The phrase is written お 誕生日 おめでとう ございます. A literal translation of this phrase would be “many congratulations on your birthday. "
Young people may speak even more casually with each other, saying “happy bazde” ( ハッピーバースデー) to each other. This greeting is basically just a collection of Japanese syllables that sounds like “happy birthday” in English. [4] X Research source
“Itsumo osewani natteimasu. Arigatou gozaimasu. " (Thank you for your continued support. ) “Korekaramo sutekina manager de itekudasai. " (Please always be yourself as a wonderful manager. ) “Itsumo atatakaku goshido itadaki arigatou gozaimasu. " (Thank you for giving us such comforting guidance all the time. ) “Ni totte taisetsu na hi o isshoni sugosete kouei desu. " (I am grateful to be able to spend such an important day of your life with you. )
“Shinyu-no anatani, otanjo-bi omedetou. " (Happy birthday to my best friend. ) “Aisuru anatani, otanjo-bi omedetou. " (Happy birthday, my love. )
If you want to be even more casual, you can simply say “nansai desu ka. " On the other hand, if you’re talking to someone older than you or in a position of authority and want to be more formal, you would say “toshi wa ikutsu desu ka. “[8] X Research source
For example, if you’re 26 years old, you would respond “watashi wa ni-juu-roku sai desu. " If you were asked with the more casual “nansai desu ka,” you can simply respond with your age followed by “sai desu ka. “[10] X Research source
For example, suppose you were born in 1992. The Heisei era started in 1989, so you were born in the fourth year of the Heisei era. Your age is “Heisei 4. "
Shichi-go-san (七五三): A festival for girls when they reach the ages of 3 and 7, or boys when they reach the age of 5. Hatachi (二十歳): The 20th birthday, when Japanese young people become adults. Kanreki (還暦): The 5 cycles of the Chinese zodiac are complete when a person turns 60 and they are said to be reborn. The birthday celebrant wears a sleeveless red jacket that represents a return to the beginning of life.
The festivities begin with the birthday celebrant in a formal kimono, although they may change into more casual clothes later. The party and feast are prepared by the parents. This is typically the last such ceremony the parents will give to their children apart from their wedding.
While the person having the birthday may be in on the planning of the birthday party, in Japanese culture they typically aren’t responsible for paying for the party, inviting guests, or arranging other details. The birthday party doesn’t have to be elaborate. It often consists of a group of friends taking the birthday boy or girl out for dinner to celebrate, perhaps at a favorite restaurant.
As with the birthday party, the date doesn’t have to be elaborate. Many Japanese couples are content simply to spend time together without the intrusion of outside pressures.
