день рождения — meaning in English: birthday

den' rozhdeniya · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for birthday

Беда

Beda

бунт

bunt

Вилла

Villa

день рождения

den' rozhdeniya

Представитель

Predstavitel'

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neutral common

Usage

Native speakers often use the word 'день рождения' during personal celebrations, such as throwing a birthday party for a friend or family member. It's common to hear this term in casual conversations when discussing one's own birthday plans or wishing someone a happy birthday in social gatherings.

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym is 'юбилей' (yubiley), which refers specifically to milestone birthdays, such as the 50th or 75th. While 'день рождения' is used for any birthday, 'юбилей' carries a connotation of ceremonial significance, making it suitable for those special anniversaries.

Culture

'День рождения' literally translates to 'day of birth' and reflects a cultural emphasis on celebrating life milestones in Russia. Traditionally, birthdays are occasions for gatherings, where friends and family come together to create memorable experiences, often marked by the sharing of gifts and a special cake, reminiscent of Western birthday customs.

FAQ

Q.How do you say 'happy birthday' in Russian?

'Happy birthday' in Russian is 'С днём рождения!' (S dnyom rozhdeniya!). This phrase is widely used among friends and family to express birthday wishes.

Q.What is a common way to celebrate a birthday in Russia?

In Russia, birthdays are typically celebrated with a party that includes family and friends, food, drinks, and often a cake. It's customary for the birthday person to treat their guests, sometimes even covering the costs of the celebration.

Q.Are there any common mistakes when using 'день рождения'?

One common mistake is using the wrong case in sentences. 'День рождения' is usually in the nominative case, but when talking about the birthday of someone, you might need to use the genitive case, for example, 'дня рождения Анны' (Anna's birthday).

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