Everyday Phrases
How Do You Say Happy Birthday in Brazilian Portuguese?
Master the phrases, pronunciations, and cultural touches for celebrating birthdays in Brazil.
Tone
Warm & joyful
Expect songs, hugs, and dessert.
Key word
Parabéns
Literally “congratulations.”
Add-on
Muitas felicidades
Wish “many joys.”
Essential birthday phrases
Feliz aniversário
The classic phrase used in cards, social media, and formal events.
Parabéns
Literally “congratulations,” it’s the default shout when someone walks into a party.
Muitas felicidades
A warm wish for many joys, often paired with the official birthday song.
How Brazilians celebrate
Birthdays in Brazil typically include an evening gathering (whether at home or in a bar), cake cutting after a short “Parabéns pra você” song, and plenty of selfies. Even office parties involve clapping rhythms and jokes. You’ll stand out, in a good way, if you join the clapping and keep eye contact while saying “Parabéns”.
If you can’t attend in person, send a voice message. Brazilians value hearing your enthusiasm more than reading a perfectly typed paragraph.
Lyrics: “Parabéns pra você”
Parabéns pra você Nesta data querida Muitas felicidades Muitos anos de vida É pique, é pique É pique, é pique, é pique É hora, é hora É hora, é hora, é hora Ra-tim-bum!
Pronunciation + etiquette tips
- Stretch the second syllable in “Parabéns” (pah-rah-BEYNZ) and keep the nasal ending light.
- Clap or lightly tap the table to the rhythm when singing the birthday song—Brazilians rarely stay seated.
- Add “Muitos anos de vida!” (many years of life) for extra warmth.
- For close friends, mix in affectionate nicknames or mention a favorite dessert (bolo de brigadeiro).
Sample birthday message
Portuguese
Parabéns, Ana! Muitas felicidades e que seu próximo ano seja cheio de saúde e música boa.
English
Happy birthday, Ana! Wishing you lots of joy and a year full of health and great music.