tanti auguri a te
The Italian phrase for "happy birthday to you" is tanti auguri a te.
tanti auguri a te is the most common traditional Italian birthday song.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase tanti auguri a te literally translates to "many wishes to you".
Which one should you use?
You can also use the informal expressions Buon compleanno! to say "Happy birthday!" or Auguri di buon compleanno! to say "Birthday wishes!"
Did you know?
- In Italy, the 'onomastico' is the celebration of a person's namesake saint, and people use tanti auguri for this day just as they do for a birthday.
- The word auguri comes from a Latin root relating to the 'augurs', the ancient religious officials who interpreted the will of the gods through the flight of birds.
- The phrase tanti auguri can be used sarcastically to express disbelief or skepticism, similar to saying 'good luck with that' in English.
Examples in context
- Tanti auguri a te, caro fratello!Happy birthday to you, dear brother!
- Voglio dire tanti auguri a te!I want to say happy birthday to you!
- Tanti auguri a te, mamma!Happy birthday to you, mom!
Example conversation
Giulia and Francesco are at a birthday party for a friend.
- GiuliaTanti auguri a te, caro amico!Happy birthday to you, dear friend!
- FrancescoGrazie mille, Giulia!Thanks a lot, Giulia!
- GiuliaHai visto il regalo?Did you see the gift?
- FrancescoSì, è bellissimo!Yes, it is beautiful!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries a, auguri, te, CC BY-SA 4.0.
