Ways to Say It
Portuguese speakers commonly use "Parabéns" interchangeably with "Feliz aniversário" — both are correct and widely used.
Feliz aniversárioHappy birthday — the direct, literal phrase
ParabénsCongratulations — used just as commonly for birthdays as "feliz aniversário"
Parabéns pelo seu aniversárioCongratulations on your birthday — a fuller version
Muitas felicidadesMuch happiness — a warm addition to a birthday message
Que este novo ano de vida seja repleto de alegriaMay this new year of life be full of joy
Example Messages
Full example messages you can send as-is or adapt.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Portuguese speakers say "Feliz aniversário" or "Parabéns" for birthdays?
Both — "Parabéns" (congratulations) is used just as commonly as "Feliz aniversário" (happy birthday) in everyday conversation, and the two are often used together.
Is Portuguese in Brazil different from Portuguese in Portugal for birthday phrases?
The core phrases are the same in both, though everyday vocabulary and accent differ between Brazilian and European Portuguese overall.
What's a traditional Portuguese birthday song?
"Parabéns pra Você" is the standard Portuguese-language birthday song, sung to the same tune as the English "Happy Birthday to You."