How to Say Happy Birthday in Italian
Learn how to say happy birthday in Italian. 'Buon compleanno' is the standard phrase. Includes pronunciation, birthday songs, wishes for cards, and more.
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Quick answer
To say happy birthday in Italian, say 'Buon compleanno!' (pronounced bwon kom-pleh-AN-no). For a more enthusiastic or affectionate version, add 'tanti auguri!' meaning 'many wishes!' — Italians often use both together: 'Buon compleanno e tanti auguri!'
Buon compleanno!
/bwon kom-pleh-AN-no/ — Italian
How to Say Happy Birthday in Italian
Birthdays are celebrated warmly in Italian culture — family gatherings, birthday meals (il pranzo di compleanno), and heartfelt wishes are central to the tradition. Knowing the right phrases ensures you can join in authentically.
The Essential Phrase
Buon compleanno! (bwon kom-pleh-AN-no)
Break it down:
- Buon — good (masculine form of buono, used before consonants)
- compleanno — birthday (from compiere gli anni = to complete one’s years)
The stress falls on the AN in compleanno: bwon kom-pleh-AN-no.
The Full Range of Italian Birthday Wishes
| Italian | Pronunciation | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Buon compleanno! | bwon kom-pleh-AN-no | Happy birthday! |
| Tanti auguri! | TAN-tee ow-GOO-ree | Many wishes / Best wishes! |
| Tanti auguri di buon compleanno! | — | Best wishes for a happy birthday! |
| Auguri! | ow-GOO-ree | Wishes! (short, casual) |
| Cento di questi giorni! | CHEN-to dee KWES-tee JOR-nee | A hundred more of these days! |
| Che tu possa avere tutto ciò che desideri! | — | May you have everything you desire! |
| Felice anniversario | fe-LEE-che an-nee-ver-SA-ryo | Happy anniversary (not birthday — don’t confuse!) |
The Italian Happy Birthday Song
Italians sing Tanti auguri a te to the same melody as the English version:
Tanti auguri a te, Tanti auguri a te, Tanti auguri caro/a [nome], Tanti auguri a te!
- Use caro for a man: Tanti auguri caro Marco!
- Use cara for a woman: Tanti auguri cara Sofia!
Birthday Card Phrases in Italian
For a simple card:
- Buon compleanno con tanti auguri di bene!
- Auguri per il tuo compleanno!
For something heartfelt:
- In questo giorno speciale, ti auguro tutto il meglio. (On this special day, I wish you all the best.)
- Che questo anno ti porti tanta felicità! (May this year bring you much happiness!)
- Con affetto e tanti auguri. (With affection and best wishes.)
For a milestone birthday (18, 30, 50, etc.):
- Che compleanno importante! Tanti auguri per questo grande giorno!
When You Can’t Be There
- Ti mando un abbraccio virtuale e tanti auguri! — I’m sending you a virtual hug and best wishes!
- Anche se sono lontano/a, ti penso. — Even though I’m far away, I’m thinking of you.
- Spero che tu stia passando una bellissima giornata. — I hope you’re having a beautiful day.
Italian Birthday Traditions
- Italians often host their own birthday party rather than have guests organize it
- The birthday person sometimes brings a cake (torta) or sweets (dolci) to share at work or school
- Compleanno is for birthdays; onomastico (name day — the feast day of your saint’s name) is also celebrated in Catholic tradition
- Milestone birthdays (18, 30, 40, 50) are typically celebrated with large family dinners
- The birthday person blows out candles and makes a wish in silence: Esprimi un desiderio!
Key Vocabulary
| Italian | Meaning |
|---|---|
| compleanno | birthday |
| torta di compleanno | birthday cake |
| candeline | birthday candles |
| regalo | gift |
| festa | party / celebration |
| auguri | wishes |
| festeggiare | to celebrate |
| spegnere le candeline | to blow out the candles |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Buon compleanno mean in Italian?
'Buon compleanno' literally means 'good birthday' — 'buono' (good) + 'compleanno' (birthday). It is the direct equivalent of 'happy birthday' in Italian and is used in all contexts, formal and informal.
How do you say Happy Birthday in Italian for a card?
For cards, you can write 'Buon compleanno!' for simple wishes, 'Tanti auguri per il tuo compleanno!' (Many wishes for your birthday!) for warmth, or 'Che questo compleanno ti porti tanta gioia!' (May this birthday bring you much joy!) for something heartfelt.
What is Tanti auguri in Italian?
'Tanti auguri' means 'many wishes' or 'best wishes' and is used for birthdays but also for other celebrations — new year, holidays, promotions. For birthdays specifically, 'Tanti auguri di buon compleanno' means 'best wishes for a happy birthday.'
Do Italians sing Happy Birthday in Italian?
Yes — Italians sing 'Tanti auguri a te' to the same melody as the English 'Happy Birthday to You.' The full lyrics are: 'Tanti auguri a te / Tanti auguri a te / Tanti auguri caro/a [name] / Tanti auguri a te!'
How do you say Happy Birthday to a man vs woman in Italian?
The birthday greeting itself stays the same for men and women. However, if you add adjectives, they change: 'Buon compleanno, bello!' (handsome, to a man) vs 'Buon compleanno, bella!' (beautiful, to a woman).