How do you sing “Happy Birthday” in Japanese? This is a common question for those who are interested in learning Japanese or for those who have Japanese friends and want to participate in their celebrations. “Happy Birthday” is a song that is known and loved worldwide, so it’s no surprise that it has been translated into many different languages, including Japanese. In this article, we will guide you through the Japanese version of “Happy Birthday” and provide some useful tips for those who want to sing it correctly.
The Japanese version of “Happy Birthday” is called “ハッピーバースディ” (Happī Bāsudi). It is a straightforward translation of the English lyrics, and it follows a similar melody. Here is the Japanese version of the song:
ハッピーバースディ・トゥ・ユー
ハッピーバースディ・デイ
ハッピーバースディ・トゥ・ユー
ハッピーバースディ・デイ
アイ・ウィッシュ・ユー・ア・ハッピーバースディ
アイ・ウィッシュ・ユー・ア・ハッピーバースディ
アイ・ウィッシュ・ユー・ア・ハッピーバースディ
アイ・ウィッシュ・ユー・ア・ハッピーバースディ
Let’s break down the lyrics:
- ハッピーバースディ・トゥ・ユー (Happī Bāsudi Tō Yū): Happy Birthday to you
- ハッピーバースディ・デイ (Happī Bāsudi Day): Happy Birthday day
- アイ・ウィッシュ・ユー・ア・ハッピーバースディ (Ai Wishes Yū A Happī Bāsudi): I wish you a happy birthday
When singing “Happy Birthday” in Japanese, it’s important to pay attention to the pronunciation. Here are some tips to help you get started:
- Practice the vowels: Japanese vowels are different from English vowels, so it’s important to practice them to ensure you’re pronouncing the song correctly.
- Emphasize the long vowels: In Japanese, long vowels are held longer than short vowels. This is particularly important in the phrase “ハッピーバースディ・トゥ・ユー” (Happī Bāsudi Tō Yū), where the “い” (i) and “ゥ” (u) vowels are long.
- Use a metronome: To maintain the rhythm, use a metronome or count out the beats while practicing.
Once you’ve mastered the pronunciation and rhythm, you’ll be ready to sing “Happy Birthday” in Japanese with confidence. Whether you’re celebrating with friends or family, or simply want to impress your Japanese language skills, learning the Japanese version of “Happy Birthday” is a fun and rewarding experience.
