Italian Phrase
Oggi è il compleanno di mia moglie.
Meaning
This phrase literally translates to "Today is the birthday of my wife." It's a straightforward and common way to announce or state that it's your wife's birthday. The structure emphasizes the current day and the special occasion.
When to use
You would use this phrase to inform friends, family, or colleagues about your wife's birthday. It's suitable for casual conversations, social media posts, or when making plans related to the celebration, such as organizing a dinner or party.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Oggièilcompleannodimiamoglie
Oggi
This adverb means 'today.' It can be placed at the beginning or end of a sentence for emphasis, but often starts the sentence when referring to the current day's events.
è (essere)
This is the third person singular form of the verb 'essere' (to be). It's used here to state a fact about the current day.
il compleanno
'Il' is the masculine singular definite article. 'Compleanno' is a masculine noun meaning 'birthday.' Remember to use the correct article with nouns.
di
This preposition means 'of' or 'from.' In this context, it indicates possession, showing that the birthday belongs to 'mia moglie' (my wife).
mia moglie
'Mia' is the feminine singular possessive adjective 'my.' 'Moglie' is a feminine noun meaning 'wife.' Note that with singular family members, the definite article is typically omitted when a possessive adjective is used (e.g., 'mia madre', 'mio fratello', 'mia moglie').
🗨In Conversation
Cosa fai stasera?
What are you doing tonight?
Oggi è il compleanno di mia moglie, quindi andiamo a cena fuori!
Today is my wife's birthday, so we're going out for dinner!
✕Common Mistakes
Oggi è il compleanno a mia moglie.
The preposition 'di' (of) is used to indicate possession, not 'a' (to/at).
Oggi è compleanno di mia moglie.
The definite article 'il' is required before 'compleanno' in this context.
Oggi è il compleanno della mia moglie.
With singular family members (like 'moglie'), the definite article is usually omitted when a possessive adjective ('mia') is used. So, 'di mia moglie' is correct.
↔Alternatives
È il compleanno di mia moglie oggi.
It's my wife's birthday today.
Mia moglie compie gli anni oggi.
My wife turns years today. (More idiomatic way to say 'it's her birthday')
Oggi festeggiamo il compleanno di mia moglie.
Today we celebrate my wife's birthday.
Cultural Tip
In Italy, birthdays are important family occasions, often celebrated with a special meal, cake, and gifts. It's common to wish someone 'Buon compleanno!' (Happy birthday!). Family is central to Italian culture, so acknowledging a spouse's birthday is a significant and cherished gesture, often involving gathering with loved ones.