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お誕生日おめでとう vs 誕生日おめでとう

What's the difference? And is it needed?
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2015-11-05T10:20:33.303
29034
2022-06-26T11:48:42.953
2022-04-06T06:33:18.407
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question
grammar word-usage greetings
Is お needed before 誕生日おめでとう (Happy birthday)?
お誕生日おめでとう is a little bit more polite than 誕生日おめでとう.

the point is a little bit..
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2015-11-05T15:35:02.190
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2015-11-05T16:35:39.633
2015-11-05T16:35:39.633
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answer
The explanation by YOSUKE gives the right interpretation. The one with お is a
little more polite and more respectful, though it can be taken as slightly
more distanced, if used for very closed friends. I'll illustrate the nuance.
For example, compare calling your father "dad" or "father". While the use of
the word father doesn't warrant a lack of affection, it has a more respectful
or more distant tone (at least here in the US). The impression made with the
use of お in the context of congratulating one's bday follows a similar logic.

While お is not necessary, if you are talking to a very traditional (older)
person or those to whom you absolutely must show your respect, the use of お
and ございます would ensure the highest level of respect. Omitting any one will
change the level slightly.

That said, intentionally using polite or honorific expression towards close
friend in Japan is a very common form of joke. I believe the same can be said
in most cultures, if not all.
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2015-11-06T02:04:33.820
29047
2022-06-26T11:48:42.953
2022-06-26T11:48:42.953
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answer