In Japan, the idea of celebrating your birthday on the day of your birth is new.All Japanese birthdays were celebrated over the new year until the 1950s.The idea of an individual birthday took on more significance as Japanese culture became more influenced by Western culture.You would say "otanjoubi omedetou gozaimasu" in Japanese if you wanted to say happy birthday.If the person is close to you, leave off the "o" and "gozaimasu" which are considered more formal.
Step 1: To be polite, say "otanjoubi omedetou gozaimasu"
Happy birthday is what "Otanjoubi omedetou gazaiasu" means.The "o" before "tanjoubi" means politeness and respect.The word "gozaimasu" is considered more formal.When speaking to a stranger, someone older than you, or someone in a position of authority, use this phrase.The phrase is written on a piece of paper.Many congratulations on your birthday is a translation of this phrase.
Step 2: For close friends, switch to "tanjoubi omedetou".
If you're talking to people who are younger than you, say "tanjoubi omedetou" for happy birthday.Young people may say "happy bazde" to each other.There is a collection of Japanese words that sound like "happy birthday" in English.
Step 3: There is an expression of gratitude for authority figures.
If you're wishing a happy birthday to someone who has authority over you, such as a teacher or your boss at work, it's common practice in Japanese culture to also thank them for their presence in your life." Itsumo osewani natteimasu" is one of the phrases you can use.Arigatou gozaimasu.Thank you for your continued support.Korekaramo's manager is de itekudasai.You should always be a wonderful manager.Itsumo atatakaku goshido itadaki.Thank you for comforting us all the time."Ni totte taisetsu na hi o isshoni sugosete kouei desu."I am thankful to be able to spend the day with you.
Step 4: You can personalize your greeting with a name or relationship.
If you want to draw attention to your relationship in your birthday wish, you should celebrate the birthday of a close friend, family member, or significant other."Shinyu-no anatani, otanjo-bi omedetou."Happy birthday to my best friend."Aisuru anatani, otanjo-bi omedetou."Happy birthday, my love.
Step 5: Asking someone how old they are is called "anata wa nansai desu ka".
You can say "nansai desu ka" if you want to be even more casual.If you want to be more formal, you would say "toshi wa ikutsu desu ka."
Step 6: If you want to respond with your age, say "watashi wa," followed by "sai desu."
It is easy to count in Japanese.You can form any number if you count to 10 in Japanese.For your age, use that number.If you're 26 years old, you would say "Watashi wa ni-juu-roku sai desu."If you were asked with the more casual "nansai desu ka," you can simply reply with your age.
Step 7: The Japanese calendar allows you to express your birthday.
If you want to impress a Japanese person, you can reference the Japanese calendar.The Showa era was when you were born.During the Heisei era, you were born between 1989 and 2019.You can use the year you were born to express how old you are in the era.You were born in 1992.You were born in the fourth year of the Heisei era."Heisei 4" is your age.
Step 8: There are special birthdays in Japanese culture.
Birthdays in different cultures are considered more important than others.The 3rd, 5th, and 7th birthdays are important for children in Japan.There are several important aging milestone for older people.Shichi-go-san is a festival for girls and boys when they reach the ages of 3 and 7.The 20th birthday is when Japanese young people become adults.When a person turns 60, the Chinese zodiac completes and they are said to be reborn.The birthday celebrant wears a sleeveless red jacket that symbolizes a return to the beginning of life.
Step 9: At 20 you can celebrate the start of adulthood.
If you're an American, you can celebrate 18 as the year you enter adulthood and can vote, or 21 as your legal drinking age.A large, formal celebration is held in the hometown of the birthday celebrant at the age of 20 in Japan.Birthday celebrants may change into more casual clothes later on in the festivities.Parents prepare the party and feast.The last such ceremony the parents will give to their children is this one.
Step 10: The birthday party should be held a few days before the actual birthday.
A big birthday party for the family, friends, and coworkers is one of the Western birthday customs adopted by the Japanese.The party is usually planned by a family member or close friend.The larger party is usually held a few days earlier because someone's actual birthday is spent privately.In Japanese culture, the person having the birthday doesn't have to pay for the party or arrange other details.Birthday parties don't have to be elaborate.A group of friends take a birthday boy or girl out for dinner to celebrate at a favorite restaurant.
Step 11: You can go on a date with your significant other.
If you're in a romantic relationship with someone who is Japanese, it's your responsibility to plan a date on their birthday.While they may have a party a few days before, their actual birthday is spent with their significant other.The date doesn't have to be elaborate.Many Japanese couples are content to just spend time together.