How to Wish Happy Birthday in Italian

Birthdays are special occasions, and what better way to make them even more special than by wishing someone a happy birthday in their native language? If you’re looking to make a connection with an Italian speaker on their special day, you’ve come to the right place.

In this guide, we’ll explore the perfect way to say “happy birthday” in Italian and provide you with tips and phrases to help you make your wishes truly unforgettable. So, let’s dive in!

Italian Phrases to Use at an Italian Birthday

To put a little spice on the sauce, here are phrases to show your versatility at your next landmark Italian birthday party as an English speaker that you are;

• “Auguri!” (best wishes)

• “Buon compleanno!” (happy birthday)
• “Tanti auguri!” (many happy returns)
• Okurebasenagara Tanjoubi Omedetou- Belated Happy Birthday
• “Buon compleanno a te” (happy birthday to you) 
• “Cent’anni!” (to live to be 100 years old) 
• “Torta di compleanno” (birthday cake)
• “Buon appetite!” (enjoy your meal) 
• “Brindiamo!” (let’s toast) 
• “Facciamo un brindisi!” (let’s make a toast) 
• “Buon divertimento!” (have fun!)

With these phrases, you can get to add a celebratory tone to your birthday wishes

How to Sing Happy Birthday Song in Italian

Are you ready to impress your Italian friends on their next landmark birthday celebration? Let’s learn how to sing “Tanti Auguri a Te” (Happy Birthday to You) in Italian! 

“Tanti auguri a te – Happy Birthday to you 

Tanti auguri a te – Happy Birthday to you 

Tanti auguri a te -Happy Birthday to you 

Tanti auguri a te – Happy Birthday to you 

Tanti auguri a te -Happy Birthday to you 

Tanti auguri a cara/caro (dear) – Happy Birthday dear (insert their name) 

“Tanti auguri a te.” – Happy Birthday to you!

Now that you’ve learned how to sing in Italian, it is equally important that you learn to pronounce the wording correctly. Let’s go! 

“Tanti Auguri a te” is pronounced, “tahn-tee ow-goo-ree ah tay.” 

“Tanti Auguri a cara/caro” is pronounced “tahn-tee ow-goo-ree ah Kah-rah/kah-roh.” 

To add some flair and impress your friends, try adding a musical flourish at the end of “Tanti auguri a te” by going up in pitch on the last word.  

You can watch this video on how to sing the classic birthday song more melodiously in Italian

Six Top Italian Birthday Traditions 

You can also bring alive Italian birthday celebrations wherever by following birthday traditions. Here are top birthday traditions for native speakers in Italy;

• La Cena della vigilia (the eve dinner). The birthday person often invites close friends and family for a big dinner the night before their birthday. 

• Auguri a mezzanotte (midnight wishes). At midnight, it is customary for friends and family to gather around the birthday person and sing “Tanti Auguri a te” (the Italian version of “Happy Birthday”) while giving them presents. 

• La torta e le candeline (the cake and candles). As with many other cultures, Italians also celebrate with a birthday cake and blowing out candles. However, the number of candles often corresponds to the age of the birthday person plus one for good luck. 

• La sfogliatella (the pastry). A traditional Neapolitan pastry, it is often served at birthday parties as a dessert or breakfast treat the morning after the celebration. 

•  Il regalo (the gift). It is customary to bring a wrapped present to the birthday party. 

• La festa (the party). After dinner and cake, it is common for Italians to continue the celebration with an actual birthday party in the evening

Fun Games and Activities That Will Help Add Spice to Your Spanish-Themed Birthday Party

• “Pin the (Italian Flag) on the Italian Boot”. Classic pin the tail on the donkey, but with an Italian twist!

• Themed charades. Act out popular Italian movies, pasta dishes, or famous Italian landmarks.

• A wine-tasting competition. Taste and guess different types of Italian wines. This activity is great for adult parties. 

• A pizza-making contest. Divide into teams and see who can create the best Italian pizza using toppings, crust, and sauces. This activity is fun for all ages. 

• Mangia Mania. A twist on the classic game of Hot Potato, but instead of passing around a potato, pass around a round of Italian bread. The person left holding the bread when the music stops must take a bite! 

These activities are sure to engage you at your next birthday bash. Buon divertimento!

How to Ask Native Speakers Their Age in an Italian Birthday Setting

In an actual birthday setting, the typical way to ask someone their age in Italian is to say “Quanti anni hai?” which translates to “How old are you?” 

Another way to ask could be, “Qual è il tuo compleanno?” which means, “When is your birthday?” 

However, it is considered impolite to ask someone their age directly. Instead, you could ask, “Posso chiedere l’età?” which means, “May I ask your age?” 

When giving your own age, it is typical to say the number first and then “anni,” which means “years.” For example, “Ho Trent Anni” translates to “I am thirty years old.” 

When talking about a child’s age, the word “anno” (year) is used instead of “anni.” So “Ho cinque anni” or “un bambino di cinque anni” would be used for a five-year-old. 

As a fun fact, in Italy, it is tradition to give someone one year added to their age on their birthday! So, if you are at a 33rd birthday party, it would be “Ho trentatré anni.” Happy Birthday!

Birthday Present Ideas for a Female Friend On an Italian Birthday

You can choose to gift your female Italian friends any of these gift items; 

• A handcrafted leather purse from Florence. Italian leather products are famous for their quality and beauty, making this a luxurious and practical gift. 

• A cooking class in Tuscany. Italy is known for its delicious cuisine, so why not give the gift of learning how to make authentic Italian dishes? 

• Wine tasting in Piedmont. Italy is home to many famous wine regions, and a wine-tasting experience would be the perfect activity for any Italian birthday celebration. 

•  A trip to the Colosseum in Rome. History buffs will love this gift of visiting one of the most iconic historic sites in all of Italy. 

•  A personalized guide tour of Venice. Make your friend feel like a VIP with their own private tour guide to show them around the romantic city of Venice. 

•  A gondola ride in Venice. Along the same lines, what better way to experience Venice than a traditional gondola ride through its famous canals? 

•  A truffle hunting experience in Piedmont. Italy is well-known for its truffles, and a truffle hunting experience would be a unique and exciting activity for any food lover. 

• Pizza-making class in Naples. The birthplace of pizza, what better place to learn how to make the perfect pie than in Naples? 

•  A stay at a vineyard in Tuscany. Treat your friend to a relaxing and picturesque getaway at a Tuscan vineyard. 

• Ferrari tour and driving experience in Maranello. For the ultimate thrill-seeking car enthusiast, a tour of the Ferrari factory and the chance to drive one of their famed sports cars would make for an unforgettable birthday gift.

•  Italian Cookbook. Impress your friend with their own personalized Italian cookbook filled with their favorite recipes from top Italian chefs. 

• A trip to Italy. Take her on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to the motherland itself, where she can indulge in all the amazing food, culture, and scenery that Italy has to offer. 

• Italian wine or olive oil tasting experience. Treat your friend to a fun and educational experience at a local Italian vineyard or olive oil producer where she can taste and learn about different varieties. 

• Designer handbag. Italy is renowned for its luxury fashion brands, why not gift your friend with a stunning handbag from Prada, Gucci, or Fendi? Don’t forget to consider their primary choice.

•  Italian language lessons. Give the gift of learning and surprise your friend with Italian language lessons. Who knows, maybe she’ll even be able to use it on her trip to Italy! 

• Aperitivo set. Introduce your friend to a classic Italian tradition with an aperitivo set complete with Italian bitters, vermouth, and cocktail glasses. 

• Pizza-making class. Let your friend learn how to make authentic Italian pizza from the pros with a hands-on pizza-making class. 

• Gelato-making class. The same goes for gelato! Gift your friend with a fun and tasty gelato-making class where they can learn the art of creating their own creamy Italian treats. 

• Italian skincare products. Pamper your friend with luxurious skincare products from renowned Italian brands like Acqua di Parma or Santa Maria Novella. 

• A personalized charm bracelet. Give your friend a special and unique gift with a charm bracelet featuring charms that represent their Italian heritage or favourite aspects of Italy. This also shows your drive as an Italian learner.

General Gift Ideas for an Italian Friend

• For foodies, Native Italians love their food, so a gourmet gift basket filled with artisanal Italian treats is always a safe bet. Alternatively, a cooking class or dining experience at a famous Italian restaurant would make for a memorable gift. 

• For the fashionistas, consider a designer handbag or luxury leather goods from iconic Italian brands such as Prada or Gucci. 

• If your friend is a history buff, surprise them with tickets to visit famous Italian landmarks such as the Colosseum or the Leaning Tower of Pisa. 

• For artists and culture enthusiasts, tickets to an opera or traditional Italian theatre performance would make for a unique and special gift.

• A traditional Italian leather handbag or wallet 

• A bottle of Italian wine or a set of artisanal Italian liqueurs 

• Gourmet Italian food basket with items like truffle cheese, prosciutto, and pasta 

• A cooking class to learn how to make authentic Italian dishes 

• A trip to Italy for a wine-tasting tour or to visit iconic Italian cities like Rome or Florence 

• A fancy dinner at an Italian restaurant 

• Tickets to see a famous Italian opera or play 

• An Italian language course 

• A personalized menu from a famous Italian chef

10 General Birthday Gift Ideas for Non-Native Friend in Italy

• A bottle of their favourite Italian wine for a birthday toast

• A picture framed terms of endearment

•  A trip to a famous vineyard or winery

•  Traditional Italian food and ingredients such as truffles, cheese, cured meats, pasta, olive oil, etc.

•  A cooking class to learn how to make authentic Italian dishes

• Tickets for a sporting event, such as a soccer game or Formula 1 race

•  A personalized Italian leather item such as a wallet or handbag

• A tour of a famous Italian city or landmark

• A piece of artwork or decor from a local artisan or market

• Traditional Italian clothing or jewellery

• An experience gift, such as a gondola ride in Venice or a cooking class with a famous Italian chef.

Don’t forget to include a thoughtful card or note written in Italian! With something like Buon compleanno, amico mio! (Happy birthday, my friend!)

Popular Dishes Served at an Italian Birthday

Italians are known for their love for intercontinental dishes, and this is expressed in the dishes they serve at their birthday parties. Here are the popular ones:

• Pasta Alla carbonara. 

Pasta alla carbonara is a classic Italian dish that is beloved for its rich and indulgent flavors. This delicious pasta dish is made by tossing spaghetti with crispy bacon, eggs, Parmesan cheese, and black pepper. The eggs are lightly cooked by the residual heat of the pasta, creating a creamy and velvety texture that coats the noodles. The dish is a favorite among Italians and has become a staple in Italian cuisine around the world. While the recipe has been adapted in many ways, the basic components remain the same, making it a versatile dish that can be enjoyed by pasta lovers of all kinds.

Pizza Margherita

• Pizza Margherita is a timeless and beloved pizza that features a thin crust, savory tomato sauce, gooey mozzarella cheese, and aromatic fresh basil leaves. Originating from Naples, Italy, it is said to have been created in honor of Queen Margherita of Savoy in the late 19th century. This simple yet flavorful pizza has become a staple in Italian cuisine and can be enjoyed in a birthday.

• Insalata Caprese. 

Insalata Caprese is a refreshing and simple salad that originates from the beautiful island of Capri, Italy. It’s the perfect dish to showcase the fresh and vibrant flavors of summer. The salad is made by layering slices of ripe tomatoes with creamy and milky mozzarella cheese and fresh basil leaves, then drizzled with a splash of extra-virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of salt and pepper.

• Tiramisu.  

Tiramisu is a luxurious Italian dessert that is popular around the world. It’s a perfect treat for coffee and dessert lovers, as it’s made with layers of espresso-soaked ladyfingers, creamy and rich mascarpone cheese, and a dusting of cocoa powder. The dessert is traditionally made by layering these ingredients in a rectangular dish and chilling it in the refrigerator to set. The result is a luscious and indulgent dessert that is perfect for special occasions or for impressing guests. 

• Zuppa di Pesce. 

Zuppa di Pesce, or seafood soup, is a delicious and hearty dish that originates from the coastal regions of Italy. It’s a popular seafood dish that features a combination of fish, shrimp, mussels, and calamari cooked in a flavorful tomato-based broth. The soup is often served with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth. The dish can be customized with various types of seafood, herbs, and spices to suit individual preferences. The combination of seafood and tangy tomato broth creates a rich and flavorful dish that is perfect for seafood lovers or anyone looking for a warm and satisfying bowl of soup.

No Italian birthday celebration is complete without these classic dishes. Each dish offers a unique combination of flavors that come together to create a delicious and satisfying meal. So go ahead and indulge in all the pasta, pizza, and tiramisu your heart desires at your next Italian birthday celebration! Buon appetite!

15 Other Ways to Say Happy Birthday in Italian and English Translation

• Tanti Auguri a te! – Best wishes to you!
• Felice Compleanno – Happy Birthday
• Auguri di Buon compleanno – Happy birthday greetings
•  Buon compleanno a te! – Happy birthday to you!
• Auguri per il tuo compleanno – Wishes for your birthday
• Auguri per il Giorno del tuo compleanno – Wishes for the day of your birthday
• Auguri per la tua festa – Wishes for your celebration
• Buon compleanno a una persona special – Happy birthday to a special person
• Festeggia come si deve il tuo compleanno – Celebrate your birthday properly
• Auguri per un altro anno meraviglioso – Wishes for another wonderful year
• Buon compleanno, Tesoro mio – Happy birthday, my darling
• Spero che il tuo compleanno sia pieno di gioia – I hope your birthday is filled with joy
• Auguri per un fantastico compleanno – Wishes for a fantastic birthday
• Buon compleanno e tutto il meglio – Happy birthday and all the best
• Che tu abbia un meraviglioso compleanno – May you have a wonderful birthday
• Auguri per un altro anno meraviglioso – Wishes for another amazing year

How to Respond to Tanti Auguri or Buon Compleanno (Happy Birthday)

When someone wishes you a “Tanti Auguri” or “Buon Compleanno,” the appropriate response is to thank them for their wishes. You can say “grazie,” which means thank you, or “grazie mille,” meaning thank you very much. 

If the person who wished you a happy birthday is a close friend or family member, you can also respond with “ti ringrazio,” which means “I thank you.” 

Another way to respond to birthday wishes in Italian is to say “grazie per gli auguri,” which literally translates to “thank you for the wishes.” 

Thanking someone for their birthday wishes is a polite and common response in Italian culture. Showing gratitude for their thoughtful and kind words is a way to strengthen relationships and demonstrate good manners. So next time someone wishes you a happy birthday in Italian, remember to say Grazie! 

Is the Response to Buon Compleanno and Tanti Anguri the Same?

No, the response to “Buon Compleanno” (Happy Birthday) is “Grazie” (Thank you), while the response to “Tanti Auguri” (Best Wishes) is “Grazie mille” (Thank you very much). 

This can be confusing for non-native Italian speakers because both phrases are commonly used for birthday wishes. 

However, “Tanti Auguri” is a more general phrase that can also be used for other celebrations, such as graduations or anniversaries. It’s important to pay attention to the specific phrase being used in order to respond appropriately.

 And remember, Italians love to celebrate any occasion with heartfelt well-wishes and gratitude. So whether you say “Grazie” or “Grazie mille,” be sure to say it with sincerity and enthusiasm!

How to Write a Happy Birthday Card Message in Italian

•  Inizia con “Auguri di buon compleanno!” This translates to “Happy birthday!” and is a great way to start off your message. 

• Show some love and add “Ti amo tanto” which means “I love you so much.” 

• For a funny twist, try “Spero che tu possa avere un compleanno così divertente come il tuo sorriso” which means “I hope you have a birthday as fun as your smile.” 

• To add some extra pizzazz, include  “Spero che il tuo compleanno sia pieno di sole, amore e felicità” which translates to “I hope your birthday is filled with sunshine, love, and happiness.” 

• End your message sweetly with “Auguri per un altro anno meraviglioso,” or “Best wishes for another wonderful year.” 

It’s worth it, your Happy Birthday message in Italian will surely make your loved one’s day extra special. 

Difference Between Tanti Auguri and Buon Compleanno

Did you know that there is a difference between saying “Tanti Auguri” and “Buon Compleanno” to someone on their birthday in Italian? 

While both phrases mean “happy birthday,” “Tanti Auguri” is more generally used as a greeting, while “Buon Compleanno” specifically refers to the person’s birthday. 

So next time you want to wish someone a happy birthday in Italian, make sure to use “Buon Compleanno” for that extra personal touch! 

Frequently Asked Questions About Saying Happy Birthday in Italian

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, wishing someone a happy birthday in their native language is a wonderful way to connect with them and make them feel special. 

Whether you choose to say “Buon compleanno” or one of the many other variations in Italian, taking the time to learn a few phrases can go a long way in strengthening your relationship with the birthday celebrant. 

Don’t be afraid to get creative with your birthday wishes and add a personal touch by including the person’s name or a heartfelt message. 

With these simple tips, you’ll be well on your way to making birthdays even more special for your loved ones, friends, and colleagues who speak Italian. So, go ahead and spread some birthday cheer in Italian!