Buon compleanno
/ˈbwɔn kom.pleˈan.no/
The Italian phrase for "happy birthday to a man" is Buon compleanno.
In Italian you do not need to specify "to a man" or "to a woman" within the phrase itself. Buon compleanno is sufficient.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of buon (good) and compleanno (birthday).
Which one should you use?
Another very common way to say "Happy Birthday" in Italian is Tanti auguri, meaning "many wishes".
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase Buon compleanno is gender-neutral and can be used for any person regardless of their gender.
How do you pronounce it?
It has 4 syllables, with the stress on the 1st syllable.
Did you know?
- If you want to be extra enthusiastic, you can say Cent'anni! which literally translates to 'One hundred years!', a common way to wish someone a long life during celebrations.
- The word compleanno is a partial calque of the Spanish word cumpleaños, blending the Spanish structure with the Italian word anno for 'year'.
- To describe a 'birthday boy' or 'birthday girl', Italians often simply use il festeggiato or la festeggiata, which literally means 'the celebrated one'.
Examples in context
- Auguri di Buon Compleanno! Che questa giornata sia ricca di gioia e felicità!Happy Birthday! May this day be full of joy and happiness!
- Buon Compleanno! Ti auguro una giornata fantastica piena di sorprese!Happy Birthday! I wish you a fantastic day full of surprises!
- Auguroni di Buon Compleanno! Che tutti i tuoi sogni diventino realtà!Huge wishes for a happy birthday! May all your dreams come true!
- Buon compleanno, caro amico!Happy birthday, dear friend!
- Ti auguro un Buon compleanno speciale.I wish you a special happy birthday.
- Buon compleanno a un uomo fantastico.Happy birthday to a fantastic man.
Example conversation
Martina calls Lorenzo to wish him a happy birthday.
- MartinaCiao Lorenzo, Buon compleanno!Hi Lorenzo, happy birthday!
- LorenzoGrazie mille, Martina!Thanks a lot, Martina!
- MartinaHai programmi per oggi?Do you have plans for today?
- LorenzoSì, vado a cena fuori.Yes, I am going out for dinner.
Sources
- Pronunciation from the Wiktionary entry buon compleanno.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries compleanno, CC BY-SA 4.0.
