How to Say Happy Birthday in Spanish

Happy Birthday in Spanish: Another lap around the sun accomplished! We all like to feel special on our birthdays and be celebrated by our loved ones. If you have a Spanish-speaking friend who is having a birthday, you should make them feel extra special by wishing them a happy birthday in Spanish!

In today’s post, we will learn how to say happy birthday in Spanish, along with other useful phrases to wish the best of birthdays. We will also explore the grammar behind the word cumpleaños in Spanish and learn how to sing the happy birthday song in Spanish.

Feliz cumpleaños is the most common way to say happy birthday in Spanish. This phrase is used by Spanish speakers of all ages.

• Feliz cumple is a shorter, less formal version of feliz cumpleaños. It is often used by young people.
• Another option is feliz vuelta al sol, which means happy complete turn around the sun. This is a more poetic phrase but not as common.
• You can also say felicidades or the more formal felicitaciones to congratulate someone on their birthday.

• Feliz cumpleaños – Happy Birthday
• Feliz cumple – Happy Birthday
• Feliz vuelta al sol – Happy turn around the sun
• Felicidades – Congratulations
• Felicitaciones – Congratulations

These expressions can add more love to your birthday wish:

• ¡Te deseo lo mejor! – I wish you the best!
• ¡Pásala muy bien! – Have a great time!
• ¡Que cumplas muchos más! – Hope you have many more [birthdays]!
• ¡Que tengas un cumpleaños maravilloso! – Hope you have a wonderful birthday!
• ¡Que tengas un día especial! – Hope you have a special day!

If you forget someone’s birthday, you can say:

• ¡Feliz cumpleaños atrasado! – Happy belated birthday!

Spanish Birthday Phrases:

• ¿Cuándo es tu cumpleaños? – When is your birthday?
• Mi cumpleaños es el 24 de julio. – My birthday is on July 24th.
• ¿Cuántos años cumples? – How old are you turning?
• Cumplo 16. – Estoy cumpliendo 16. – I’m turning 16.
• ¿Qué vas a hacer en tu cumpleaños? – What are you going to do on your birthday?
• Voy a hacer una fiesta. – I’m going to have a party.
• ¿Qué quieres para tu cumpleaños? – What do you want for your birthday?
• ¿De qué sabor te gusta el pastel? – What kind of cake flavor do you prefer?

In Spanish-speaking countries, the celebration of birthdays is marked by vibrant traditions that emphasize the significance of family, friends, and communal joy. Typically, birthday parties extend beyond mere cake-cutting, involving lively gatherings filled with music, dance, and laughter. One standout tradition is the breaking of the piñata, a colorful, papier-mâché figure filled with candies and small toys. 

As the birthday celebrant, often adorned with a festive crown, takes a swing at the piñata, the surrounding friends and family cheer with enthusiasm. Additionally, it is common to hear the traditional birthday song, “Las Mañanitas,” being sung in chorus, expressing love and good wishes. 

These customs reflect the warm and inclusive nature of birthday celebrations in Spanish-speaking cultures, where the emphasis is placed on creating enduring memories and fostering a strong sense of community.

In conclusion, knowing how to say happy birthday in Spanish can make your Spanish-speaking friends feel extra special. The most common phrase is feliz cumpleaños, suitable for all ages. For a shorter and more casual greeting, you can use feliz cumple, often favored by younger people. If you want to be poetic, feliz vuelta al sol is a lovely choice, though less common. Additionally, using felicidades or the more formal felicitaciones can also express your birthday wishes. These phrases show your thoughtfulness and can bring joy to any birthday celebration.

How do you wish someone happy birthday in Spain?

In Spain, you can wish someone happy birthday by saying “¡Feliz Cumpleaños!” which translates to “Happy Birthday!” Additionally, you might hear people saying “¡Felicidades en tu día!” meaning “Congratulations on your day!”

How do you respond to “Happy birthday” in Spanish?

Responding to “Happy birthday” in Spanish can be done with a simple “¡Gracias!” which means “Thank you!” Alternatively, you can express appreciation by saying “¡Muchas gracias por tus buenos deseos!” which translates to “Thank you very much for your good wishes!”

What is “Feliz Cumpleaños”?

“Feliz Cumpleaños” is the Spanish phrase for “Happy Birthday.” It is the common and widely used expression to convey birthday wishes in the Spanish language.

How do people sing “Happy Birthday” in Spanish?

In Spanish-speaking countries, people often sing “Las Mañanitas” as a traditional birthday song. This melody is accompanied by well-wishes and expressions of love. However, the familiar “Cumpleaños Feliz,” the Spanish version of “Happy Birthday,” is also sung in many regions.

How do Mexicans say happy birthday?

Mexicans say “¡Feliz Cumpleaños!” to wish someone happy birthday. Additionally, the birthday person might be serenaded with the traditional song “Las Mañanitas” as part of the celebrations, creating a festive and joyous atmosphere.