Ways to say it
| Portuguese | IPA |
|---|---|
| feliz aniversário | /feˈliz a.ni.veʁˈsa.ɾju/ (Brazil) |
| parabéns | /pa.ɾaˈbẽj̃s/ (Brazil) /pa.ɾaˈbẽj̃ʃ/ (Rio de Janeiro) |
The phrase feliz aniversário is used to offer good wishes for a birthday. You may also use the verb phrase felicitar pelo aniversário to express the act of wishing someone a happy birthday.
Which one should you use?
Feliz aniversário is the direct translation of "happy birthday," while parabéns focuses more on congratulating the person on the milestone of their birthday. While feliz aniversário is specific to birthdays, parabéns can be used for any achievement or celebration to mean "congratulations."
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Brazil, the word parabéns is commonly used as a shorter and more informal way of saying happy birthday.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The word parabéns is always used in its plural form when offering congratulations.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of feliz aniversário is /feˈliz a.ni.veʁˈsa.ɾju/. It has 6 syllables and the stress is on the 2nd syllable.
When do people say it?
The Portuguese version of the "Happy Birthday" song often uses the phrase Parabéns a você as its main refrain.
Did you know?
- The word feliz shares an ancient Proto-Indo-European root with words meaning 'to suckle', a connection stemming from the idea of being nourished or blessed.
- In many Portuguese-speaking cultures, it is common to sing a version of 'Happy Birthday' that transitions into a rhythmic chant of é big, é big or similar playful variations.
- Depending on the region, some people may use the expression muitos anos de vida alongside feliz aniversário to specifically wish for longevity.
Examples in context
- Eu disse feliz aniversário.I say happy birthday.This sentence shows the use of the phrase feliz aniversário.Tatoeba #6677813 by Ricardo14, translation #1216270 by jared1981
- Feliz aniversário para você.Happy birthday to you.This sentence shows a way to say happy birthday to someone.Tatoeba #13967685 by carlosalberto, translation #10117415 by espamatics
- Feliz Aniversário, minha amiga!Happy birthday, my friend!This sentence shows a friendly way to use feliz aniversário.Tatoeba #2395522 by Ricardo14, translation #2652925 by Ricardo14
- Feliz aniversário, Maria!Happy Birthday, Maria!
- Que o bolo seja delicioso!May the cake be delicious!
- Parabéns pelo seu aniversário! Desejo-lhe muitas felicidades!Congratulations on your birthday! I wish you lots of happiness!
- 19 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Felipe is calling Mariana to wish her a happy birthday.
- FelipeOi Mariana, feliz aniversário!Hi Mariana, happy birthday!
- MarianaMuito obrigada, Felipe!Thank you so much, Felipe!
- FelipeVocê vai comemorar hoje?Are you celebrating today?
- MarianaSim, vou jantar com minha família.Yes, I am having 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.
