Looking for Japanese birthday wishes? We’ve compiled a list of how to say Happy Birthday in Japanese that is bound to light up anyone’s face with joy on their special day.
Birthdays are a time to celebrate, reflect, and laugh! So whether you’re giving someone a thoughtful gift or a memorable gift experience, our collection of ways to say happy birthday in Japanese is the perfect complement to make them extra happy.
To help you pick, our Birthday wishes are categorized into:
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How to Say “Happy Birthday” in Japanese?
The most common way to wish someone a happy birthday:
- 誕生日おめでとう (Tanjoubi omedetou): Happy birthday (semi-formal)
- 誕生日おめでとうございませす (Tanjoubi omedetou gozaimasu): Happy birthday (formal, used with elders or bosses at work)
Want to sound less formal? Try:
- ハッピーバースデー (Happī bāsudē): Happy birthday (English)
- お誕生日おめでとう！ (Otanjoubi omedetou!): Happy birthday with added enthusiasm
Short and Sweet Japanese Birthday Wishes
- あなたの誕生日がケーキのように甘く、ろうそくのように明るいものでありますように。お誕生日おめでとうございます！(May your birthday be as sweet as cake and as bright as candles. Happy birthday!)
- 特別な日に、あたたかい願いと大きな抱擁をお送りします。お誕生日おめでとうございます！(Sending you warm wishes and big hugs on your special day. Happy birthday!)
- 今日はあなたと、あなたが素晴らしい人であることを祝う日です。お誕生日おめでとうございます！(Today is all about celebrating you and the amazing person you are. Happy birthday!)
Funny Japanese Birthday Wishes
- 年齢はただの数字です…本当に大きくて、怖い数字ですね！とにかく、お誕生日おめでとうございます！(Age is just a number… a really big, scary number! Happy birthday anyway!)
- 年をとればとるほど賢くなると言いますね。だから、今ではあなたはすごく賢いか、単にすごく年をとったかのどちらかですね！とにかく、お誕生日おめでとうございます！(They say the older you get, the wiser you become. So I guess that makes you incredibly wise by now… or just incredibly old! Happy birthday!)
- 1歳年を取ると、さらにシニア割引に近づくということですね。お誕生日おめでとうございます！(Another year older means another year closer to getting those senior discounts. Happy birthday!)
Romantic Japanese Birthday Wishes
- 愛する人の誕生日おめでとうございます！これからもたくさんの愛に満ちた年がありますように。(Happy birthday to the love of my life! I hope you have many more years filled with love.)
- 特別な日に、あなたが私にとってどれだけ大切かを思い出させたいと思います。お誕生日おめでとうございます！(On your special day, I just want to remind you how much you mean to me. Happy birthday!)
- あなたは私にとって最高の出来事です。毎日あなたに感謝しています。お誕生日おめでとうございます！(You are the best thing that has ever happened to me, and I am grateful for you every day. Happy birthday!)
Heartfelt Japanese Birthday Wishes
- 素晴らしい人の誕生日おめでとうございます！あなたの日が愛と温かさで満ちますように。(Happy birthday to a wonderful person! May your day be filled with love and warmth.)
- あなたを大切に思う人々に囲まれた、心温まる誕生日をお祈りしています。(Wishing you a heartwarming birthday surrounded by those who care about you.)
- お誕生日おめでとうございます！愛と笑い、大切な瞬間で溢れた一日を祝しています。(Happy birthday! Here’s to a day filled with love, laughter, and cherished moments.)
Cute Japanese Birthday Wishes
- 世界中で一番好きな人に、お誕生日おめでとうございます！あなたの笑顔で毎日が明るくなります。(Happy birthday to my favorite person in the whole world! You make every day brighter with your smile.)
- あなたを最も幸せにするすべてのもので満たされた一日をお祈りします。お誕生日おめでとうございます！(Wishing you a day filled with all the things that make you happiest. Happy birthday!)
- 今日は、あなたはただ1年歳を取っただけでなく、1年分だけ愛らしくなりましたね！お誕生日おめでとう、かわいい人！(You are not just a year older today, but also a year more adorable! Happy birthday, cutie!)
Conclusion
In addition to learning how to say Happy Birthday in Japanese, why not learn more about unique Birthday Traditions in Japan?
And hey, to make them feel celebrated, match these wishes with the perfect gift. For those seeking gift ideas, you can give them gift experiences they will never forget or you can try exploring Amazon for more gift ideas and price comparisons. Cheers to many more years of happiness and success!
Seth is an English-major turned stand-up comedian. When he’s not touring comedy clubs, he loves putting his creativity to use writing puns and card greetings for all occasions (not just funny ones). Many of his punny works can be found in a card store near you.