What does it mean word for word?
The phrase grazie per gli auguri di compleanno breaks down into grazie (thanks), per (for), gli auguri (the wishes/congratulations) and di compleanno (of birthday).
Which one should you use?
While grazie per gli auguri di compleanno is grammatically correct, it can sound slightly stiff or formal in casual conversation. If you want to express much more enthusiasm, you can use grazie mille per gli auguri (thanks a thousand for the wishes).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For informal situations, you can use grazie mille per gli auguri di compleanno to say "thank you so much for the birthday wishes" or Ti ringrazio per gli auguri di compleanno for "I thank you for the birthday wishes". In formal contexts, you may use La ringrazio per gli auguri di compleanno, Vorrei ringraziarla per gli auguri di compleanno (I would like to thank you for the birthday wishes) or Sono grato/a per gli auguri di compleanno (I am grateful for the birthday wishes).
How does it change in a sentence?
In Italian, it is more natural to simply say grazie per gli auguri rather than including the word compleanno if the context of the birthday is already clear.
Did you know?
- The word auguri derives from the ancient Roman 'augurs', priests who interpreted the flight of birds to predict the future.
- In Italy, it is common to receive auguri for your 'Onomastico', the feast day of the saint you were named after, as well as your birthday.
- The word grazie is actually the plural form of the noun grazia, which means 'grace'.
Examples in context
- Grazie per gli auguri di compleanno! Le tue parole affettuose mi hanno riempito il cuore di gioia.Thank you for the birthday wishes! Your heartfelt words filled my heart with joy.
- I tuoi auguri hanno reso il mio compleanno ancora più speciale. Grazie di cuore!Your wishes made my birthday even more special. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
- A tutti, grazie per gli auguri di compleanno.To everyone, thank you for the birthday wishes.
Example conversation
Giulia is talking to Alessandro after her party.
- GiuliaAlessandro, grazie per gli auguri di compleanno!Alessandro, thank you for the birthday wishes!
- AlessandroPrego, Giulia! Hai passato una bella giornata?You're welcome, Giulia! Did you have a nice day?
- GiuliaSì, è stata una giornata fantastica.Yes, it was a fantastic day.
- AlessandroSono felice per te. Buon compleanno ancora!I'm happy for you. Happy birthday again!