Ways to say it
| Portuguese | IPA |
|---|---|
| feliz aniversário | /feˈliz a.ni.veʁˈsa.ɾju/ (Brazil) |
| parabéns | /pa.ɾaˈbẽj̃s/ (Brazil) /pa.ɾaˈbẽj̃ʃ/ (Rio de Janeiro) |
You can also use the single word parabéns as a standalone exclamation when you discover it is someone's birthday. If you want to wish someone a happy birthday using a verb, you can say felicitar pelo aniversário. Additionally, it is common to add the phrase muitos anos de vida (many years of life) to your wishes, which is similar to saying "many happy returns."
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase feliz aniversário is a literal translation of "happy birthday", where feliz means "happy" and aniversário means "birthday".
Which one should you use?
parabéns can mean both "congratulations" and "happy birthday".
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/feˈliz a.ni.veʁˈsa.ɾju/ (6 syllables, stress on the 2nd syllable)
When do people say it?
In Portuguese-speaking cultures, the standard opening line and title of the "Happy Birthday" song is Parabéns pra você.
Did you know?
- The root of feliz comes from an ancient term meaning 'to suckle', reflecting a prehistoric connection between nourishment and happiness.
- In Brazil, it is common to celebrate a birthday by singing Parabéns pra você, but the song often ends with a loud, improvised rhythmic chant called é hora do bolo to signal the cake.
- The word aniversário is actually a shortened form of the more formal aniversário natalício, which literally translates to 'birth anniversary'.
Examples in context
- Eu disse feliz aniversário.I say happy birthday.This sentence demonstrates the use of feliz aniversário.Tatoeba #6677813 by Ricardo14, translation #1216270 by jared1981
- Feliz aniversário para você.Happy birthday to you.Tatoeba #13967685 by carlosalberto, translation #10117415 by espamatics
- Feliz Aniversário, minha amiga!Happy birthday, my friend!Tatoeba #2395522 by Ricardo14, translation #2652925 by Ricardo14
- Feliz aniversário, Maria!Happy birthday, Maria!
- Feliz aniversário! Que este dia seja repleto de amor e alegria, assim como você enche nossas vidas com felicidade!Happy birthday! May this day be filled with love and joy, just like you fill our lives with happiness!
- Tenha um aniversário repleto de momentos festivos e momentos inesquecíveis!Have a birthday filled with festive moments and unforgettable memories!
- Desejo-lhe um feliz aniversário, Sr. Oliveira.I wish you a happy birthday, Mr. Oliveira.
- Feliz aniversário! Espero que seu dia seja cheio de alegria.Happy birthday! I hope your day is filled with joy.
- Parabéns pelo seu aniversário, Sra. Silva.Congratulations on your birthday, Mrs. Silva.
- Parabéns! Que este novo ano de vida seja maravilhoso.Congratulations! May this new year of life be wonderful.
- 19 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Felipe is calling Beatriz to congratulate her on her birthday.
- FelipeOi, Beatriz! Feliz aniversário!Hi, Beatriz! Happy birthday!
- BeatrizMuito obrigada, Felipe!Thank you so much, Felipe!
- FelipeVocê tem planos para hoje?Do you have plans for today?
- BeatrizVou jantar com minha família.I am going to have dinner with my family.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “happy birthday” translations and entries feliz aniversário, parabéns, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries aniversário, feliz, parabéns, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
