When you’re celebrating someone’s happy birthday in Italy, there are two common ways to wish them well, and both are filled with joy and heart.
The first is “Buon compleanno!” which means “Happy Birthday!” It’s the classic Phrase, perfect for cards, messages, or face-to-face wishes.
The second is “Tanti auguri!” which translates to “Many good wishes!” It’s often used in birthday songs and celebrations, and feels a bit more festive. In fact, Italians usually sing “Tanti auguri a te…” just like “Happy birthday to you…”
How do Italians say happy birthday?
Italian people say buon compleanno. You can also use “Tanti auguri di buon compleanno“.
Is it Tanti auguri or buon compleanno?
–“Buon compleanno,” which is just for birthdays, “Tanti auguri” is much more flexible. “Tanti auguri” can also be used to wish someone happiness, luck, or success in life, even when there’s no specific holiday.
What does “tantissimi auguri” mean?
“Tanti auguri di buon compleanno!” which means “Many good wishes for a happy birthday!”
How do you wish a friend a happy birthday in Italian?
Buon compleanno amico
What do Italians call birthdays?
Buon compleanno
Are birthdays big in Italy?
In Italy, birthday celebrations are quite similar to those in the U.S. — there are cakes, gifts, and fun parties. But of course, there are a few unique Italian touches that make them a little different and special.
Why is 15 a big birthday?
When a girl turned 15, it marked a major milestone — she was seen as stepping into adulthood and being formally introduced to society. This special celebration, known as a quinceañera, was more than just a birthday party. Traditionally, it was the moment when the young woman received her first real jewellery, was allowed to wear makeup, dance in public, and begin making her own decisions. It was a proud and emotional event for both the girl and her family, symbolising her growth and new responsibilities.
What is Sweet 16 for a girl?
A Sweet 16 is a special coming-of-age celebration in the United States, marking a girl’s 16th birthday. It’s seen as a symbolic moment when she begins the transition from childhood to young adulthood — often celebrated with a big party, music, and memorable traditions.
🎂✨ Beautiful Italian Birthday Wishes — With Meaning & Pronunciation
| 🎉 English Phrase | 🇮🇹 Italian Phrase | 🗣️ Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Happy Birthday! | Buon compleanno! | Boo-on com-pleh-ANN-noh |
| Happy Birthday! (cheerful) | Tanti auguri! | TAHN-tee ah-OO-goo-ree |
| Belated Happy Birthday! | Auguri in ritardo! | Ah-oo-GOO-ree een ree-TAR-doh |
| Thanks for being born! | Grazie di esistere! | GRAHT-tsee-eh dee eh-ZEE-steh-reh |
| Happy birthday, my love. | Buon compleanno, amore mio. | Boo-on com-pleh-ANN-noh, ah-MOH-reh MEE-oh |
| Happy birthday, mom/dad/sibling | Buon compleanno, mamma/papà/fratello/sorella. | Boo-on com-pleh-ANN-noh, MAHM-mah / pah-PAH / frah-TELL-oh / soh-RELL-ah |
| Happy birthday, grandma/grandpa | Buon compleanno, nonna/nonno. | Boo-on com-pleh-ANN-noh, NON-nah / NON-noh |
| One hundred more of these days! | Cento di questi giorni! | CHEN-toh dee KWEHS-tee JOR-nee |
| Wishing you a very happy birthday! | Tanti auguri di buon compleanno! | TAHN-tee ah-OO-goo-ree dee boo-on com-pleh-ANN-noh |
| Happy birthday, my friend. | Buon compleanno, amico/a mio/a. | ah-MEE-koh / ah-MEE-kah MEE-oh / MEE-ah |
| Best birthday wishes to you! | I migliori auguri di buon compleanno! | Ee mee-LYOH-ree ah-OO-goo-ree dee boo-on com-pleh-ANN-noh |
| Happy birthday, beautiful! | Buon compleanno, bello/a! | BELL-oh / BELL-ah |
| Happy 21st/30th/etc. birthday | Buon 21esimo/30esimo compleanno | Boo-on ven-too-eh-ZEE-moh com-pleh-ANN-noh |
| Hope all your wishes come true! | Spero che tutti i tuoi desideri si avverino! | SPEH-roh keh TOO-tee ee TOO-oh-ee deh-zee-DEH-ree see ah-VEH-ree-noh |
| I wish you a happy birthday! | Ti auguro un buon compleanno! | Tee ah-OO-goo-roh oon boo-on com-pleh-ANN-noh |
| Happy birthday, have a good one! | Buon compleanno, divertiti! | dee-VER-tee-tee |
🎉 Conclusion
We’ve taken a fun and meaningful journey through the colourful world of Italian birthday traditions and expressions. From the simple “Buon compleanno” to heartfelt wishes like “Grazie di esistere”, you now have a whole toolkit of ways to make someone’s birthday extra special — all in beautiful Italian!
Isn’t it exciting to connect with others in a new language? Just being able to wish someone a happy birthday in Italian adds a personal and thoughtful touch that truly stands out.
And if you’re eager to take things further, you don’t have to stop here. Preply is a great next step — a platform built for learners like you, whether you’re just starting out or already know a few Italian phrases. With experienced tutors, flexible scheduling, and personalised lessons, learning Italian can truly fit your lifestyle.
So go on — keep exploring, keep learning, and most of all, have fun with it.
Or as they say in Italian: “Buona fortuna!” (Good luck!)
