When it comes to expressing well wishes on a special occasion like a wedding anniversary, it’s always thoughtful to do so in the language of the couple. If you’re looking to congratulate someone on their anniversary in Japanese, we’ve got you covered. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore both formal and informal ways to say “Happy Wedding Anniversary” in Japanese, providing you with plenty of tips and examples along the way.
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Formal Ways to Say Happy Wedding Anniversary in Japanese
If you’re addressing someone of higher status, such as your boss, a senior colleague, or someone you need to show respect to, it’s essential to use a more formal expression. Here are a few ways to say “Happy Wedding Anniversary” formally in Japanese:
- “Kekkon kinenbi omedetou gozaimasu” (結婚記念日おめでとうございます) – This is the most common and standard way to say “Happy Wedding Anniversary” in Japanese. It is polite and appropriate for most formal situations.
- “Kekkonshiki kinen no omedetou gozaimasu” (結婚式記念のおめでとうございます) – If you want to emphasize the celebratory nature of the wedding anniversary, this phrase can be used, as it literally translates to “Congratulations on your wedding ceremony anniversary.”
- “Kekkon kinensai omedetou gozaimasu” (結婚記念祭おめでとうございます) – This expression adds a touch of formality by using the word “kinensai,” meaning festival or celebration, to refer to the anniversary.
Informal Ways to Say Happy Wedding Anniversary in Japanese
When addressing close friends, family members, or colleagues of similar status, you can opt for a more informal and casual approach. Here are a few informal ways to convey your “Happy Wedding Anniversary” wishes:
- “Kekkon kinenbi omedetou” (結婚記念日おめでとう) – This is a casual way to say “Happy Wedding Anniversary” in Japanese, often used among friends and acquaintances.
- “Tanjoubi aishiteru” (誕生日愛してる) – Though this literally translates to “I love your birthday,” it can be humorously adapted to express affection and goodwill on a wedding anniversary as well, especially between romantic partners.
- “Omedetou!” (おめでとう！) – This is a simple and straightforward way to say “Congratulations!” which can be used on various occasions, including a wedding anniversary.
Common Greetings and Phrases to Include
It’s always a good idea to include some additional greetings and phrases to make your message more personalized and heartfelt. Here are a few examples:
“Arigatou gozaimasu” (ありがとうございます) – Thank you very much. Adding this phrase shows your gratitude and appreciation for the couple’s enduring relationship.
“Issho ni, mou sukoshi!” (いっしょに、もう少し！) – Together, a little longer! This phrase conveys your wish for the couple to continue their journey together happily for many more years.
“Daisuki desu!” (大好きです！) – I love you! This expression can be used when addressing your spouse or close friends on their wedding anniversary to express your love and support.
Regional Variations
While there aren’t significant regional variations in how to say “Happy Wedding Anniversary” in Japanese, it’s worth mentioning that certain dialects might have slight differences in pronunciation or vocabulary choices. However, as our focus is on the standard and widely understood Japanese, we won’t go into specific regional variations in this guide.
Conclusion
Congratulating someone on their wedding anniversary in Japanese is a beautiful way to show your appreciation and well wishes. Whether you prefer a formal or informal approach, the expressions provided in this guide will help you convey your message with warmth and sincerity. Remember to choose the appropriate expression based on the relationship and context, and feel free to add your personal touch with additional greetings and phrases. Now, armed with these phrases, go ahead and create heartfelt messages to celebrate those special anniversaries in Japanese!
