbi omedetō
To say "happy anniversary" in Japanese, use 記念日おめでとう (kinenbi omedetō).
This phrase is used to congratulate someone on the date of a past event, such as a wedding or a business opening. For example, in a business context, you can refer to a company's founding anniversary using 創立記念日 (sōritsu kinenbi).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
To make the phrase polite and suitable for superiors or people you are not close to, add ございます to the end to form 記念日おめでとうございます.
How does it change in a sentence?
To specify the type of anniversary, place the noun for the event directly before 記念日 (kinenbi).
How do you pronounce it?
kinenbi omedetō
Did you know?
- In Japan, many couples celebrate 付き合った記念日 (tsukiatta kinenbi), which is the anniversary of the day they officially started dating.
- The word 記念 (kinen) inside the phrase comes from the concept of 'keeping in memory', literally meaning to make a mark in one's heart or mind.
- When celebrating a 'Golden Anniversary' or a 'Silver Anniversary', Japanese people will often replace the word 記念日 with specific terms like 金婚式 (kinkonshiki) to denote the precious metal.
Examples in context
- 結婚記念日おめでとう。Happy anniversary!This sentence shows how to use 記念日おめでとう to congratulate someone on a wedding anniversary.Tatoeba #2806454 by Tenshi83, translation #2044414 by CK
- 大切な記念日おめでとう。Taisetsu na kinenbi omedetou.Happy special anniversary.
Example conversation
A couple celebrating their wedding anniversary at a restaurant.
- 美咲 Misaki大翔さん、結婚記念日おめでとう！Hiroto-san, kekkon kinenbi omedetou!Hiroto, happy wedding anniversary!
- 大翔 Hiroto美咲、ありがとう。今年も一緒に過ごせて嬉しいよ。Misaki, arigatou. Kotoshi mo issho ni sugosete ureshii yo.Thank you, Misaki. I am happy we could spend this year together too.
- 美咲 Misakiこれからもずっと一緒だよ。Kore kara mo zutto issho da yo.Let's stay together forever from now on too.
- 大翔 Hirotoうん、最高の記念日だね。Un, saikou no kinenbi da ne.Yeah, it is the best anniversary.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
