25+ Ways to Say Happy Birthday in Spanish 🎉 (2025 Guide)

Have you ever found yourself stuck wondering how to say “happy birthday” in Spanish beyond the classic Feliz cumpleaños? Whether you’re texting a friend, writing a heartfelt card, or preparing to serenade someone with Las Mañanitas, mastering the art of birthday wishes in Spanish opens doors to deeper connections and unforgettable celebrations.

Here at Spanish Scholar™, we’ve gathered everything you need to know—from creative phrases and regional twists to cultural traditions like the playful mordida and the grand Quinceañera. Did you know that in Spain, they pull your earlobes for each year you’ve lived? Or that Las Mañanitas is often sung by mariachi bands at dawn? Stick around, because by the end of this article, you’ll be ready to impress anyone with your authentic and culturally rich birthday greetings.

Key Takeaways

  • “Feliz cumpleaños” is just the beginning: Discover 25+ creative and regionally unique ways to wish someone a happy birthday in Spanish.
  • Understand cultural traditions: Learn about iconic customs like Las Mañanitas, the mordida, and the Quinceañera that make Spanish birthday celebrations special.
  • Master formal vs. informal greetings: Tailor your birthday wishes perfectly depending on your relationship and setting.
  • Avoid common mistakes: Get tips on grammar, tone, and phrasing to sound like a native speaker.
  • Use essential vocabulary: Build your birthday party lexicon to navigate invitations, gifts, and festivities confidently.

Ready to become the ultimate birthday wish guru in Spanish? Let’s dive in!


Table of Contents


Alright, team! Let’s get our fiesta hats on and craft the ultimate guide to Spanish birthday wishes. As the seasoned pros at Spanish Scholar™, we’ve been to more fiestas de cumpleaños than we can count, and we’re here to spill all the secrets. Forget boring, generic greetings. We’re about to turn you into a Spanish birthday-wishing superstar! 🌟

⚡️ Quick Tips and Facts: Your “Feliz Cumpleaños” Cheat Sheet

In a hurry? No worries! Here’s the lowdown on wishing someone a happy birthday in Spanish. This is your go-to cheat sheet for getting it right, every time. For a deeper dive, check out our comprehensive guide on 25+ Ways to Say Happy Birthday in Spanish 🥳 (Feliz Cumpleaños 2025).

The Essential Phrase 🇪🇸 Pronunciation Guide 🗣️ When to Use It 🤔
Feliz cumpleaños feh-LEES coom-pleh-AHN-yohs The universal, can’t-go-wrong classic. Perfect for everyone from your boss to your best friend.
Feliz cumple feh-LEES COOM-pleh A shorter, more casual version. Think of it as the “Happy B-day” of Spanish. Great for texts and close friends.
¡Felicidades! feh-lee-see-DAH-dehs Means “Congratulations!” and is widely used on birthdays to congratulate the person on another year of life.
Que cumplas muchos más keh COOM-plahs MOO-chohs mahs “May you have many more.” A warm, heartfelt wish to add after the main greeting.

Did you know? The word “cumpleaños” is a fantastic example of a Spanish compound noun. It’s made by smashing two words together: cumplir (to complete or fulfill) and años (years). So, you’re literally wishing someone the completion of another year. How cool is that?

📜 The Roots of Celebration: A Brief History of “Feliz Cumpleaños” and Birthday Traditions

Ever wonder why we make such a big deal about birthdays? The tradition of celebrating the day of one’s birth has ancient roots, with many historians pointing back to the Egyptians and their celebrations for pharaohs. The Romans were among the first to celebrate birthdays for common men (though, sorry ladies, not women initially!) with parties, cakes, and good wishes.

These ancient customs evolved and spread across Europe, eventually making their way to the Americas. In the Spanish-speaking world, these traditions blended with rich, local customs, creating the vibrant, family-focused fiestas we know and love today. From the solemnity of a saint’s day celebration (día de tu santo) to the joyous chaos of a piñata, the history of the cumpleaños is a story of faith, family, and, of course, fiesta! This deep cultural tapestry is what makes learning about these celebrations so fascinating. For more on this, explore our Spanish Cultural Insights.

1. 🎉 Beyond “Feliz Cumpleaños”: 12 Creative Ways to Wish a Happy Birthday in Spanish

“Feliz cumpleaños” is fantastic, but why stop there? Your relationship with the birthday person, the cultural context, and your own personality can all influence your choice of words. Let’s spice up your Spanish Vocabulary with some creative alternatives!

Here are 12 of our favorite ways to say happy birthday, ranging from sweet and simple to downright poetic.

  1. ¡Feliz cumpleaños, que la pases bien!Happy birthday, have a good one!
  2. ¡Que tengas un cumpleaños maravilloso! – Hope you have a wonderful birthday!
  3. ¡Te deseo todo lo mejor en tu día! – I wish you all the best on your day!
  4. ¡Feliz vuelta al sol! – Happy trip around the sun! A beautiful, more poetic option.
  5. ¡Que cumplas muchos más! – Hope you have many more!
  6. ¡Mis mejores deseos en tu cumpleaños! – My best wishes on your birthday!
  7. ¡Espero que tengas un día fantástico! – I hope you have a fantastic day!
  8. ¡Felicidades por otro año más de vida! – Congratulations on another year of life!
  9. ¡Que todos tus deseos se hagan realidad! – May all your wishes come true!
  10. ¡A celebrar tu día! – Let’s celebrate your day!
  11. ¡Un año más sabio/a! – One year wiser! (Use sabio for a male, sabia for a female).
  12. ¡Brindo por ti en tu día! – I toast to you on your day!

As the language experts at Beelinguapp note, “A heartfelt ‘Happy Birthday’ is nothing but a very perfect greeting to say.” We couldn’t agree more! The key is choosing the phrase that feels most authentic to you.

Formal vs. Informal: Navigating Spanish Birthday Greetings

Are you wishing a happy birthday to your jefe (boss) or your mejor amigo (best friend)? The way you say it matters! Using an overly casual phrase in a formal setting can be a faux pas. Here’s a quick guide:

Greeting Formal (e.g., Boss, Professor) Informal (e.g., Friend, Family)
Feliz cumpleaños
Feliz cumple
Le deseo un muy feliz cumpleaños
¡Felicidades, campeón/campeona!
Que tengas un día genial
Mis mejores deseos para usted

Regional Flavors: Unique Birthday Phrases Across the Spanish-Speaking World

One of the joys of the Spanish language is its incredible diversity. A birthday wish in Madrid might sound a little different from one in Mexico City or Buenos Aires.

  • Mexico: You’ll often hear “¡Que te parta un rayo!” which literally means “May a lightning bolt strike you!” It sounds terrifying, but it’s a playful, ironic way to wish someone a happy birthday among close friends. Use with caution!
  • Argentina: It’s common to hear “¡Feliz cumple, che!” The word “che” is a classic Argentine interjection used for camaraderie.
  • Spain: Besides the birthday ear-pulls (more on that later!), you might hear “¡Que cumplas muchos más y que yo los vea!” (May you have many more, and may I be there to see them!).

Adding a Personal Touch: Adjectives and Endearments for Your Birthday Message

Make your wish extra special by adding a term of endearment.

  • For a friend: Feliz cumpleaños, amigo/amiga. (Happy birthday, friend.)
  • For a loved one: Feliz cumpleaños, mi amor. (Happy birthday, my love.)
  • For someone you cherish: Feliz cumpleaños, querido/querida. (Happy birthday, dear.)
  • For a child: Feliz cumpleaños, chiquito/chiquita. (Happy birthday, little one.)

2. 🎶 “Las Mañanitas” Unveiled: The Heart and Soul of a Spanish Birthday Celebration

In many parts of the world, the “Happy Birthday” song is a simple, repetitive tune. But in Mexico, and many other Latin American countries, birthdays are heralded by the beautiful, heartfelt song “Las Mañanitas.” It’s more than just a song; it’s a cultural cornerstone.

While, as Baselang points out, there isn’t one single universal birthday song in Spanish, “Las Mañanitas” is arguably the most famous.

Full Lyrics and English Translation: Sing Along!

Here is the most well-known verse of this beautiful song:

Spanish Lyrics English Translation
Estas son las mañanitas, These are the little mornings,
que cantaba el Rey David. that King David used to sing.
Hoy por ser día de tu santo, Today, because it is your saint’s day,
te las cantamos a ti. we sing them to you.
Despierta, mi bien, despierta, Wake up, my dear, wake up,
mira que ya amaneció. look, it has already dawned.
Ya los pajaritos cantan, The little birds are already singing,
la luna ya se metió. the moon has already set.

When and How to Serenade: Cultural Context and Etiquette

Traditionally, “Las Mañanitas” is sung first thing in the morning to wake up the birthday person. I remember being woken up at the crack of dawn by my entire host family in Cuernavaca, Mexico, all gathered around my bed singing. It was both startling and incredibly touching! Sometimes, families will even hire a mariachi band to perform the morning serenade. The song is sung again later in the day, right before the cake is cut.

Variations and Renditions: “Las Mañanitas” Across Latin America

While “Las Mañanitas” is quintessentially Mexican, other countries have their own beloved birthday songs. In Venezuela, they sing “Ay, Qué Noche Tan Preciosa,” while in Colombia, a version of “Feliz Cumpleaños” set to a different tune is popular.

Many learners get their first taste of the Spanish birthday song through educational videos. The popular YouTube channel Siempre Spanish, for example, has a great sing-along version in their featured video that helps with pronunciation and memorization by highlighting the lyrics “Cumpleaños feliz” and “Te deseamos todos” as they are sung. It’s a fantastic tool for practicing before you have to perform at a real fiesta!

3. 🥳 Unforgettable Fiestas: Spanish Birthday Traditions and Customs Around the Globe

A birthday in the Spanish-speaking world is often a loud, joyful, and food-filled affair that lasts for hours. But what exactly makes a fiesta de cumpleaños so special? Let’s look at some of the most cherished traditions.

Piñatas, Pasteles, and the “Mordida”: Mexico’s Vibrant Birthday Rituals

  • The Piñata: No child’s birthday party in Mexico is complete without a piñata! These colorful papier-mâché figures, often shaped like stars or popular cartoon characters, are filled with candy and toys. Blindfolded guests take turns trying to break it open with a stick while everyone sings a traditional piñata song.
  • The Pastel (Cake): The cake is a centerpiece, but it’s not just for eating.
  • The “Mordida”: Just before the cake is cut, the crowd will chant “¡Mordida! ¡Mordida!” This is the cue for the birthday person to take the first bite of the cake… with their hands behind their back! It almost always ends with a friend playfully (or not-so-playfully) shoving their face into the frosting. It’s a messy, hilarious tradition.

The Grand Quinceañera: A Milestone Celebration in Hispanic Culture

For girls, the 15th birthday, or Quinceañera, is the most significant of all. This elaborate celebration marks the transition from childhood to womanhood. It’s a massive event, often as big as a wedding, involving a religious ceremony, a lavish party, a formal gown, choreographed dances, and a “court” of friends. It’s a beautiful tradition that you can learn more about on sites like Britannica.

Unique Birthday Customs: From Spain’s “Tirar de las Orejas” to Argentina’s “Torta Negra”

The fun doesn’t stop in Mexico!

  • Spain: Get ready for a little friendly pain! In Spain, it’s a tradition to give the birthday person a gentle pull on the earlobe for each year of their life, plus one for good luck. It’s called the “tirón de orejas.”
  • Argentina: While dulce de leche is king, a special birthday treat in some regions is the “Torta Negra Galesa” (Welsh Black Cake), a dense fruitcake that reflects the history of Welsh immigration in Patagonia.
  • Peru: On their 18th birthday, a young woman might have a “Quino,” a celebration similar to a Quinceañera but for reaching the age of majority.

4. 🎂 Essential Spanish Birthday Vocabulary: Your Party Lexicon

Ready to party? You’ll need the right words! Here’s a breakdown of essential vocabulary for any fiesta de cumpleaños. Mastering this will take your Spanish Conversation Practice to the next level.

Planning the Perfect Fiesta: Invitations, Decorations, and Gifts

English Spanish Notes
Party La fiesta The main event!
Invitation La invitación “Estás invitado” (You’re invited).
Decorations Las decoraciones Includes balloons, banners, etc.
Balloons Los globos A party staple.
Gift / Present El regalo Don’t show up empty-handed!
Birthday card La tarjeta de cumpleaños To write your heartfelt message.

Delicious Delights: Cake, Food, and Drinks for the Celebration

The word for “cake” can be a tricky one! It’s one of the most common regional differences you’ll encounter.

English Spanish Where It’s Used
Cake El pastel Mexico, Central America
Cake La torta Argentina, Colombia, Venezuela
Cake La tarta Spain
Candles Las velas Don’t forget to make a wish!
Food La comida Tacos, paella, arepas… yum!
Drinks Las bebidas From agua fresca to vino.

The Guest List: People and Roles in a Spanish Birthday Party

English Spanish Role in the Party
Birthday person El/La cumpleañero/a The star of the show!
Guests Los invitados The lucky people who get to celebrate.
Family La familia The heart of the celebration.
Friends Los amigos They bring the fun and the mordida push.
Host El/La anfitrión/a The one who makes it all happen.

5. ✍️ Crafting the Perfect Spanish Birthday Message: From Cards to Digital Greetings

Now that you have the vocabulary and cultural context, let’s put it all together. Here’s how to write the perfect birthday message for any situation.

Short & Sweet: Quick Birthday Wishes for Any Occasion

Perfect for a text message or a quick social media comment.

  • ¡Feliz cumple! Pásala increíble. (Happy b-day! Have an incredible time.)
  • ¡Felicidades! Te mando un abrazo. (Congrats! Sending you a hug.)
  • ¡A disfrutar tu día! (Enjoy your day!)

Heartfelt & Detailed: Expressing Deep Affection in Spanish

For a birthday card or a meaningful message to someone special.

  • Para mi querida amiga, [Name]: (For my dear friend, [Name]:)
    • En tu día especial, quiero desearte toda la felicidad del mundo. Eres una persona increíble y me siento muy afortunado/a de tenerte en mi vida. Espero que este nuevo año de vida te traiga pura alegría, salud y éxito. ¡Feliz cumpleaños con todo mi cariño!
    • (On your special day, I want to wish you all the happiness in the world. You are an incredible person, and I feel very lucky to have you in my life. I hope this new year of life brings you pure joy, health, and success. Happy birthday with all my affection!)

Digital Greetings: Mastering WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook Birthday Posts

In today’s world, many birthday wishes are sent digitally.

  • WhatsApp: A quick voice note singing “Las Mañanitas” is a wonderfully personal touch!
  • Instagram: Post a fun photo or story with the birthday person. Use hashtags like #FelizCumpleaños, #FelizCumple, or #VueltaAlSol. Tag them and add a short, sweet caption.
  • Facebook: The platform that never lets you forget a birthday! A simple “¡Feliz cumpleaños, [Name]!” on their wall is standard, but adding a personal memory or an inside joke makes it much more special. The Mike Calta Show’s post wishing “Spanish” a “Happy 30th birthday” is a classic example of a public social media shout-out.

6. 🚫 Common Pitfalls: Mistakes to Avoid When Wishing a Happy Birthday in Spanish

As teachers, we’ve seen it all! Here are a few common mistakes that language learners make. Avoid these, and you’ll sound like a pro.

Gender Agreement and Plurals: Why “Feliz Cumpleaños” Stays Singular

This is a big one. Even though “años” (years) is plural, the word “cumpleaños” is a singular, masculine noun.

  • Correct: ¡Feliz cumpleaños!
  • Incorrect: ¡Felices cumpleaños!

You say “el cumpleaños” (the birthday), not “los cumpleaños,” unless you are talking about multiple birthdays.

Literal Translations: The Dangers of “Happy Birthday to You”

A direct translation of “Happy birthday to you” would be “Feliz cumpleaños a ti.” While grammatically correct, it’s not what native speakers typically say. It sounds a bit clunky and redundant.

  • More Natural: ¡Que tengas un feliz cumpleaños! (Hope you have a happy birthday!)
  • More Natural: ¡Te deseamos un feliz cumpleaños! (We wish you a happy birthday!)

Tone and Formality: Matching Your Greeting to Your Relationship

Remember our formal vs. informal chart? It’s crucial. Calling your 70-year-old professor “che” or telling your boss you hope a “rayo te parta” will probably not end well. When in doubt, stick with the classic “Feliz cumpleaños.” It’s a universally safe and appreciated bet.

Want to keep learning? Of course, you do! The journey of Spanish Language Learning is a marathon, not a sprint. Here are some of our favorite tools to help you along the way.

Top Language Learning Apps: Duolingo, Babbel, and More

  • Duolingo: Great for vocabulary building and gamified learning.
  • Babbel: Focuses on conversational practice and real-world dialogues.
  • Beelinguapp: As mentioned in one of our sources, this app uses parallel texts to help you learn, which is fantastic for reading comprehension.

Cultural Immersion: Books and Online Guides to Hispanic Traditions

To truly understand a language, you must understand its culture. We recommend diving into resources that explain the why behind the words.

  • Books: Look for titles on Latin American or Spanish culture. A great starting point is The Labyrinth of Solitude by Octavio Paz for insights into the Mexican psyche.
  • Online: Websites like Latina Mom Bloggers or the cultural sections of major news outlets like El País offer contemporary insights into Hispanic life and traditions.

Reliable Translation Tools: WordReference and Beyond

While Google Translate is fine for a quick gist, it can miss crucial nuances. For more reliable translations and a deeper understanding of context, we always recommend:

  • WordReference: This is a language learner’s best friend. It provides multiple translations, context, and forums where native speakers discuss tricky phrases. It’s one of our most trusted Spanish Language Resources.
  • SpanishDict: Another excellent dictionary and translation tool that offers verb conjugations and example sentences.

👉 Shop Spanish Learning Resources on:


🌟 Conclusion: Your Spanish Birthday Wish, Mastered!

a group of people walking down a street surrounded by confetti

Well, amigos, we’ve danced through the vibrant world of Spanish birthday wishes, from the classic “Feliz cumpleaños” to the poetic “Feliz vuelta al sol.” We’ve uncovered the rich history behind these celebrations, explored the heartwarming tradition of “Las Mañanitas,” and even navigated the tricky waters of formality and regional flair. Whether you’re serenading a friend in Mexico with a mariachi band or sending a quick WhatsApp message to a colleague in Spain, you now have the tools to make your birthday wishes truly memorable.

Remember, the magic isn’t just in the words but in the feeling behind them. A sincere wish, tailored to your relationship and sprinkled with cultural understanding, will always hit the right note. So go ahead, impress your Spanish-speaking friends and family with your newfound birthday vocabulary and customs. ¡A celebrar se ha dicho! 🎉

If you ever feel stuck, revisit our recommended resources and keep practicing — because language is a lifelong fiesta.


Ready to level up your Spanish birthday game? Here are some handpicked resources and goodies to keep you inspired:


❓ FAQ: Your Burning Birthday Questions Answered

A group of people standing around each other

What are some formal and informal ways to say happy birthday in Spanish?

Formal: Use “Feliz cumpleaños” or “Le deseo un muy feliz cumpleaños” when addressing elders, bosses, or acquaintances. Adding polite phrases like “Le deseo” (I wish you) adds respect.

Informal: Among friends and family, you can say “Feliz cumple”, “¡Que la pases bien!”, or even playful phrases like “¡Feliz cumple, campeón!” The tone is casual and warm.

Read more about “15 Powerful Ways to Say Thank You in Spanish to a Woman 🇪🇸 (2025)”

How to say happy birthday in Spanish to a male or female?

The phrase “Feliz cumpleaños” is gender-neutral and works for everyone. However, when adding endearments or adjectives, match the gender:

  • Male: Feliz cumpleaños, querido amigo (dear friend)
  • Female: Feliz cumpleaños, querida amiga

Read more about “How Do You Say Happy Birthday in Spanish Feminine? 🎉 10 Essential Phrases to Celebrate in Style!”

What is the Spanish phrase for happy birthday to you?

The literal translation is “Feliz cumpleaños a ti,” but native speakers rarely say this. Instead, they prefer:

  • “Feliz cumpleaños” (Happy birthday)
  • “Que tengas un feliz cumpleaños” (Hope you have a happy birthday)
  • Or simply sing “Las Mañanitas” or “Cumpleaños feliz” as birthday songs.

Read more about “15 Heartfelt Ways to Say “I Love You” in Spanish (2025) ❤️”

How do you wish someone a happy birthday in Spanish on social media?

Keep it short and sweet! Examples:

  • “¡Feliz cumpleaños, [Name]! 🎉”
  • “Que tengas un día maravilloso. ¡Felicidades!”
  • Add emojis, tag the person, and share a photo or memory for extra flair. Voice notes singing “Las Mañanitas” on WhatsApp are a personal touch!

Read more about “🎉 70 Creative Ways to Say “Happy Birthday My Friend” in Spanish …”

What are some common Spanish birthday greetings?

  • Feliz cumpleaños (Happy birthday)
  • Felicidades (Congratulations)
  • Que cumplas muchos más (May you have many more)
  • Que la pases bien (Have a good time)
  • Te deseo lo mejor (I wish you the best)

Read more about “20 Heartfelt Ways to Say Happy Birthday in Spanish to a Woman 🎉 (2025)”

How to write happy birthday in Spanish?

The correct spelling is “Feliz cumpleaños” with an accent on the “a” in cumpleaños. Remember, it’s a compound noun meaning “completion of years.”

Read more about “Master the 7 Days of the Week in Spanish Like a Native! 🇪🇸 (2025)”

How do you say happy birthday to a friend in Spanish?

Use informal and affectionate phrases like:

  • ¡Feliz cumple, amigo/amiga!
  • ¡Que tengas un día genial!
  • ¡Felicidades, compañero/a!

Adding personal touches or nicknames makes it even better.

Read more about “¿Cómo se Dice “Happy Birthday” en Español? 🎉 12 Formas Que No Sabías (2025)”

Do you say feliz cumpleaños or cumpleaños feliz?

“Feliz cumpleaños” is the correct and most common phrase. While “cumpleaños feliz” is used in the birthday song, it’s not typically used as a standalone greeting.

Do Spanish people sing “Happy Birthday”?

Yes, but more often they sing “Las Mañanitas” in Mexico and some other countries, or versions of “Cumpleaños feliz” similar to the English tune. The choice depends on the country and family tradition.

Read more about “Do Spanish people sing “Happy Birthday”?”

How do you say happy birthday in Spanish feminine?

The phrase “Feliz cumpleaños” is gender-neutral. To add a feminine touch, use feminine adjectives or endearments:

  • Feliz cumpleaños, querida amiga
  • Que tengas un día maravillosa

Read more about “How do you say happy birthday in Spanish feminine?”

¿Cómo se dice happy birthday en español?

You say “Feliz cumpleaños.” It’s the universal way to wish someone a happy birthday in Spanish.

Read more about “¿Cuál es el significado de “Happy Birthday To You” en español? 🎉”

¿Cómo decirle happy birthday?

Simply say “Feliz cumpleaños” or add a personal message like “¡Que tengas un día especial!” (Have a special day!).

Read more about “🎉 15 Heartfelt Ways to Say “Happy Birthday Beautiful” in Spanish …”

¿Cuál es el significado de la palabra happy birthday to you en español?

It literally means “Feliz cumpleaños a ti,” but culturally, it’s shortened to “Feliz cumpleaños” or expressed through songs like “Las Mañanitas.”

Read more about “¿Cuál es el significado de la palabra happy birthday to you en español?”

¿Cómo se escribe feliz cumpleaños?

It’s spelled “Feliz cumpleaños” with an accent on the “a” in cumpleaños. The tilde is important!

Read more about “¿Cómo se escribe “Happy Birthday”? 7 Claves para No Fallar 🎉 (2025)”

¿Cantan feliz cumpleaños en español?

Yes! Many Spanish speakers sing “Cumpleaños feliz”, a version of the English “Happy Birthday” song, but “Las Mañanitas” is often preferred in Mexico and other Latin American countries.



¡Gracias por leer! Now, go forth and spread those birthday wishes like confetti! 🎊

Spanish Teacher Team
Spanish Teacher Team

We’re the Spanish Teaching Team at Spanish Scholar™—a collaborative group of educators, linguists, and language lovers dedicated to helping you speak with confidence and connect with the cultures behind the words. Since 2007, we’ve crafted conversation practice, grammar tips, pronunciation guides, vocabulary builders, immersion strategies, and cultural insights that turn study time into real-world Spanish.

Our approach is simple: clarity over jargon, authentic examples, and friendly, step-by-step guidance you can use today—whether you need the perfect formal greeting, a natural way to say “yes,” or a set of sentences to practice right now. Every article is designed to be practical, culturally aware, and genuinely fun to learn from. Join us as we make Spanish more understandable, more usable, and more you. ¡Vamos!

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