feliz cumpleaños, hermana
/feˈliθ kumpleˈaɲos eɾˈmana/word by word
The English phrase "happy birthday sister" is translated into Spanish as feliz cumpleaños, hermana.
This phrase is a greeting used to wish a sister a happy birthday.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of feliz (happy), cumpleaños (birthday) and hermana (sister).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico and Central America, it is common to say ¡Feliz cumpleaños, hermana! Que la pases de maravilla. In Spain, you can use the expression Feliz cumpleaños a ti, hermana mía. Que cumplas muchos más.
How does it change in a sentence?
Using the diminutive hermanita instead of hermana is a very common way to express affection when wishing a sister a happy birthday.
How do you pronounce it?
/feˈliθ kumpleˈaɲos eɾˈmana/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, the birthday person is often celebrated with la mordida, where guests encourage the sister to take a bite of the cake without using her hands.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, it is common to sing 'Las Mañanitas' instead of the traditional 'Happy Birthday' song to celebrate a birthday.
- The word hermana shares a common ancestor with the English word 'germane', which describes something closely related or relevant.
Examples in context
- Feliz cumpleaños, hermanita. Recuerdo cuando jugábamos a escondernos juntas. ¡Te quiero mucho!Happy birthday, little sister. I remember when we used to play hide and seek together. I love you very much!
- Feliz cumpleaños, hermana increíble. Tu alegría y generosidad iluminan nuestras vidasHappy birthday, remarkable sister. Your joy and generosity light up our lives
- Te deseo un feliz cumpleaños, hermana.I wish you a happy birthday, sister.
- ¡Muchas felicidades y feliz cumpleaños, hermana!Congratulations and happy birthday, sister!
Example conversation
Mateo calls his sister Lucía on her birthday.
- MateoHola Lucía, ¡feliz cumpleaños, hermana!Hello Lucía, happy birthday, sister!
- Lucía¡Gracias, Mateo! Qué amable eres.Thanks, Mateo! You are so kind.
- MateoEspero que tengas un día genial.I hope you have a great day.
- LucíaMuchas gracias, te quiero mucho.Thank you so much, I love you a lot.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (feliz, cumpleaños, hermana) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cumpleaños, feliz, hermana, CC BY-SA 4.0.
