compleanno — meaning in English: birthday

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

Guess the translation for birthday

pianoforte

guanto

montagna

compleanno

ospedale

Skip this question

🎓

Learn Italian 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 'compleanno' primarily during celebrations and gatherings, such as birthday parties where friends and family come together to celebrate someone's life milestone. It also appears in greetings, such as 'Buon compleanno!' which translates to 'Happy birthday!' and is often exchanged in a casual, informal context.

Synonyms & nuances

'Compleanno' specifically refers to a birthday, while 'anniversario' denotes an anniversary, which can refer to any yearly commemoration. You would use 'compleanno' when discussing personal milestones, but reserve 'anniversario' for broader commemorations, such as a wedding or the founding of an organization.

Culture

The word 'compleanno' derives from the Latin 'compleannus,' which means 'to complete a year.' In Italy, celebrating one's compleanno often includes specific traditions, such as a cake with candles representing the age of the person. Interestingly, in Italy, it is common for the birthday person to treat their friends to a meal or cake, turning the day into a celebration for everyone.

FAQ

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

'Happy birthday' in Italian is 'Buon compleanno!' This phrase is commonly used in both written and spoken form during birthday celebrations.

Q.What is the Italian tradition for celebrating birthdays?

In Italy, it's customary for the birthday person to treat friends and family to a meal or cake, making the celebration a shared experience rather than a solely personal one.

Q.Are there any common mistakes when using 'compleanno'?

A common mistake is confusing 'compleanno' with 'anniversario.' Ensure you're using 'compleanno' specifically for birthdays and 'anniversario' for other yearly celebrations.

Learn italian with Maspeak →

Italian 500