feliç aniversari
[fəˈlis ə.ni.βərˈsa.ɾi]word by word
To say "happy birthday" in Catalan, use feliç aniversari.
The phrase feliç aniversari is used to express good wishes for a birthday. While this is a correct way to wish someone a happy birthday, the most common and standard way to say it in Catalan is actually Per molts anys!
Meaning: good wishes for a birthday (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase feliç aniversari is composed of the adjective feliç (happy) and the noun aniversari (birthday or anniversary).
Which one should you use?
While feliç aniversari is a direct translation of "happy birthday", the phrase molts anys! is a very common alternative that literally means "many years!"
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some areas, the expression Per molts anys, tiet! is used, which means "happy birthday, uncle!"
How does it change in a sentence?
In this standard greeting, the adjective feliç precedes the noun aniversari.
Did you know?
- If you want to sound like a local in certain regions, you might hear people say Per molts anys, tiet!, which translates to 'For many years, uncle!'
- The greeting Per molts anys! functions as a wish for the future, effectively saying 'For many more years!', which mirrors an ancient way of celebrating survival.
- The word feliç is a close relative of the Spanish word feliz, both descending from the Latin fēlīcem.
Examples in context
- Feliç aniversari!Happy birthday to you!This example shows how to use the phrase feliç aniversari to wish someone a happy birthday.Tatoeba #4834011 by Ricardo14, translation #64233 by shekitten
- Per molts anys, Maria!Happy birthday, Maria!
- Et desitjo un feliç aniversari.I wish you a happy birthday.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Pol greets Anna at her birthday party.
- PolHola Anna, feliç aniversari!Hello Anna, happy birthday!
- AnnaGràcies, Pol! Ets molt amable.Thanks, Pol! You are very kind.
- PolT'ho desitjo de tot cor.I wish it to you from the bottom of my heart.
- AnnaMoltes gràcies per venir!Thank you so much for coming!
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (feliç, aniversari) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries aniversari, feliç, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
