10 Essential Ways To Ask "When Is Your Birthday?" In Spanish (Formal, Informal, And Slang)

Learning how to ask "When is your birthday?" in Spanish is one of the most fundamental social phrases you can master. It's a key step in building stronger connections, showing genuine interest, and participating in the vibrant cultural celebrations of the Spanish-speaking world. As of December 2025, the core phrases remain the same, but understanding the context—whether to use the informal *tú* or the formal *usted*—is crucial for sounding natural and respectful. Asking about someone's *cumpleaños* (birthday) goes beyond a simple translation; it opens the door to understanding unique customs, from the famous Mexican *mordida* to the traditional song *Las Mañanitas*. This comprehensive guide will equip you with all the necessary vocabulary and cultural context to navigate birthday conversations in any Spanish-speaking country.

The Essential Spanish Birthday Phrases: Asking and Answering

The Spanish language offers multiple ways to pose this simple question, depending on your relationship with the person you are speaking to and the level of formality required. Mastering these variations is key to sounding like a native speaker.

The Two Main Informal Ways (Using *Tú*)

When speaking to a friend, a child, or someone you know well, you will use the informal pronoun *tú*.

1. ¿Cuándo es tu cumpleaños?

This is the most direct and literal translation of "When is your birthday?" It uses the noun *cumpleaños* (birthday).

2. ¿Cuándo cumples años?

This is a very common and slightly more colloquial way to ask the question. It literally translates to "When do you complete years?" and uses the verb *cumplir* (to complete/turn).

3. ¿Cuándo es tu cumple?

For a very casual and abbreviated version, especially among close friends in Spain and parts of Latin America, you can shorten *cumpleaños* to *cumple*.

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The Formal Way (Using *Usted*)

If you are addressing an elder, a professional colleague, a superior, or anyone you wish to show respect to, you must switch to the formal pronoun *usted*.

4. ¿Cuándo es su cumpleaños?

This is the formal equivalent of the direct question. The possessive adjective changes from *tu* to *su* (your, formal).

5. ¿Cuándo cumple años?

This is the formal equivalent using the verb *cumplir*. Notice that the verb conjugation changes from *cumples* (tú) to *cumple* (usted).

How to Answer the Question in Spanish

The structure for answering the birthday question is straightforward. You will use the phrase *Mi cumpleaños es el...* (My birthday is the...).

6. Mi cumpleaños es el [day] de [month].

When stating your birthday, you must use the definite article *el* before the number. For example:

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• *Mi cumpleaños es el 15 de agosto.* (My birthday is August 15th.)
• *Mi cumpleaños es el primero de enero.* (My birthday is January 1st.) Note: For the 1st, *primero* is often used, though *uno* is also acceptable.

7. Cumplo años en [month].

If you only want to state the month, you can use the verb *cumplir* again. For example, *Cumplo años en diciembre* (I turn years in December).

Essential Vocabulary: Months, Numbers, and Dates

To confidently ask and answer the birthday question, you need to know the months and numbers in Spanish. This is essential topical authority for a conversation about *la fecha* (the date).

The Spanish Months (*Los Meses*)

• January: *enero*
• February: *febrero*
• March: *marzo*
• April: *abril*
• May: *mayo*
• June: *junio*
• July: *julio*
• August: *agosto*
• September: *septiembre*
• October: *octubre*
• November: *noviembre*
• December: *diciembre*

Pro-Tip: Unlike in English, the months of the year in Spanish are not capitalized unless they start a sentence.

Key Birthday Vocabulary (*Vocabulario de Cumpleaños*)

Expanding your vocabulary beyond the core question will allow you to participate fully in a *fiesta de cumpleaños* (birthday party).

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• *Feliz cumpleaños:* Happy birthday
• *La celebración:* The celebration
• *La invitación:* The invitation
• *El pastel / La torta / El bizcocho:* Cake (usage varies by region)
• *Las velas / Las candelas:* Candles
• *El regalo:* The gift
• *La piñata:* A decorated container filled with sweets and small toys, often broken at parties in Mexico and Central America.
• *La quinceañera:* A special celebration for a girl's 15th birthday in many Latin American countries.

Cultural Deep Dive: Spanish Birthday Traditions

Understanding the cultural context behind a birthday celebration adds significant depth to your language skills. Spanish-speaking countries have some of the most unique and lively birthday customs in the world.

The Song: "Las Mañanitas"

8. Singing the Traditional Song

In many countries, especially Mexico, the traditional birthday song is not "Happy Birthday to You" but *Las Mañanitas* (The Little Mornings). This beautiful song is often sung early in the morning, sometimes by a mariachi band, to wake up the birthday person.

The Cake Tradition: La Mordida

9. The Mexican "Bite" Tradition

One of the most famous and playful traditions in Mexico is *La Mordida* (The Bite). After the *cumpleañero* (birthday person) is serenaded and the candles are blown out, they are encouraged to take the first bite of the *pastel* (cake) without using their hands. Friends and family will then playfully push the birthday person's face into the cake, often resulting in a face full of frosting!

Celebrating Milestones: *La Quinceañera*

10. The 15th Birthday Celebration

The 15th birthday, or *Quinceañera*, is a major cultural milestone for girls in many Latin American cultures, marking the transition from childhood to young womanhood. This elaborate celebration often includes a formal mass, a grand party with a traditional waltz, and a presentation of the young woman to society. This is a far more significant event than a typical birthday *fiesta*.

Advanced Conversational Phrases

To keep the conversation flowing after you've asked the initial question, here are a few more advanced phrases:

11. ¿Qué vas a hacer para tu cumpleaños?

This asks: "What are you going to do for your birthday?" It's a great follow-up question to show continued interest.

12. ¡Que tengas un feliz cumpleaños!

A slightly more formal and well-wishing phrase than just *Feliz cumpleaños*, meaning "May you have a happy birthday!"

13. Te deseo lo mejor en tu día.

This translates to "I wish you the best on your day," and is a warm, polite way to send good wishes.

14. ¿Cuántos años cumples?

If you want to know their age, this phrase asks: "How old are you turning?"

15. ¿Cuándo naciste?

A slightly more formal or inquisitive way to ask "When were you born?" using the verb *nacer* (to be born).

By integrating these 15 essential phrases and cultural insights into your Spanish repertoire, you'll be ready to engage in any birthday conversation with confidence and respect for the local *tradiciones* (traditions). The simplicity of *¿Cuándo es tu cumpleaños?* is just the starting point for a rich cultural journey.