Ways to say it
| Portuguese | IPA |
|---|---|
| feliz aniversário | /feˈliz a.ni.veʁˈsa.ɾju/ (Brazil) |
| parabéns | /pa.ɾaˈbẽj̃s/ (Brazil) /pa.ɾaˈbẽj̃ʃ/ (Rio de Janeiro) |
You can use feliz aniversário to offer good wishes for a birthday. You can also use parabéns to say happy birthday. It is an interjection meaning 'congratulations' that can be used for any celebratory occasion, such as an achievement or a promotion.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase feliz aniversário literally means 'happy anniversary/birthday'. In Portuguese, the word aniversário refers to an anniversary, which is why it is used to mean a birthday.
Which one should you use?
While feliz aniversário specifically focuses on the birthday wish, parabéns is a plural noun used as an interjection to mean 'congratulations'.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The word parabéns is a plural noun used as an interjection.
How do you pronounce it?
/feˈliz a.ni.veʁˈsa.ɾju/. The word has 6 syllables and the stress is on the 2nd syllable.
When do people say it?
In many Portuguese-speaking cultures, it is common to simply shout parabéns! when a person's birthday is being celebrated.
Did you know?
- The word feliz has deep roots in Proto-Indo-European, potentially tracing back to a root meaning 'to suckle'.
- In Brazil, the birthday song uses the word parabéns repeatedly, often ending with a rhythmic chant that is distinct from the English 'Happy Birthday' melody.
Examples in context
- Eu disse feliz aniversário.I say happy birthday.This sentence shows the use of feliz aniversário.Tatoeba #6677813 by Ricardo14, translation #1216270 by jared1981
- Feliz aniversário para você.Happy birthday to you.Tatoeba #13967685 by carlosalberto, translation #10117415 by espamatics
- Feliz Aniversário, minha amiga!Happy birthday, my friend!Tatoeba #2395522 by Ricardo14, translation #2652925 by Ricardo14
- Parabéns pelo seu aniversário!Congratulations on your birthday!
- Desejamos a você um feliz aniversário!We wish you a happy birthday!
- Envio-lhe os meus melhores votos pelo seu aniversário!I send you my best wishes for your birthday!
- Feliz aniversário!Happy birthday!
- Tudo de bom no seu dia!All the best on your day!
- Feliz aniversário, Maria!Happy birthday, Maria!
- Parabéns pelo seu aniversário, Sr. Silva!Congratulations on your birthday, Mr. Silva!
- Parabéns! Que todos os seus desejos se realizem!Congratulations! May all your wishes come true!
- Desejamos a você um feliz aniversário, Sra. Carvalho!We wish you a happy birthday, Mrs. Carvalho!
- 19 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gabriel visits Beatriz at her home to celebrate her birthday.
- GabrielFeliz aniversário, Beatriz!Happy birthday, Beatriz!
- BeatrizMuito obrigada, Gabriel!Thank you very much, Gabriel!
- GabrielVocê está muito bonita hoje.You look very beautiful today.
- BeatrizObrigada pelo elogio!Thanks for the compliment!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “happy birthday” translations and entries feliz aniversário, parabéns, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries aniversário, feliz, parabéns, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
