Portuguese Phrase
Quando é seu aniversário?
Meaning
This phrase is the standard way to ask someone about their birth date in Portuguese. It uses the question word 'Quando' for time and the verb 'ser' for a fixed event. The possessive 'seu' makes the question personal and direct.
When to use
This is used in casual conversations when getting to know someone or in administrative contexts. It is appropriate for all levels of formality.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Quandoéseuaniversário
Quando
Interrogative pronoun used to ask about time or dates.
é
The third-person singular of the verb 'ser', used for permanent characteristics.
seu
Possessive pronoun meaning 'your', agreeing with the masculine noun 'aniversário'.
🗨In Conversation
Quando é seu aniversário?
When is your birthday?
Meu aniversário é amanhã.
My birthday is tomorrow.
✕Common Mistakes
Quando está seu aniversário?
Always use 'ser' for dates and birthdays, never 'estar'.
Quando é você aniversário?
Use the possessive 'seu' instead of the subject pronoun 'você'.
↔Alternatives
Que dia você faz anos?
What day do you turn years?
Qual é a data do seu nascimento?
What is your date of birth?
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, it is common to have a party with a cake and sing 'Parabéns a Você'. In Portugal, people often use the verb 'fazer' to describe having a birthday, such as 'fazer anos'.