8 Ways to Wish Someone a Happy Birthday in Japanese

Learn about Japanese birthday greetings and customs, including the formal greeting 'O-tanjyoubi omedetou gozaimasu' and casual expressions like 'tanjyoubi omedetou' and 'omedetou.' Explore the Japanese birthday song and traditions in this comprehensive guide.

Explore various ways to say 'Happy Birthday' in Japanese, from the formal 'o-tanjyoubi omedetou gozaimasu' to casual expressions like 'o-tanjyoubi omedetou,' 'omedetou,' and 'tanome.'

O-tanjyoubi omedetou gozaimasu: Happy Birthday (Formal and Informal) Use this formal and polite greeting, 'O-tanjyoubi omedetou gozaimasu,' in both formal and informal situations. It's respectful and appropriate for occasions where you need to show politeness, such as when addressing your boss or elders.

• Pronunciation: Oh-tahn-jyoe-bee oh-meh-deh-toe go-zai-ee-mahs
• The prefix 'o' (お) adds politeness to the greeting.
• This greeting is suitable for wishing someone a happy birthday in a respectful manner.

(O)-tanjyoubi omedetou: Happy Birthday (Casual) To express a more casual tone, you can say '(O)-tanjyoubi omedetou' without the formal ending 'gozaimasu.' Alternatively, you can add the prefix 'o' (お) to make it sound a bit more respectful.

• Pronunciation: Tahn-jyoe-bee oh-meh-deh-toe
• This casual greeting is versatile and can be used in various contexts.

Omedetou, Otaome, or Tanome: Happy Birthday (Very Casual) For close friends and family members, you can use the casual greetings 'Omedetou,' 'Otaome,' or 'Tanome.' These are informal expressions suitable for wishing someone a happy birthday in a relaxed manner.

• 'Omedetou' Pronunciation: Oh-meh-deh-toe
• 'Otaome' Pronunciation: Oh tah-oh-meh
• 'Tanome' Pronunciation: Tah-no-meh

[Age] Happy Birthday: Celebrating [the person’s age] Years Insert the person’s age into this phrase to create a customized birthday greeting. For added respect, use this phrase instead: '[the person’s age] years old, happy birthday' (歳のお誕生日おめでとうございます).

• Pronunciation: Sigh oh-meh-deh-toe
• Example: Saying 'Happy 20th birthday!' would be 'hatachisai omedetou.'

Belated but Heartfelt: Happy Late Birthday 'Osoku natta kedo' (遅くなったけど) means 'It’s late, but...' while '(o)tanjyoubi omedetou' (お誕生日おめでと) is a standard Japanese birthday greeting. Together, they convey, 'This is late, but happy birthday!'

• Pronunciation: Oh-so-koo nah-ta keh-doh, oh-tahn-jyoe-bee oh-meh-deh-toe
• In a formal setting, like speaking with your elders, use 'osoku narimashita, (o)tanjyoubi omedetou (遅くなりました お誕生日おめでと).'

Casual Celebration: Happii basudee In Japanese, katakana is used to transliterate foreign words, like 'happii basudee' (ハッピーバースデー), a relaxed way to say 'happy birthday.'

Wishing You Joy on Your Special Day A friendly greeting for encountering someone on their birthday. To add a touch of formality, say 'tokubetsu na hi o tanoshinde kudasai' (特別な日を楽しんでください) instead.

• Pronunciation: Toe-koo-beh-tsu nah he oh tah-no-sheen-deh neh

May Your Year Ahead Be Wonderful A perfect message for a birthday card, suitable for any relationship.

• Pronunciation: Soo-teh-key nah ee-chee-nen nee nah-ree-mahs yo nee
• To simplify, say 'sutekina ichinichi o' (素敵な一日を) instead.

In Japan, the English version of the Happy Birthday song is commonly sung. While birthdays aren't traditionally emphasized, when celebrated, the familiar tune is often sung in English.

Birthday festivities are modest in Japan. Historically, birthdays were commemorated collectively on New Year's Day until 1950. Since then, Japanese birthday customs have evolved, though they don't rival Western extravagance.

• It's customary for couples to spend their birthdays together.

Significant Milestones in Japanese Birthdays In Japanese culture, certain birthdays hold special significance. The 3rd, 5th, and 7th birthdays mark important stages in a child's life. Families often participate in the Shichi-go-san festival on November 15 to celebrate these milestones.

• Girls' 3rd and 7th birthdays, and boys' 3rd and 5th birthdays are particularly cherished.
• The first birthday is also significant, with families performing rituals like erabitori, where the child selects an item to predict their future.

Young Adults Honored on Coming of Age Day Celebrated on the second Monday of January, Coming of Age Day acknowledges individuals turning 20. In Japanese culture, reaching 20 symbolizes adulthood and independence.

Kanreki: A Celebration of Sixty Years Upon turning 60, individuals experience kanreki, symbolizing a cycle completed in the zodiac. During this occasion, known as kanreki, celebrants wear red attire and partake in festivities associated with good fortune.