Listening and Speaking A1: Talking About Birthdays and Celebrations

Birthdays and celebrations are joyful occasions that bring friends and family together. In this lesson, you’ll learn how to talk about birthdays, plan parties, and celebrate special moments in English. Let’s get started! 🥳

🎈 Vocabulary for Birthdays and Celebrations

Learn these simple words and phrases for birthdays and celebrations. Listen and repeat! 🗣️

🎈 Birthday and Celebration Terms:

🎂 Birthday cake – A cake for someone’s birthday.
🎁 Gift/present – Something you give to someone on their birthday.
🎉 Party – A fun meeting with friends and family.
🎈 Balloons – Colorful things that fill with air.
🎊 Decorations – Things you put up to make a room look happy.
🎶 Music – Songs you listen to at a party.
🍰 Dessert – A sweet food eaten after a meal.
🥳 Surprise party – A party you do not know about until it starts.
🎆 Fireworks – Bright lights in the sky with loud sounds.
🍽️ Dinner – The meal you eat in the evening.
🕯️ Candles – Small lights on a cake. You blow them out.
📨 Invitation – A card that asks you to come to a party.
💌 Greeting card – A card that says nice things.
🥤 Drinks/beverages – The liquids you drink at a party.
💃 Dancing – Moving your body to music.
🎤 Karaoke – When you sing with the music.
🎲 Games – Fun activities you play at a party.
🍿 Snacks – Small foods you eat between meals.
🥂 Toast – A short speech or cheer at a party.
🎁 Unwrapping gifts – Opening a present to see what it is.

💬 Common Phrases and Expressions:

“Happy Birthday!” – We say this to wish someone a good birthday.
“Congratulations!” – We say this when someone does something good.
“Make a wish.” – We say this before blowing out the candles.
“This is for you.” – We say this when we give a gift.
“Surprise!” – We say this to startle someone in a fun way.
“When is your birthday?” – We ask this to know someone’s birth date.
“You’re invited.” – We say this to ask someone to come to a party.
“What time does the party start?” – We ask this to know when the party begins.
“Thank you for the invitation.” – We say this when someone asks us to join a party.
“Let’s celebrate!” – We say this to start having fun.
“Happy birthday to you!” – We sing this in the birthday song.
“Wishing you all the best.” – We say this to send good wishes.
“Let’s take a photo.” – We say this when we want a picture.
“Can you help me wrap this gift?” – We ask this when we need help with a present.
“Save the date.” – We say this to remind someone to keep the day free.

🍽️ Food and Drinks:

🍕 Pizza – A round flat bread with tomato sauce and cheese.
🍔 Burgers – A meat sandwich in a soft bun.
🍣 Sushi – Rice with fish or vegetables. It is from Japan.
🍩 Donuts – Sweet, fried dough that is round with a hole.
🍪 Cookies – Small, sweet baked treats.
🍦 Ice cream – A cold, creamy sweet food.
🍹 Cocktails – Mixed drinks made with alcohol and fruit.
🥤 Soft drinks – Fizzy drinks with no alcohol.

🎁 Types of Gifts:

💍 Jewelry – Items like rings and necklaces.
👕 Clothes – Things you wear, like shirts and pants.
📱 Electronics – Gadgets like phones and tablets.
📚 Books – Things you read, like stories.
🎮 Video games – Electronic games for fun.
🎧 Headphones – Small speakers you wear on your ears.
💐 Flowers – Plants given as gifts.
🧸 Teddy bear – A soft, stuffed bear toy.
🎫 Gift card – A card with money to buy something.
💳 Voucher – A coupon for a discount or free item.

📅 Celebrations and Events:

👰 Wedding – A marriage ceremony. People celebrate love.
🎓 Graduation – A party when you finish school.
👶 Baby shower – A party for a new or soon-to-be baby.
🏆 Award ceremony – An event where people get prizes.
🏡 Housewarming – A party to celebrate a new home.
🎄 Christmas – A winter holiday with special traditions.
🎃 Halloween – A fun day for costumes and treats.
🧧 Lunar New Year – A New Year celebration in some countries.
🇺🇸 Independence Day – A holiday that celebrates a country’s freedom.

🎧 Real-Life Dialogues: Talking About Birthdays and Celebrations

Here are 10 dialogues to help you practice conversations about birthdays and celebrations. Try practicing both roles! 🗣️

🗣️ Dialogue 1: Inviting a Friend to a Birthday Party

Sara: Hi, Tom! I’m having a birthday party this Saturday. Would you like to come?

Tom: Sure, I’d love to! What time does it start?

Sara: It starts at 7 PM at my place.

Tom: Great! I’ll be there. Do you need me to bring anything?

Sara: Just yourself! See you then.

🗣️ Dialogue 2: Asking About Someone’s Birthday

Emily: When is your birthday, Jack?

Jack: It’s on June 15th. How about yours?

Emily: Mine is in September. Do you have any plans for your birthday?

Jack: I’m thinking of having a small dinner with family.

🗣️ Dialogue 3: Buying a Birthday Gift

Alice: I need to buy a gift for my sister’s birthday. Any ideas?

Mark: What does she like?

Alice: She loves reading.

Mark: How about getting her a new novel or a bookstore gift card?

Alice: That’s a great idea! Thanks.

🗣️ Dialogue 4: At a Birthday Party

Host: Thank you all for coming! Let’s sing “Happy Birthday”!

Guests: Happy birthday to you…

Birthday Person: Thank you, everyone! Make a wish!

Host: Now, let’s cut the cake!

🗣️ Dialogue 5: Planning a Surprise Party

Ben: Let’s plan a surprise party for Emma.

Sophia: Great idea! When should we have it?

Ben: This Friday evening. Can you help with the decorations?

Sophia: Sure! I’ll bring balloons and streamers.

🗣️ Dialogue 6: Accepting an Invitation

Laura: I’m having a small celebration for my promotion. Would you like to join?

Mike: Congratulations! I’d be happy to come. When is it?

Laura: It’s on Saturday at 6 PM at my place.

Mike: I’ll be there. Thanks for inviting me!

🗣️ Dialogue 7: Declining an Invitation

David: Hey, are you free to come to my birthday party this Sunday?

Emma: I’d love to, but I have a family event that day.

David: No worries! Maybe next time.

Emma: Happy Birthday in advance! Hope you have a great time.

🗣️ Dialogue 8: Talking About a Celebration Abroad

Liam: How do you celebrate birthdays in your country?

Sophia: We usually have a big family gathering with traditional food.

Liam: That sounds wonderful! I’d love to experience that.

Sophia: You’re welcome to join us next time!

🗣️ Dialogue 9: Wishing Someone a Happy Birthday

Olivia: Happy Birthday, Noah!

Noah: Thank you so much, Olivia!

Olivia: I hope you have a fantastic day.

Noah: Thanks! I’m planning to relax and enjoy it.

🗣️ Dialogue 10: Discussing Plans for a Celebration

Mia: Are you doing anything special for your birthday?

Ethan: Yes, I’m organizing a picnic in the park. Would you like to come?

Mia: That sounds lovely! I’d love to join. What should I bring?

Ethan: Maybe some snacks or drinks. See you there!