Translation guide
In Japanese, 'birthday' is most commonly expressed as 誕生日 (たんじょうび). However, natural usage often involves set phrases for congratulations, asking about dates, or stating one's age. This guide covers the core noun, common expressions, and cultural notes.
誕生日はいつですか？
When is your birthday?
Referring to the anniversary of the day someone was born, as a noun.
The standard word for 'birthday'. Used in all contexts.
今日は私の誕生日です。
Today is my birthday.
彼の誕生日は来月です。
His birthday is next month.
Loanword from English, often used in commercial contexts like 'birthday cake' or 'birthday party'. Less common in everyday speech.
バースデーケーキを買った。
I bought a birthday cake.
Expressing 'happy birthday' or giving birthday wishes.
Polite and standard way to say 'Happy birthday'. Use with acquaintances, colleagues, or in formal settings.
先生、お誕生日おめでとうございます。
Happy birthday, teacher.
Casual 'Happy birthday'. Use with friends, family, or people of equal/lower status.
お母さん、誕生日おめでとう！
Happy birthday, Mom!
Direct loan from English. Used mainly in songs or very casual, playful contexts. Not a standard greeting.
みんなで「ハッピーバースデー」を歌った。
We all sang 'Happy Birthday'.
Inquiring about the date of someone's birthday.
Standard way to ask 'When is your birthday?'. Can be made more polite by adding お before 誕生日.
お誕生日はいつですか？
When is your birthday? (polite)
誕生日はいつ？
When's your birthday? (casual)
Literally 'What month, what day were you born?'. More specific than asking 'when', and common when filling out forms or getting to know someone.
すみません、何月何日生まれですか？
Excuse me, what is your date of birth?
Saying how old one is turning or has turned.
Used to say 'I will turn X years old'. The verb なる indicates a change of state. Often used when a birthday is approaching or has just passed.
来月で20歳になります。
I'll be 20 next month.
昨日、25歳になりました。
I turned 25 yesterday.
Simple statement of current age. Not specifically tied to birthday, but can be used in context.
今日で18歳です。
I'm 18 today.
Referring to a birthday party or event.
Standard term for a birthday party. Often used for children's parties or casual gatherings.
日曜日に娘の誕生日会を開きます。
We're having a birthday party for my daughter on Sunday.
Adding お before 誕生日 (お誕生日) makes the word more polite. It is common when referring to someone else's birthday, especially in formal situations or when showing respect.
お誕生日はいつですか？
When is your birthday? (polite)
誕生日 (たんじょうび) means 'birthday' (the anniversary). 生年月日 (せいねんがっぴ) means 'date of birth' (year, month, day) and is used on official documents. Do not confuse them.
生年月日を記入してください。
Please fill in your date of birth.
彼女の誕生日を忘れてしまった。
I forgot her birthday.
彼の還暦を祝いました。
We celebrated his 60th birthday.
還暦 (かんれき) is the celebration of one's 60th birthday in the traditional Japanese calendar.
Also common, using the loanword パーティー. Slightly more modern/casual feel.
友達の誕生日パーティーに行った。
I went to a friend's birthday party.