A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "Happy birthday" in Spanish
The standard Spanish phrase for wishing someone a happy birthday, used universally.
Feliz cumpleaños
feh-LEES koom-pleh-AH-nyohsneutral
Spanish TTS · 0:01
Say this when you want to wish someone a happy birthday, whether in person, in a card, or in a message. It's appropriate for friends, family, and colleagues.
Alternatives
- Feliz cumpleThis is a more casual, shortened version, great for close friends.
- Que cumplas muchos másThis means 'May you have many more,' and is often said after 'Feliz cumpleaños'.
Ways to get it wrong
Don't say 'Feliz día'
'Feliz día' means 'Happy day' and isn't specific to birthdays.
Pronounce the 'ñ'
The 'ñ' sound is like the 'ny' in 'canyon'; don't just say 'nyoh'.
A small cultural note
In many Spanish-speaking countries, birthday songs like 'Las Mañanitas' (Mexico) or 'Cumpleaños Feliz' (a version of the tune we know) are sung before the cake is cut.
Frequently asked
how to say happy birthday in spanish
The most common way to say happy birthday in Spanish is 'Feliz cumpleaños'. This phrase is understood everywhere.
is feliz cumpleaños formal or informal
'Feliz cumpleaños' is a neutral phrase that works in most situations. For very close friends, you might use the shorter 'Feliz cumple'.
what does feliz cumpleaños mean literally
Literally, 'Feliz' means 'happy' and 'cumpleaños' means 'birthday'. So it's a direct translation of 'happy birthday'.
How do you wish someone a happy birthday in Spanish?
The most common way to say happy birthday in Spanish is "Feliz cumpleaños." You can also add "Que tengas un" before it, meaning "Have a..."
What does "feliz cumpleaños" literally mean?
"Feliz" means happy, and "cumpleaños" means birthday. So, "Feliz cumpleaños" literally translates to "Happy birthday."
What is a cool phrase for a happy birthday in Spanish?
For a more festive wish, you can say "¡Feliz cumple!" which is a casual and common abbreviation. You could also say "¡Que cumplas muchos más!" meaning "May you have many more!"
How do Mexican people say happy birthday?
In Mexico, people commonly say "Feliz cumpleaños." They also often sing the "Las Mañanitas" song, which is a traditional birthday serenade.
