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Italian vocabulary · Beginner

How do you say "happy birthday" in Italian?

Buon compleanno

Phrase Noun

In Italian, "happy birthday" is Buon compleanno.

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Pronunciation

Buon compleanno is bwohn kohm-pleh-AHN-noh, stress on the third syllable of compleanno, with the double N held firm.

Grammar notes

Buon compleanno is a phrase used the same way as its English equivalent.

Example sentence

happy birthday

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How to remember Buon compleanno

Compleanno breaks down into completo and anno, roughly a completed year, which is exactly what a birthday marks.

Related words

Browse all Italian words in the glossary.

Questions about Buon compleanno

How do you pronounce Buon compleanno?

Buon compleanno is bwohn kohm-pleh-AHN-noh, stress on the third syllable of compleanno, with the double N held firm.

Is Buon compleanno formal or casual?

Buon compleanno is a neutral, everyday word that works in both casual and polite speech.

How is Buon compleanno used in Italian?

Buon compleanno is used the same way as the equivalent English phrase. For example: (happy birthday).

Where can I practice Italian words for free?

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"Happy birthday" in other languages

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