20 Japanese Birthday Wishes You Can Use Today (Happy Birthday in Japanese)

Discover how to say Happy Birthday in Japanese with this simple, beginner-friendly guide. Learn the most popular greetings, cultural context, and useful birthday expressions you can start using today.

Birthday celebrations are a big deal in any culture. But in Japan, birthdays are celebrated a little differently and the language you use depends on your relationship with the person, the level of politeness you want to show, and sometimes even their age. Whether you’re studying Japanese, watching anime, messaging Japanese friends, or simply curious, knowing how to say Happy Birthday in different styles will help you sound natural and respectful.

Before the 1950s, Japan had a unique age-counting system where everyone turned one year older on New Year’s Day. Individual birthdays weren’t widely celebrated. Western influence eventually changed this tradition, and now Japanese birthdays include cakes, candles, small parties, and thoughtful gifts.

In this guide, you’ll learn 20 different ways to say Happy Birthday in Japanese, birthday vocabulary, useful phrases, and real-life conversation examples.

To learn how to read hours and minutes naturally, check this guide on How to tell the time in Japanese.

20 Ways to Say Happy Birthday in Japanese

Below are the 20 most natural and commonly used Japanese birthday expressions, complete with Kanji, Hiragana, and Romaji, so you can use them confidently in real conversations.

1. お誕生日おめでとう（おたんじょうびおめでとう）— otanjōbi omedetō

Meaning: Happy birthday! (casual)

2. お誕生日おめでとうございます — otanjōbi omedetō gozaimasu

Meaning: Happy birthday! (formal & polite)

3. 誕生日おめでとう（たんじょうびおめでとう）— tanjōbi omedetō

Meaning: A shorter, friendly version of “Happy birthday!”

4. おめでとう！— omedetō!

Meaning: Congrats! (very casual)

5. ハッピーバースデー！— happī bāsudē!

Meaning: “Happy Birthday!” (English-style pronunciation)

6. おたおめ！— ota ome!

Meaning: Slang, internet-style “HBD!”

7. 〇〇歳のお誕生日おめでとう！（〇〇さいのおたんじょうびおめでとう）— ○○-sai no otanjōbi omedetō

Meaning: Happy __th birthday!

8. 素敵な一年になりますように（すてきないちねんになりますように）— sutekina ichinen ni narimasu yō ni

Meaning: Wishing you a wonderful year ahead.

9. 最高の誕生日を！（さいこうのたんじょうびを）— saikō no tanjōbi o!

Meaning: Have an amazing birthday!

10. 楽しい誕生日を過ごしてね（たのしいたんじょうびをすごしてね）— tanoshii tanjōbi o sugoshite ne

Meaning: Have a fun birthday!

11. 誕生日おめでとう、〇〇！（たんじょうびおめでとう）— tanjōbi omedetō, ○○!

Meaning: Happy birthday, [name]!

12. 良い一日を過ごしてね（よいいちにちをすごしてね）— yoi ichinichi o sugoshite ne

Meaning: Have a great day!

13. 誕生日、楽しんでね！（たんじょうび、たのしんでね）— tanjōbi, tanoshinde ne

Meaning: Enjoy your birthday!

14. 誕生日おめでとう！いつもありがとう — tanjōbi omedetō! itsumo arigatō

Meaning: Happy birthday! Thanks for everything.

15. 誕生日おめでとう！健康でいてね（けんこうでいてね）— tanjōbi omedetō! kenkō de ite ne

Meaning: Happy birthday! Stay healthy.

16. 生まれてきてくれてありがとう（うまれてきてくれてありがとう）— umarete kite kurete arigatō

Meaning: Thank you for being born. (very emotional)

17. 誕生日おめでとう、大好きだよ（だいすきだよ）— tanjōbi omedetō, daisuki da yo

Meaning: Happy birthday, I love you. (romantic)

18. 誕生日おめでとう！いい一年になりますように — tanjōbi omedetō! ii ichinen ni narimasu yō ni

Meaning: Happy birthday! Hope you have a great year.

19. 誕生日おめでとう！楽しみにしてたよ！（たのしみにしてたよ）— tanjōbi omedetō! tanoshimi ni shiteta yo

Meaning: Happy birthday! I was looking forward to this day!

20. 誕生日おめでとう！今日は思いっきり楽しもう（きょうはおもいっきりたのしもう）— tanjōbi omedetō! kyō wa omoikkiri tanoshimō

Meaning: Happy birthday! Let’s enjoy the day to the fullest.

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Casual Ways to Say “Happy Birthday” in Japanese

When you’re talking to close friends, siblings, or classmates, Japanese birthday greetings are usually short, warm, and relaxed. Here are the most natural casual expressions, complete with Kanji/Hiragana and Romaji, so you can use them confidently in everyday conversations.

1. お誕生日おめでとう（おたんじょうびおめでとう）— otanjōbi omedetō

A friendly and very common casual way to say “Happy birthday!”

2. 誕生日おめでとう（たんじょうびおめでとう）— tanjōbi omedetō

A simpler, slightly shorter version often used among close friends.

3. おめでとう！— omedetō!

A super casual “Congrats!” good for texts, chats, or quick wishes.

4. ハッピーバースデー！— happī bāsudē!

The English-style “Happy Birthday!” said the Japanese way  fun and modern.

5. おたおめ！— ota ome!

Trendy slang used in messages, social media, or casual texting. Similar to saying “HBD!”

Read More-: https://youtu.be/9z-FmYgWYJw?si=m1KoFG1LE9_d8MMm

Formal Ways to Say Happy Birthday

When speaking to teachers, elders, or coworkers, it’s important to use polite and respectful expressions. These phrases convey warmth while keeping a formal tone.

1. お誕生日おめでとうございます（おたんじょうびおめでとうございます）— otanjōbi omedetō gozaimasu

A polite way to say “Happy Birthday.” Ideal for coworkers, teachers, or anyone you respect.

2. 素敵な一年になりますように（すてきないちねんになりますように）— suteki na ichinen ni narimasu yō ni

Meaning: “Wishing you a wonderful year ahead.”
A thoughtful way to add a warm, positive message.

3. 健康で素晴らしい一年をお過ごしください（けんこうで すばらしい いちねんを おすごしください）— kenkō de subarashii ichinen o osugoshi kudasai

Meaning: “Wishing you a healthy and wonderful year.”
A respectful and heartfelt birthday wish suitable for formal occasions.

4. 心よりお祝い申し上げます（こころより おいわい もうしあげます）— kokoro yori oiwai mōshiagemasu

Meaning: “My heartfelt congratulations.”
Extremely formal and elegant — perfect for letters, speeches, or important events.

These formal phrases show respect, care, and professionalism, making them perfect for any birthday greeting in a formal setting.

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Anime-Style Birthday Expressions

Anime characters often use cute, energetic, or dramatic expressions when wishing someone a happy birthday. These phrases are playful, expressive, and fun—perfect for fans or casual conversations inspired by anime.

1. 誕生日おめでと〜！（たんじょうびおめでと〜！）— tanjōbi omedetō~!

Meaning: Happy birthday! (The stretched ending adds a cute, playful tone, often used by younger characters or in lighthearted scenes.)

2. お誕生日おめでとうだよ！（おたんじょうびおめでとうだよ！）— otanjōbi omedetō da yo!

Meaning: Happy birthday! (Childlike, friendly, and affectionate — commonly used by children or close friends in anime.)

3. 誕生日おめでとう！今日は特別な日だよ！（たんじょうびおめでとう！きょうはとくべつなひだよ！）— tanjōbi omedetō! Kyō wa tokubetsu na hi da yo!

Meaning: Happy birthday! Today is a special day! (Cheerful and dramatic, perfect for festive moments in anime.)

4. おめでとう！最高の一年にしようぜ！（おめでとう！さいこうのいちねんにしようぜ！）— omedetō! Saikō no ichinen ni shiyō ze!

Meaning: Congrats! Let’s make this the best year ever! (Energetic, “shōnen-style” expression — often used by male protagonists or close friends to hype someone up.)

These anime-style birthday phrases add energy, cuteness, and personality to your greetings. They’re fun to use when messaging friends who love anime, or even to make your birthday wishes more playful.

Saying Happy Birthday With a Name

Adding a person’s name to a birthday greeting in Japanese makes it feel more personal, warm, and thoughtful. The placement of the name depends on your relationship and the level of formality.

1. さくらちゃん、誕生日おめでとう！（さくらちゃん、たんじょうびおめでとう！）— Sakura-chan, tanjōbi omedetō!

Meaning: Happy birthday, Sakura!
Use -chan for children, close friends, or someone you feel affection toward. It adds a cute and friendly tone.

2. 田中さん、お誕生日おめでとうございます！（たなかさん、おたんじょうびおめでとうございます！）— Tanaka-san, otanjōbi omedetō gozaimasu!

Meaning: Happy birthday, Mr./Ms. Tanaka!
Use -san for coworkers, teachers, or someone you respect. It keeps the greeting polite and formal.

Tips for Adding Names:

• For close friends, family, or kids, -chan or -kun is common.
• For adults or formal situations, use -san after the surname.
• Position the name before the birthday greeting to make it sound natural.

Adding the person’s name turns a simple greeting into a meaningful message that shows care and attention perfect for messages, cards, or even social media posts.

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Saying Happy Birthday in Hiragana

If you’re just starting to learn Japanese or want to write a greeting entirely in hiragana, these simple expressions are perfect. Hiragana makes it easy to read and is often used in handwritten cards, notes, or messages for beginners.

1. おたんじょうびおめでとう — otanjōbi omedetō

Meaning: Happy birthday!
A friendly and casual way to greet someone entirely in hiragana. Great for friends, classmates, or younger people.

2. たんじょうびおめでとう — tanjōbi omedetō

Meaning: Happy birthday!
A slightly shorter and simpler version. Perfect for casual notes, texts, or social media messages.

3. おたんじょうびおめでとうございます — otanjōbi omedetō gozaimasu

Meaning: Happy birthday! (polite)
Even in hiragana, this version keeps your greeting polite and respectful, suitable for teachers, coworkers, or elders.

Tip: Writing entirely in hiragana can make your message feel soft, warm, and approachable especially nice for handwritten cards or personal notes.

Belated Birthday Wishes

Sometimes we miss the exact birthday  but you can still send a warm greeting with these belated birthday expressions. They’re friendly, polite, and show you care, even if you’re a little late.

1. 遅くなったけど、お誕生日おめでとう（おそくなったけど、おたんじょうびおめでとう）— osoku natta kedo, otanjōbi omedetō

Meaning: “Sorry I’m late, happy birthday.”
A polite yet casual way to acknowledge that you’re sending your wishes a bit late. Works well for friends and colleagues alike.

2. 誕生日すぎちゃったけど、おめでとう！（たんじょうびすぎちゃったけど、おめでとう！）— tanjōbi sugichatta kedo, omedetō!

Meaning: “It’s already past, but happy birthday!”
A more playful, casual way to say belated birthday wishes. Perfect for friends, classmates, or younger people.

Tip: Pair these expressions with a personal message, like mentioning a small gift, shared memory, or a heartfelt note, to make your belated greeting feel thoughtful and sincere.

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Expand Your Japanese Birthday Vocabulary

Learning birthday-related words in Japanese will make your greetings more expressive, natural, and fun. Here’s a handy list of common terms and phrases to use at parties, in cards, or during celebrations:

1. 誕生日（たんじょうび, tanjōbi） — Birthday

The most essential word! Use it in any birthday greeting or conversation.

2. プレゼント（purezento） — Gift / Present

A borrowed word from English, commonly used for gifts. You can say, “I got a present for you!” with this.

3. ケーキ（kēki） — Cake

No birthday is complete without cake! Easy to remember and widely understood in Japan.

4. 祝い（いわい, iwai） — Celebration

Refers to the act of celebrating or congratulating someone. Often used in phrases like “Birthday celebration.”

5. ろうそく（rōsoku） — Candle

A key item on any birthday cake. You can say, “Let’s blow out the candles” using this word.

6. 乾杯（かんぱい, kanpai） — Cheers!

Used when toasting at parties. A lively, fun word to include in birthday celebrations.

7. 何歳ですか？（なんさいですか, nansai desu ka?） — How old are you?

A polite way to ask someone’s age. Commonly used among friends or family in casual conversations.

8. まだ若いですね（まだわかいですね, mada wakai desu ne） — You still look young

A friendly compliment that can make the birthday person smile. Great for coworkers, friends, or relatives.

Tip: Combine these words with your birthday greetings to make messages more colorful and authentic. For example, “誕生日おめでとう！ケーキを食べながら乾杯しよう！” (“Happy birthday! Let’s eat cake and toast!”)

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Useful Birthday Phrases You Can Start Using Today

Want to make your birthday conversations more natural and fun in Japanese? These phrases are perfect for friends, family, or coworkers, and they help you express excitement, care, and celebration.

1. あなたの誕生日に食事に行きましょう（あなたのたんじょうびに しょくじにいきましょう）— Anata no tanjōbi ni shokuji ni ikimashō

Meaning: “Let’s go out for dinner on your birthday.”
A friendly and thoughtful way to celebrate someone’s special day together.

2. プレゼントを気に入ってもらえたら嬉しいです（ぷれぜんとを きにいってもらえたら うれしいです）— Purezento o ki ni itte moraetara ureshii desu

Meaning: “I hope you like the gift.” (Formal)
Polite and considerate, suitable for coworkers, teachers, or anyone you want to respect.

3. 気に入るといいな（きにいるといいな）— Kinīru to ii na

Meaning: “Hope you like it.” (Informal)
Casual and friendly — perfect for friends or younger family members.

4. 祝いましょう！（いわいましょう！）— Iwaimashō!

Meaning: “Let’s celebrate!”
A simple and cheerful phrase to get the birthday vibes going.

5. 誕生日はどう過ごすの？（たんじょうびはどうすごすの？）— Tanjōbi wa dō sugosu no?

Meaning: “How will you spend your birthday?”
Shows interest in the birthday person’s plans and sparks friendly conversation.

6. 今日は特別な日だね！（きょうはとくべつなひだね！）— Kyō wa tokubetsu na hi da ne!

Meaning: “Today is a special day!”
A warm and positive way to acknowledge the importance of the day.

7. 誕生日パーティーする？（たんじょうびぱーてぃーする？）— Tanjōbi pātii suru?

Meaning: “Will you have a birthday party?”
Casual and playful  perfect for friends or peers when planning celebrations.

Tip: Mix and match these phrases to create friendly, polite, or playful birthday conversations. For example:

“今日は特別な日だね！誕生日パーティーする？プレゼントもあるよ！”
“Today is a special day! Are you having a birthday party? I also have a gift for you!”

Learn natural expressions of gratitude with this guide on Say thank you in Japanese.

The “Happy Birthday” Song in Japanese

In Japan, the English version of the “Happy Birthday” song is most commonly sung, but pronounced in a Japanese way. It’s the standard at birthday parties, schools, and family celebrations.

Japanese Pronunciation of the English Song

ハッピー・バースデー・トゥー・ユー  

Happī bāsudē tū yū  

ハッピー・バースデー・トゥー・ユー  

Happī bāsudē tū yū  

ハッピー・バースデー・ディア ○○  

Happī bāsudē dia [Name]  

ハッピー・バースデー・トゥー・ユー  

Happī bāsudē tū yū  

How to use it:

Replace ○○ with the birthday person’s name.

This version is easy to sing even if you’re learning Japanese, as it uses katakana for loanwords.

A Fun Fact:

There is also an older, traditional Japanese birthday song, but it’s rarely sung today. Most celebrations, from kids’ parties to office gatherings, use the English version adapted to Japanese pronunciation.

Tip: Singing the Japanese pronunciation of the English “Happy Birthday” song can make you feel more involved in Japanese birthday celebrations, even if you’re just visiting or learning the language.

To understand one of the most common phrases, explore How to use Yoroshiku Onegaishimasu.

Birthday Conversation Examples

Seeing birthday phrases in action helps you sound natural and feel confident in real-life situations. Here are some common scenarios:

A. Inviting a Friend for Dinner

Scenario: You want to celebrate a friend’s birthday by going out for a meal.

Aki: 来週の誕生日、何か予定ある？
 (らいしゅうのたんじょうび、なにかよていある？)
 Raishū no tanjōbi, nani ka yotei aru?
“Do you have any plans for your birthday next week?”

Takeshi: ううん、まだ何も決めてないよ。
 (ううん、まだなにもきめてないよ)
 Ūn, mada nani mo kimetenai yo.
“Nope, not yet.”

Aki: じゃあ、ご飯行かない？僕のおごりだよ！
 (じゃあ、ごはんいかない？ぼくのおごりだよ！)
 Jā, gohan ikanai? Boku no ogori da yo!
“Then, how about we go out for dinner? My treat!”

Takeshi: 本当？嬉しい、ありがとう！
 (ほんとう？うれしい、ありがとう！)
 Hontō? Ureshii, arigatō!
“Really? That’s awesome, thank you!”

B. Giving a Birthday Present

Scenario: Handing over a gift and expressing hope that they like it.

Yumi: 誕生日おめでとう！これ、プレゼントだよ。
 (たんじょうびおめでとう！これ、ぷれぜんとだよ)
 Tanjōbi omedetō! Kore, purezento da yo.
“Happy birthday! Here’s a present for you.”

Ken: ありがとう！開けていい？
 (ありがとう！あけていい？)
 Arigatō! Akete ii?
“Thanks! Can I open it?”

Yumi: うん！気に入るといいな。
 (うん！きにいるといいな)
 Un! Kinīru to ii na.
“Sure! I hope you like it.”

Ken: わぁ！ずっと欲しかったやつだ。ありがとう！
 (わぁ！ずっとほしかったやつだ。ありがとう！)
 Wā! Zutto hoshikatta yatsu da. Arigatō!
“Wow! I’ve wanted this for so long. Thank you!”

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C. Asking About Their Age

Scenario: Polite curiosity about a friend’s age during a birthday celebration.

Mika: 誕生日おめでとう！いくつになったの？
 (たんじょうびおめでとう！いくつになったの？)
 Tanjōbi omedetō! Ikutsu ni natta no?
“Happy birthday! How old are you now?”

Riku: 20歳になったよ！
 (はたちになったよ！)
 Hatachi ni natta yo!
“I turned 20!”

Mika: おお、成人だね！おめでとう！
 (おお、せいじんだね！おめでとう！)
 Ō, seijin da ne! Omedetō!
“Wow, you’re an adult now! Congratulations!”

Tip: Practicing these dialogues will help you sound natural, polite, and friendly in any Japanese birthday situation whether in person or via messages.

Use These Greetings in Real Life!

Now that you’ve learned a variety of birthday greetings, phrases, and vocabulary, you’re ready to wish someone a happy birthday naturally in Japanese whether it’s a classmate, coworker, online friend, or someone you met while studying the language.

Try incorporating these phrases in real-life situations:

• While watching anime and recognizing cute or energetic birthday expressions.
• When messaging a Japanese friend or sending a birthday card.
• During parties or casual meetups, using greetings and vocabulary you’ve practiced.

Even small attempts make a difference. Every time you use these expressions, you’re building confidence, improving pronunciation, and boosting fluency. Soon, greeting someone in Japanese will feel as natural as in your native language!

So go ahead pick a phrase, add a friend’s name, and make someone’s birthday extra special with your Japanese skills.

Beginners and intermediate learners can study essential rules through the Japanese grammar overview.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How do you say Happy Birthday politely in Japanese?

Answer: Use お誕生日おめでとうございます
 (おたんじょうびおめでとうございます, otanjōbi omedetō gozaimasu)
This is the standard formal way to wish someone a happy birthday, perfect for teachers, elders, or coworkers.

2. How do you say Happy Birthday casually?

Answer: Use お誕生日おめでとう or 誕生日おめでとう
 (おたんじょうびおめでとう / たんじょうびおめでとう, otanjōbi omedetō / tanjōbi omedetō)
Great for friends, siblings, or classmates in a casual setting.

3. How do you say Happy Birthday with someone’s name?

Answer: Add the person’s name before the greeting:
 さくらさん、お誕生日おめでとうございます！
 (さくらさん、おたんじょうびおめでとうございます！, Sakura-san, otanjōbi omedetō gozaimasu!)
Makes your message personal and thoughtful.

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4. How do you say Happy Birthday in anime style?

Answer: Anime characters often use cute, energetic expressions like:

• おめでと〜！ (omedetō~!) – Stretching the ending for cuteness
• 誕生日おめでとうだよ！ (tanjōbi omedetō da yo!) – Childlike or playful tone

5. How do you write Happy Birthday in hiragana?

Answer:
 おたんじょうびおめでとう (otanjōbi omedetō)
Perfect for beginners or handwritten cards.

6. What is a belated birthday wish in Japanese?

Answer:
 遅くなったけど、お誕生日おめでとう
 (おそくなったけど、おたんじょうびおめでとう, osoku natta kedo, otanjōbi omedetō)
“Sorry I’m late, happy birthday.” Great for late messages.

7. How do you ask “When is your birthday?” in Japanese?

Answer:
 誕生日はいつですか？
 (たんじょうびは いつですか？, Tanjōbi wa itsu desu ka?)

8. What is the birthday song in Japanese?

Answer: Most people sing the English version with Japanese pronunciation:
 ハッピー・バースデー・トゥー・ユー, ハッピー・バースデー・ディア ○○
Replace ○○ with the person’s name.

9. How do you say “I hope you have a great year” in Japanese?

Answer:
 素敵な一年になりますように
 (すてきないちねんになりますように, sutekina ichinen ni narimasu yō ni)
A thoughtful way to wish someone well for the year ahead.

10. How do you say “My birthday is…” in Japanese?

Answer:
 私の誕生日は〇月〇日です。
 (わたしのたんじょうびは〇がつ〇にちです。, Watashi no tanjōbi wa [month] gatsu [day] nichi desu.)