Cumpleaños feliz
song, traditional
The Spanish birthday song begins with Cumpleaños feliz, repeated twice and sung to the same tune as the English one. In Mexico people also sing Las Mañanitas. It is also called Feliz cumpleaños.
Meaning: birthday song wishes (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | Note |
|---|---|
| Cumpleaños feliz | song, traditional |
| Feliz cumpleaños | everyday |
| Las Mañanitas | song, Mexico |
Most families sing Cumpleaños feliz while the cake with candles comes out. The person then blows out the candles.
Which one should you use?
Feliz cumpleaños is the greeting you say or write. Cumpleaños feliz is the wording of the song.
When do people say it?
Las Mañanitas starts with Estas son las mañanitas que cantaba el rey David and is sung in Mexico on birthdays and other special days.
Did you know?
- After the song, many Latin American families add the shout ¡Que lo muerda! as the birthday person takes the first bite of the cake.
Examples in context
- Cumpleaños feliz, te deseamos a ti.Happy birthday, we wish it to you.
- Vamos a cantarle Las Mañanitas.Let's sing Las Mañanitas to her.
- ¡Feliz cumpleaños, Sara!Happy birthday, Sara!
Example conversation
Sara's family gathers around her cake in Lima.
- MamáYa traigo el pastel.I am bringing the cake now.
- PapáCantemos todos juntos.Let's all sing together.
- Sara¡Pido un deseo!I am making a wish!
- AbuelaCumpleaños feliz, cumpleaños feliz.Happy birthday, happy birthday.
