¡Feliz Cumpleaños! How to Say “Happy Birthday” in Spanish
I remember the first time I tried to wish someone a “happy birthday” in Spanish. I was so excited to show off my newfound language skills, but I couldn’t remember how to say it. I fumbled around for a few seconds, trying to piece together the Spanish words I knew, but nothing came out right. Finally, I gave up and just said “Happy Birthday” in English.
It was a bit embarrassing, but I learned my lesson. Now, I always make sure to practice saying “happy birthday” in Spanish before I try to use it in real life. And it’s a good thing I did, because I’ve had to wish a lot of people a happy birthday in Spanish since then!
¡Cumpleaños Feliz!
The most common way to say “happy birthday” in Spanish is “¡Cumpleaños feliz!”. This is a direct translation of the English phrase, and it’s used in both Spain and Latin America.
To say “¡Cumpleaños feliz!”, simply pronounce the following words:
- **Cum** (pronounced like “koom”)
- **ple** (pronounced like “play”)
- **a** (pronounced like “ah”)
- **ños** (pronounced like “nyohs”)
- **fe** (pronounced like “fay”)
- **liz** (pronounced like “leese”)
Variations on “¡Cumpleaños Feliz!”
There are a few variations on “¡Cumpleaños feliz!” that you might hear, depending on the country you’re in. For example, in some parts of Latin America, people say “¡Feliz cumpleaños!” instead of “¡Cumpleaños feliz!”. And in Spain, you might hear people say “¡Felicidades!” or “¡Enhorabuena!”.
No matter which variation you use, the meaning is the same: “happy birthday!”. So feel free to use whichever one you like best.
Tips for Saying “Happy Birthday” in Spanish
Here are a few tips for saying “happy birthday” in Spanish:
- Be clear and concise. When you say “happy birthday” in Spanish, don’t mumble or speak too quickly. Speak clearly and concisely so that the person you’re talking to can understand you.
- Make eye contact. When you say “happy birthday” in Spanish, make eye contact with the person you’re talking to. This will show that you’re sincere and that you’re paying attention to them.
- Smile. A smile can go a long way in making your “happy birthday” wish more meaningful. So be sure to smile when you say it!
FAQ About Saying “Happy Birthday” in Spanish
Q: What is the most common way to say “happy birthday” in Spanish?
A: The most common way to say “happy birthday” in Spanish is “¡Cumpleaños feliz!”.
Q: Are there any other ways to say “happy birthday” in Spanish?
A: Yes, there are a few other ways to say “happy birthday” in Spanish, such as “¡Feliz cumpleaños!” and “¡Felicidades!”.
Q: How do I say “happy birthday” in Spanish to someone who is older than me?
A: To say “happy birthday” in Spanish to someone who is older than you, you can use the formal form of address, “usted”. For example, you would say “¡Cumpleaños feliz, usted!”.
¡Feliz Cumpleaños!
I hope this article has helped you learn how to say “happy birthday” in Spanish. Now go out there and spread some birthday cheer!
¿Estás interesado en aprender más español?
If you’re interested in learning more Spanish, I encourage you to check out my other articles on the topic. I cover a wide range of topics, from basic grammar to more advanced vocabulary. And if you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below. I’m always happy to help.
