buon compleanno bellissima
The English phrase "happy birthday beautiful" is translated into Italian as buon compleanno bellissima.
This greeting is used to wish a woman or girl a happy birthday while complimenting her appearance.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of buon (good), compleanno (birthday) and bellissima (most beautiful/very beautiful).
Which one should you use?
To address a man, the adjective must change to the masculine form buon compleanno bellissimo.
How does it change in a sentence?
The suffix -issima functions as an intensifier, making the phrase more emphatic than simply saying bella (beautiful).
Did you know?
- The word compleanno is likely linked to the Italian verb compiere, which means 'to complete' or 'to fulfill'. It suggests that a birthday is the moment one completes a full year of life.
- While buon compleanno bellissima is a direct greeting, Italians often use auguri as a standalone exclamation. This single word covers birthdays, weddings, and New Year's Eve.
- If you want to call a man 'beautiful' in a birthday wish, you must use bellissimo. However, calling a man bellissimo is often perceived as more flirtatious or dramatic than calling a woman bellissima.
Examples in context
- Tanti auguri bella!Happy birthday beautiful!
- Buon compleanno, bellissima!Happy birthday, beautiful!
- Buon compleanno, splendida! Sei la persona più bella e speciale che conosco.Happy birthday, gorgeous! You are the most beautiful and special person I know.
- Tanti auguri, buon compleanno bellissima.Best wishes, happy birthday beautiful.
- Volevo solo dirti: buon compleanno bellissima.I just wanted to say: happy birthday beautiful.
Example conversation
Lorenzo arrives at a cafe to meet Martina for her birthday.
- MartinaCiao Lorenzo, grazie di essere venuto!Hi Lorenzo, thanks for coming!
- LorenzoNon potevo mancare, buon compleanno bellissima!I couldn't miss it, happy birthday beautiful!
- MartinaSei molto dolce, grazie mille.You are very sweet, thank you so much.
- LorenzoDi nulla, oggi festeggiamo alla grande!You're welcome, today we celebrate big!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries compleanno, CC BY-SA 4.0.
