cumpleaños — meaning in English: birthday

Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for birthday

sus

asi

poner

foto

cumpleaños

Skip this question

🎓

Learn Spanish for free

Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.

Start learning →

Already have an account? Log in

informal very common

Usage

Native speakers use the word 'cumpleaños' primarily when discussing or celebrating someone's birthday. You might hear it in casual conversations among friends planning a birthday party or during family gatherings where they sing 'Feliz cumpleaños' to the birthday person.

Synonyms & nuances

While 'cumpleaños' specifically refers to a birthday, the word 'aniversario' can also imply an anniversary but is generally used for commemorating events rather than personal birthdays. Choose 'cumpleaños' when referring to individual birthdays to convey the celebratory nature accurately.

Culture

'Cumpleaños' derives from the Spanish words 'cumple' (to fulfill) and 'años' (years), signifying the completion of another year of life. In many Spanish-speaking cultures, birthdays are celebrated with great enthusiasm, often involving special foods, gifts, and traditions unique to each family or region.

FAQ

Q.What is the correct way to say 'Happy Birthday' in Spanish?

'Happy Birthday' in Spanish is 'Feliz cumpleaños'. This phrase is commonly sung in songs and used in birthday greetings on cards and social media.

Q.Are there any traditions associated with cumpleaños in Spanish-speaking countries?

Yes, many Spanish-speaking cultures have unique traditions for celebrating cumpleaños. For example, in Mexico, a popular tradition is the piñata, which is filled with candies and treats and is broken open during a birthday party.

Q.Is 'cumpleaños' a formal or informal word?

'Cumpleaños' is primarily used in informal contexts, such as among friends and family. It is not typically used in formal situations, where you might refer to someone's 'aniversario' in a broader context.

Learn spanish with Maspeak →

Spanish 1000