How to say happy birthday in Italian
Buon compleanno
Say it like this: bwon kom-pleh-AHN-no
To say happy birthday in Italian, you say "Buon compleanno". You will also hear "Tanti auguri" a lot, which means "lots of good wishes". Here is how to say both, plus a few more ways to make someone smile.
"Buon" means good. "Compleanno" comes from "compiere" (to complete) and "anno" (year), so it means the day you complete another year.
Other ways to say happy birthday in Italian
- Tanti auguri!Say it like this: TAHN-tee ow-GOO-reeMeans "lots of wishes". Hugely common, and fine for anyone, in person or in writing.
- Auguri!Say it like this: ow-GOO-reeShort and casual. Great for friends and text messages.
- Tanti auguri di buon compleannoSay it like this: TAHN-tee ow-GOO-ree dee bwon kom-pleh-AHN-noThe full version: "many wishes for a happy birthday". Lovely in a card.
- Cento di questi giorniSay it like this: CHEN-toh dee KWES-tee JOR-neeMeans "a hundred of these days". A traditional, warm wish for a long life.
- Auguri di cuoreSay it like this: ow-GOO-ree dee KWOR-ehMeans "wishes from the heart". For close friends and family.
- Auguri in ritardoSay it like this: ow-GOO-ree een ree-TAR-dohMeans "belated wishes". Use it if you have missed the day.
The Happy Birthday song in Italian
Tanti auguri a te,
tanti auguri a te,
tanti auguri a [name],
tanti auguri a te.
Italians sing "Tanti auguri" rather than "Buon compleanno" to the usual Happy Birthday tune.
Birthday customs
- In Italy, the birthday person often treats friends or workmates, for example by paying for drinks or bringing cakes and pastries.
- Many Italians also celebrate their name day, called "onomastico". This is the saint's day that shares their name, and friends send good wishes on it.
- In some families, people gently tug the birthday person's ears, once for each year.
- A long family meal is a favourite way to celebrate in Italy, often finished with a cake or a tray of pastries from the local pastry shop, the "pasticceria".
A quick tip
Watch the double letters when you write it: "compleanno" has a double n. And write "buon", not "buono", in front of "compleanno". For a simple card, write "Tanti auguri di buon compleanno!", then your name underneath. It is short, warm and always right.
Questions people ask
Is "Tanti auguri" the same as happy birthday?
Almost. It means "lots of good wishes", and Italians use it for birthdays all the time. You can also use it for other happy days, such as weddings.
Is it "Buon compleanno" or "Buono compleanno"?
It is "Buon compleanno". In Italian, "buono" is shortened to "buon" before most masculine words, such as "compleanno".
What do you say back?
Say "Grazie!" (GRAHT-see-eh), which means thank you. For extra warmth, say "Grazie mille!", a thousand thanks.
Wish someone happy birthday in Italian
Type their name, and we will turn it into a birthday surprise in Italian: a gift box to open, confetti, their name in gold and the birthday song. Then send it by WhatsApp, text or email. It is free.