SpeekuHow to say

How to say happy birthday in European Portuguese

What people say, and how it sounds.

The answer
happy birthday, and congratulationsparabéns/pɐɾɐˈbɐ̃j̃ʃ/

The short answer

Parabéns is what people actually say, and sing: it covers happy birthday and congratulations in one word. The long form, feliz aniversário, is what you write on a card.

For emphasis, muitos parabéns; to congratulate someone on something, parabéns por and what they did.

pa-ra-BÃYSH

The stress is on the last syllable, which is nasal, and the final s is the Portuguese sh: pa-ra-BÃYSH. Three quick syllables and a long last one.

Hear it in a sentence

Every line is one the course teaches, with its European Portuguese audio.

parabéns/pɐɾɐˈbɐ̃j̃ʃ/

happy birthday!; congratulations!

Quero desejar-te um feliz aniversário!

I want to wish you a happy birthday! (informal)

Parabéns por teres passado no exame!

Congratulations on passing the exam! (informal)

O perdedor deu os parabéns ao vencedor.

The loser congratulated the winner.

People also ask

How do I say happy birthday to a friend?

Parabéns!, then a hug: in Portugal a birthday comes with two kisses or an abraço.

How do I say congratulations on the new job?

Parabéns pelo novo emprego!

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