結婚記念日おめでとう
kekkon kinenbi omedetō
The English phrase "happy wedding anniversary" is translated into Japanese as 結婚記念日おめでとう (kekkon kinenbi omedetō).
This phrase is a greeting used to congratulate a couple on the anniversary of their marriage.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of kekkon (marriage), kinenbi (anniversary) and omedetō (congratulations).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The form 結婚記念日おめでとう is casual and should be used with friends, family or peers. For a polite version suitable for use with superiors or people you are not close to, you should use 結婚記念日おめでとうございます. Additionally, if you want to say a simple "Congratulations!" in an informal way, you can use おめでとう！
How does it change in a sentence?
The form 結婚記念日おめでとう is the informal version of the expression.
How do you pronounce it?
kekkon kinenbi omedetō
Did you know?
- Japanese culture has a unique tradition of celebrating the 1st anniversary as 紙婚式 or 'Paper Wedding', where couples often exchange gifts made of paper.
- Although 結婚記念日 means 'marriage anniversary', many Japanese people also celebrate 結婚記念日 on the date they registered their marriage legally, rather than the date of the ceremony.
- The word おめでとう comes from the verb めでたい, which describes something that is auspicious or joyful rather than just a reaction to a success.
Examples in context
- 結婚記念日おめでとう。Happy wedding anniversary.This sentence is useful for saying "Happy wedding anniversary."Tatoeba #2806454 by Tenshi83, translation #2809546 by xylian
- 結婚記念日おめでとう、二人とも。kekkon kinenbi omedetou, futari tomo.Happy wedding anniversary, both of you.
- お父さん、結婚記念日おめでとう！otousan, kekkon kinenbi omedetou!Happy wedding anniversary, Dad!
Example conversation
A husband gives his wife a small gift at a restaurant.
- 蓮 Ren陽葵、結婚記念日おめでとう。himari, kekkon kinenbi omedetou.Happy wedding anniversary, Himari.
- 陽葵 Himari蓮くん、ありがとう！ren-kun, arigatou!Thank you, Ren!
- 蓮 Renこのプレゼント、気に入ってくれるかな。kono purezento, ki ni itte kureru kana.I wonder if you will like this present.
- 陽葵 Himariすごく嬉しいわ！sugoku ureshii wa!I'm so happy!
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
