Ways to Say It
Japanese politeness levels shift the phrase slightly depending on the relationship.
お誕生日おめでとうHappy birthday — casual, for friends and family
お誕生日おめでとうございますHappy birthday — polite, safe for most situations
誕生日おめでとうHappy birthday — very casual, dropping the honorific "o"
素敵な一年になりますようにMay it be a wonderful year — a warm addition to any birthday message
Happy BirthdayThe English phrase is also very commonly used casually in Japan
Example Messages
Full example messages you can send as-is or adapt.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between the casual and polite Japanese birthday phrases?
"Omedetō" is casual, used with friends and close family, while adding "gozaimasu" (omedetō gozaimasu) makes it polite, appropriate for coworkers, acquaintances, or anyone you'd address formally.
Do Japanese speakers also just say "Happy Birthday" in English?
Yes, quite often, especially among younger people and in casual social media posts — English birthday greetings are widely understood and used in Japan.
Is there a traditional Japanese birthday song?
The English "Happy Birthday to You" melody is commonly used in Japan too, often sung with the Japanese phrase substituted into the lyrics.