Feliz cumpleaños
neutral
To wish a man a happy birthday, say Feliz cumpleaños. For an older man or someone you address formally, add señor or say Que cumpla muchos más. It is also called Feliz cumpleaños, señor.
Meaning: birthday wish to a man (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | Note |
|---|---|
| Feliz cumpleaños | neutral |
| Feliz cumpleaños, señor | polite |
| Que cumpla muchos más | formal |
Feliz cumpleaños is the standard wish and does not change with gender. Use the person's name to make it warmer.
Which one should you use?
Among friends the short Feliz cumple is common. With a man you respect, the full Feliz cumpleaños is better.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
With a boss, an older relative or a customer, use the usted form: Que cumpla muchos más. With friends and family use Que cumplas muchos más.
Did you know?
- In several Latin American countries it is a tradition to push a birthday person's face toward the cake after the song, with the cry ¡Mordida!
Examples in context
- Que cumpla muchos más, don Ramón.May you have many more, Don Ramón.
- Feliz cumpleaños, amigo.Happy birthday, my friend.
Example conversation
Employees greet their manager, Mr. Gómez, on his birthday.
- EmpleadaFeliz cumpleaños, señor Gómez.Happy birthday, Mr. Gómez.
- Señor GómezMuchas gracias a todos.Thank you very much, everyone.
- EmpleadaQue cumpla muchos más.May you have many more.
