Italian · Greetings & Essentials
"Happy birthday!" in Italian: buon compleanno
buon compleanno
Happy birthday in Italian is buon compleanno (bwohn kohm-pleh-AHN-noh). Sing it, write it on cards, or say tanti auguri di buon compleanno for a fuller wish.
Morning text
Buon compleanno! Ti chiamo più tardi.Speak with an AI partner · 7 days free
How to pronounce buon compleanno
Say it
bwohn kohm-pleh-AHN-noh
/bwɔn kompleˈan.no/
Buon is short; compleanno stresses AHN: kohm-pleh-AHN-noh. Double n.
"Happy birthday!" in Italian: quick reference
| Italian | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| buon compleanno | happy birthday The core phrase. | The core phrase. |
| tanti auguri | best wishes Often paired with birthday. | Often paired with birthday. |
| tanti auguri di buon compleanno | many happy returns Cards and messages. | Cards and messages. |
| festa di compleanno | birthday party The celebration. | The celebration. |
How to use buon compleanno in real life
- 1Morning text
Buon compleanno! Ti chiamo più tardi.
Happy birthday! I'll call you later.
Full phrase opener.
- 2At the table
Facciamo un brindisi: buon compleanno, Sara!
Let's toast: happy birthday, Sara!
Said aloud to the person.
- 3Writing a card
Ti auguro un buon compleanno sereno.
I wish you a peaceful happy birthday.
Buon compleanno inside a longer wish.
Mistakes English speakers make with buon compleanno
Incorrect: Buona compleanno!
Correct: Buon compleanno!
Compleanno is masculine, so buon, not buona.
Incorrect: Happy compleanno!
Correct: Buon compleanno!
Use the full Italian phrase.
Good to know
Birthday cakes get candles and a chorus of buon compleanno or the song Tanti auguri a te. Adults still expect the phrase—skipping it feels cold among friends.
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
Surprising a roommate on their birthday
ChatPal
Sveglia… buon compleanno!
Wake up… happy birthday!
You
Oh! Grazie. Che bello sentirti dire buon compleanno!
Oh! Thanks. How nice to hear you say happy birthday!
ChatPal
Ho portato la colazione. Vuoi aprire il regalo?
I brought breakfast. Want to open the gift?
You
Sì, subito—che emozione.
Yes, right away—how exciting.
This is a sample. In ChatPal you have this conversation out loud and get feedback on what you say.
Practice this conversation in ChatPal"Happy birthday!" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "Happy birthday!" in Italian
Buon or buona compleanno?
Buon compleanno—compleanno is masculine.
Is tanti auguri enough?
Yes among friends; adding buon compleanno makes the birthday clear.
How do I write it in a message?
Buon compleanno! or Tanti auguri di buon compleanno.
What about age?
You can add years: buon compleanno, venticinque anni!
Learn a word, then use it out loud
- Step 1: See it in context
- Step 2: Say it out loud
- Step 3: Get feedback
- Step 4: Use it in real scenarios
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