buon compleanno papà
/ˈbwɔn kom.pleˈan.no paˈpa/word by word
To say "happy birthday dad" in Italian, use buon compleanno papà.
The phrase is a greeting used to wish one's father a happy birthday. Using papà instead of the more formal padre (father) helps to create a warm and familial tone.
How do you pronounce it?
It has 5 syllables, and the stress is on the 1st syllable.
Did you know?
- In Italy, it is culturally uncommon to wish someone a happy birthday before the actual day arrives, as some consider it bad luck.
- When writing the phrase, the accent on the final 'a' in papà is mandatory to distinguish it from the word papa, which refers to the Pope.
- While papà is warm and familial, using the term babbo is a regional alternative common in Tuscany and parts of Central Italy.
Examples in context
- Tanti auguri di buon compleanno, vecchio mio!Best wishes for a happy birthday, my old man!
- Ricordo ancora quando mi insegnasti a andare in bicicletta. Auguri, papà!I still remember when you taught me how to ride a bike. Happy birthday, dad!
- Volevo solo dirti buon compleanno papà.I just wanted to say happy birthday, dad.
Example conversation
Alessandro and Giulia are giving a gift to their father.
- AlessandroGuarda cosa abbiamo preso, buon compleanno papà!Look what we got, happy birthday dad!
- GiuliaSì, spero che ti piaccia molto.Yes, I hope you like it a lot.
- AlessandroApri subito il pacchetto!Open the package right now!
- GiuliaGrazie a entrambi, siete fantastici.Thank you both, you are fantastic.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (buon, compleanno, papà) and can differ in connected speech.
