Spanish Phrase
¿Cuándo es tu aniversario?
Meaning
This phrase is used to ask for the date of a recurring yearly celebration. While it is most commonly used for wedding anniversaries, it can also refer to the anniversary of a business, a relationship, or any significant past event. The use of the verb 'ser' (es) is essential here as it identifies a point in time or a date.
When to use
Use this phrase in social situations when getting to know a couple or when planning a celebratory event. It is appropriate for friends, family, and casual acquaintances.
✦Grammar Breakdown
¿Cuándoestuaniversario?
Cuándo
The word 'cuándo' carries an accent mark when used in a question.
Es
The third-person singular of 'ser' is used to define dates and events.
Tu
This is a possessive adjective meaning 'your' (informal/singular); do not confuse it with 'tú' (you).
🗨In Conversation
¿Cuándo es tu aniversario?
When is your anniversary?
Es el veinte de octubre.
It is on October 20th.
✕Common Mistakes
¿Cuándo está tu aniversario?
In Spanish, dates and events always use the verb 'ser' (es), never 'estar'.
¿Cuándo es su aniversario?
While grammatically correct for 'their' or formal 'your', use 'tu' if you are speaking informally to a friend.
↔Alternatives
¿Qué día es vuestro aniversario?
What day is your (plural) anniversary?
¿Cuándo celebran su aniversario?
When do you celebrate your anniversary?
Cultural Tip
In many Spanish-speaking countries, anniversaries are major family milestones. It is common to specify 'aniversario de bodas' for weddings to distinguish it from other types of anniversaries. Note that birthdays are called 'cumpleaños' and are never referred to as 'aniversarios'.