buon compleanno
/ˈbwɔn kom.pleˈan.no/
The English phrase 'happy birthday to a woman' is translated into Italian as buon compleanno.
buon compleanno is the most common way to say Happy Birthday in Italian. You may also use the phrase tanti auguri to mean 'many wishes', which is another common way to say 'happy birthday'. A longer variation is tanti auguri di buon compleanno, which translates to 'Best wishes for your birthday'.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase buon compleanno literally translates to 'good birthday'.
How does it change in a sentence?
Although you are wishing a woman a happy birthday, buon compleanno is gender-neutral and can be used for both men and women.
How do you pronounce it?
It has 4 syllables, and the stress is on the 1st syllable.
Did you know?
- The word compleanno is a linguistic 'hybrid' that does not follow traditional Italian roots. It was constructed by following the structure of the Spanish word cumpleaños rather than evolving naturally from Latin.
- While buon compleanno is the direct translation, Italians often prefer tanti auguri, which can also be used to congratulate someone on a wedding, a promotion or a new baby.
- While buon compleanno is the textbook translation, in high-energy social settings Italians often shorten the greeting to a single shouted word: Auguri!
Examples in context
- Buon compleanno, signora Rossi!Happy birthday, Mrs. Rossi!
- Tanti auguri di buon compleanno, signorina Bianchi!Best wishes for your birthday, Miss Bianchi!
- Buon compleanno, Sara!Happy birthday, Sara!
- Auguroni, mia cara! Buon compleanno!Many blessings, my dear! Happy birthday!
- Buon compleanno, cara!Happy birthday, dear!
- Ti auguro un buon compleanno.I wish you a happy birthday.
- Tanti auguri e buon compleanno!Best wishes and happy birthday!
Example conversation
Matteo visits Martina at her home to celebrate her birthday.
- MatteoCiao Martina, buon compleanno!Hi Martina, happy birthday!
- MartinaGrazie mille, Matteo!Thanks a lot, Matteo!
- MatteoHai dei programmi per stasera?Do you have plans for tonight?
- MartinaSì, organizzo una piccola cena.Yes, I am organizing a small dinner.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry buon compleanno, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries compleanno, CC BY-SA 4.0.
