What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of feliz (happy), aniversário (birthday) and linda (beautiful/lovely).
Which one should you use?
To use this phrase for a man, you must change the feminine adjective linda to the masculine lindo, resulting in feliz aniversário lindo. Adding the suffix -íssima to linda creates a superlative form, meaning "very beautiful" or "most beautiful", creating the phrase feliz aniversário lindíssima.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Brazil, it is extremely common to replace feliz aniversário with parabéns (congratulations) when wishing someone a happy birthday, such as in the phrase parabéns, linda.
How does it change in a sentence?
Adding the suffix -íssima to linda creates a superlative form, meaning "very beautiful" or "most beautiful".
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /feˈlis a.ni.veʁˈsa.ɾju ˈlĩ.dɐ/. The phrase has 8 syllables and the stress is on the 2nd syllable.
Did you know?
- The word feliz is linked to an ancient concept of 'suckling' through its prehistoric roots.
- Depending on the region, the greeting parabéns is often accompanied by a sequence of rhythmic clapping and chanting that is unique to Brazilian birthday parties.
- In some Portuguese-speaking contexts, calling someone linda can be a casual way to get a stranger's attention, similar to 'sweetheart' in English.
Example conversation
Gabriel gives a gift to Juliana at a party.
- JulianaOi Gabriel, obrigada por vir!Hi Gabriel, thanks for coming!
- GabrielFeliz aniversário linda, aqui está seu presente.Happy birthday beautiful, here is your present.
- JulianaQue gentil! Muito obrigada.How kind! Thank you so much.
- GabrielVocê merece tudo de bom.You deserve all the best.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (feliz, aniversário, linda) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries aniversário, feliz, linda, CC BY-SA 4.0.
