Italian · Real conversations
How to respond to “Buon compleanno!” in Italian
Birthday wishes can be acknowledged directly or with a comment about remembering and celebrating.
What you might hear
Buon compleanno!
Happy birthday!
Choose a reply that fits
Grazie per gli auguri.
Thank you for the wishes.
A clear thanks for the wishes.
Grazie per essertene ricordato / ricordata.
Thanks for remembering.
Use when the person remembered your birthday.
È molto carino da parte tua.
That's very sweet of you.
A warm response to a thoughtful message.
Non vedo l'ora di festeggiare.
I'm looking forward to celebrating.
Share anticipation of a celebration if you want to.
Two short exchanges
A birthday greeting
Buon compleanno!
Happy birthday!
Grazie per gli auguri.
Thank you for the wishes.
A thoughtful birthday message
Ti auguro un bellissimo compleanno.
I hope you have a wonderful birthday.
Grazie per essertene ricordato / ricordata.
Thanks for remembering.
Your turn
Respond warmly to a thoughtful birthday message.
Reveal a sample reply
È molto carino da parte tua.
That's very sweet of you.
This response guide in other languages
A note on speaking Italian
Use tu with friends and Lei with someone you address formally. A request with vorrei or potrebbe can soften the tone; it still helps to say what you need clearly. The examples label the situation so you can choose the appropriate relationship.
Read doubled consonants distinctly and keep the written accents. The English translation explains the intended message; Italian often chooses a different construction rather than matching each English word.
