Happy Birthday in Italian Lyrics & Translation

Singing “Tanti Auguri a Te”: The Complete Guide to Happy Birthday in Italian

When celebration is in the air, music is never far behind. Around the world, birthdays are marked by a very specific, universally recognized ritual: gathering around a cake, lighting candles, and singing that familiar, joyous melody.

While English speakers default to “Happy Birthday to You,” crossing the Alps into Italy reveals a charmingly different linguistic and cultural twist on the tradition. Whether you are planning a trip to Rome, celebrating with an Italian-American family, or simply looking to serenade a friend in the language of romance, understanding the Italian birthday song is a delightful cultural milestone.

The Lyrics: “Tanti Auguri a Te”

Unlike the English version, which translates literally to “Happy Birthday to You,” the standard Italian birthday song translates more closely to “Many good wishes to you.”

Here are the complete lyrics you need to know:

Tanti auguri a te,
(Many best wishes to you,)

Tanti auguri a te,
(Many best wishes to you,)

Tanti auguri a [Name],
(Many best wishes to [Name],)

Tanti auguri a te!
(Many best wishes to you!)

Pronunciation Guide

• Tanti auguri a te: TAHN-tee ow-GOO-ree ah teh
• A [Name]: ah [NAH-may] (Simply insert the birthday person’s name on the third line).

The Tune: Same Rhythm, Different Flavor

If you are wondering about the melody, you can breathe a sigh of relief: it uses the exact same tune as the traditional English “Happy Birthday to You” (originally written by American sisters Patty and Mildred Hill in 1893).

Because the rhythm and notes match note-for-note, you don’t have to learn any new sheet music or worry about missing a beat. You just swap out the English syllables for the Italian ones.

• English: Hap-py birth-day to you… (4 beats)
• Italian: Tan-ti au-gu-ri a te… (4 beats)

The Secret Weapon: The “Che Lo” Tradition

If you want to sing like a true native and elevate the energy at an Italian gathering, watch out for what happens immediately after everyone finishes singing “Tanti Auguri a Te.”

In Italy, the song rarely just ends on the final note. Almost instantly, the crowd will seamlessly transition into a lively, rhythmic chant:

E che lo faccia festeggiare,
Tutti insieme a braccetto…
(And may they celebrate, all together arm in arm…)