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

Expand your vocabulary with these essential words and phrases to confidently talk about birthdays and celebrations.
Listen and repeat aloud to improve your pronunciation! 🗣️

🎈 Birthday and Celebration Terms:

  • 🎂 Birthday cake
  • 🎁 Gift/present
  • 🎉 Party
  • 🎈 Balloons
  • 🎊 Decorations
  • 🎵 Music
  • 🍰 Dessert
  • 🥳 Surprise party
  • 🎆 Fireworks
  • 🍽️ Dinner
  • 🕯️ Candles
  • 📅 Invitation
  • 💌 Greeting card
  • 🍹 Drinks/beverages
  • 🕺 Dancing
  • 🎤 Karaoke
  • 🎮 Games
  • 🍿 Snacks
  • 🍹🍹 Toast
  • 🎁 Unwrapping gifts

💬 Common Phrases and Expressions:

  • 🎈 “Happy Birthday!”
  • 🎉 “Congratulations!”
  • 🎂 “Make a wish.”
  • 🎁 “This is for you.”
  • 🥳 “Surprise!”
  • 📅 “When is your birthday?”
  • 📝 “You’re invited.”
  • 🕔 “What time does the party start?”
  • 💌 “Thank you for the invitation.”
  • 🎊 “Let’s celebrate!”
  • 🎶 “Happy birthday to you!”
  • 🤗 “Wishing you all the best.”
  • 📸 “Let’s take a photo.”
  • 🎀 “Can you help me wrap this gift?”
  • 🗓️ “Save the date.”

🍽️ Food and Drinks:

  • 🍕 Pizza
  • 🍔 Burgers
  • 🍣 Sushi
  • 🍩 Donuts
  • 🍪 Cookies
  • 🍦 Ice cream
  • 🍹 Cocktails
  • 🥤 Soft drinks

🎁 Types of Gifts:

  • 💍 Jewelry
  • 👕 Clothes
  • 📱 Electronics
  • 📚 Books
  • 🎮 Video games
  • 🎧 Headphones
  • 💐 Flowers
  • 🧸 Teddy bear
  • 🎫 Gift card
  • 💳 Voucher

📅 Celebrations and Events:

  • 👰 Wedding
  • 🎓 Graduation
  • 👶 Baby shower
  • 🏆 Award ceremony
  • 🏡 Housewarming
  • 🎄 Christmas
  • 🎃 Halloween
  • 🧧 Lunar New Year
  • 🇺🇸 Independence Day

🎧 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! 😊