How to Wish Someone Feliz Cumpleaños - Happy Birthday in Spanish

Wishing Someone Feliz Cumpleaños in Spanish

Want to make someone's birthday extra special by wishing them a happy birthday in Spanish? It's a thoughtful gesture when you take the time to say "feliz cumpleaños" to Spanish-speaking friends or relatives on their special day. Learning this simple Spanish birthday greeting can bring smiles and gratitude from the recipient.

Feliz Cumpleaños Means "Happy Birthday" in Spanish

The Spanish phrase for happy birthday is "feliz cumpleaños." It's easy to pronounce: say "feh-lees koom-ple-ahn-yos." In English, this directly translates to "happy birthday."

You'll hear native Spanish speakers say "feliz cumpleaños" when celebrating someone's birthday, whether at a party or offering birthday wishes in a card or text message. It's a warm, friendly greeting suited for any birthday occasion.

The Breakdown of Feliz Cumpleaños

When you break down feliz cumpleaños into individual words, it helps you understand why this phrase means happy birthday:

• Feliz - Means "happy" in Spanish.
• Cumpleaños - Translates to "birthday" in English. It comes from the Spanish words "cumple" (fulfill) and "años" (years).

So the direct translation of "feliz cumpleaños" is simply "happy birthday."

When to Use Feliz Cumpleaños

You can say "¡feliz cumpleaños!" ("happy birthday!") in any birthday situation when you want to express warm birthday wishes to someone. Here are some examples of using feliz cumpleaños:

Birthday Parties

At a birthday party with Spanish food, decorations, and music, make sure to wish the guest of honor a hearty ¡feliz cumpleaños! This may happen when the cumpleañero(a) (birthday boy/girl) arrives or before singing "Las Mañanitas", the famous Spanish birthday song.

Birthday Cards

On the front or inside of a Spanish birthday card, include the phrase Feliz Cumpleaños {Name}! Handmake the card yourself or pick up a Spanish birthday card from a Hispanic grocery store or stationery shop.

Social Media Wishes

Wish your Spanish-speaking friends and family feliz cumpleaños by posting on social media. Share a photo of them on Facebook or Instagram and write your birthday message in Spanish in the caption.

Birthday Text Greetings

Can't see the birthday boy/girl in person? Text them ¡feliz cumpleaños! or "¡que pases un día maravilloso!" to wish them a wonderful day in Spanish.

Responding To Feliz Cumpleaños

What do you say when someone wishes you feliz cumpleaños? Here are some options to respond with gratitude:

• Muchas gracias - Says "thank you very much" in Spanish.
• Te lo agradezco - Expresses thanks by saying "I appreciate it."
• Eres muy amable - Reply "you are very kind" to thank them for the thoughtful wishes.

Pronouncing Gracias Correctly

Practice your Spanish birthday vocabulary by responding gracias (thanks) correctly. Say "GRAH-see-as" - letting the "cia" make a "th" sound. This differs from how gracias is pronounced in English, keeping the authentic Spanish articulation.

Writing Feliz Cumpleaños

How do you write "happy birthday" for Spanish birthday cards, banners, and cakes? Here is feliz cumpleaños spelled correctly:

¡Feliz Cumpleaños!

The upside down exclamation points at the beginning convey extra enthusiasm, which is very fitting for birthday wishes. The exclamation point at the end also puts emphasis on the cheerful greeting.

Accent Marks in Spanish

FAQs

How do you say happy birthday in Spanish?

The phrase for happy birthday in Spanish is "¡feliz cumpleaños!". It directly translates to "happy birthday".

What does cumpleaños mean in Spanish?

Cumpleaños means birthday in Spanish. It comes from the words "cumple" (fulfill) and "años" (years). So together "feliz cumpleaños" means happy birthday.

How do you respond when someone wishes you feliz cumpleaños?

To say thank you when someone wishes you a happy birthday in Spanish, respond with:

• Muchas gracias - Thank you very much
• Te lo agradezco - I appreciate it
• Eres muy amable - You are very kind

What does the Spanish birthday song Las Mañanitas mean?

Las Mañanitas translates to "early mornings" in English. The lyrics wish someone a good morning very early on their birthday, similar to a wake-up call serenade.