Buon compleanno
standard
The Italian for "happy birthday" is Buon compleanno. Italians also say Tanti auguri, "many wishes", or just Auguri.
Meaning: birthday wish (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Italian | Note |
|---|---|
| Buon compleanno | standard |
| Tanti auguri | warm |
| Auguri | short |
Buon compleanno is the standard wish and fits everyone. Tanti auguri is warmer and is often added, as in Tanti auguri di buon compleanno.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word buon is the short form of buono before a masculine word like compleanno. For a female name you do not change it, because the noun stays masculine.
How do you pronounce it?
Say compleanno as kom-pleh-AHN-no, with the stress on an.
Did you know?
- The Italian birthday song is sung with Tanti auguri a te, to the same tune as the English song.
Examples in context
- Buon compleanno, AnnaHappy birthday, Anna
- Tanti auguri a teMany wishes to you
- Auguri per i tuoi trent'anniBest wishes for your thirtieth birthday
Example conversation
Marta arrives at her friend Luca's birthday party in Turin.
- MartaBuon compleanno, Luca!Happy birthday, Luca!
- LucaGrazie mille, Marta.Thank you very much, Marta.
- MartaTanti auguri! Questo è per te.Best wishes! This is for you.
