What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of gracias (thanks), por (for), los deseos (the wishes) and de cumpleaños (of birthday).
Which one should you use?
While gracias por los deseos de cumpleaños is a standard way to express this, it is also very common and natural to use the word felicitaciones (congratulations) instead of deseos, resulting in gracias por las felicitaciones de cumpleaños.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, it is more common to say ¡Gracias por los mensajes en mi cumple! (Thanks for the messages on my birthday!).
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the phrase more personal by saying "your birthday wishes", replace the article los with the possessive adjective tus for an informal tone or sus for a formal tone, as in gracias por tus deseos de cumpleaños.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɡɾaθjas poɾ los deseos de kumpleaɲos/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, the person celebrating the birthday is traditionally the one who treats others to cake or drinks, rather than receiving gifts alone.
- In some Latin American countries, it is common to sing Las Mañanitas instead of the standard 'Happy Birthday' song when offering these wishes.
- The word cumpleaños is a compound of the verb cumplir (to fulfill or complete) and años (years), literally meaning 'to fulfill years'.
Examples in context
- Gracias por los deseos de cumpleaños y por siempre hacerme reírThanks for the birthday wishes and for always making me laugh
Example conversation
Mateo is thanking María for a message she sent him.
- MateoHola María, gracias por los deseos de cumpleaños.Hi María, thank you for the birthday wishes.
- María¡De nada, Mateo! ¿La pasaste bien?You're welcome, Mateo! Did you have a good time?
- MateoSí, fue un día muy especial.Yes, it was a very special day.
- MaríaMe alegro mucho por ti.I am very happy for you.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
