How to Say Happy Birthday in Chinese
生日快乐 – shēngrì kuàilè : Happy Birthday (lit. Birth – Day – Happy)
祝你生日快乐 – zhù nǐ shēngrì kuàilè : Wish you a Happy Birthday (lit. Wish – You – Birth – Day – Happy)
However, there are many other was to say happy birthday in Chinese that you can impress your friends with even more.
(if you’re looking for the standard phrases, those are the ones to go for! And also the ones to feature in the chinese happy birthday song – see below!)
Happy Birthday in Chinese for Children
• 生日快乐 – shēngrì kuàilè
Happy Birthday!
• 希望你健康快乐地长大xī wàng nǐ jiàn kāng kuài lè de zhǎng dà
I hope you grow up to be healthy and happy!
Happy Birthday in Chinese for Young/Middle-Aged Females
• 祝你生日快乐，年年十八zhù nǐ shēnɡ rì kuài lè, nián nián shí bā
Wish you a happy birthday, may you live as young as years old every year.
• 祝你生日快乐，越来越靓zhù nǐ shēnɡ rì kuài lè, yuè lái yuè jìng
Happy birthday to you, wish you more and more beautiful.
Happy Birthday in Chinese for the Elderly
• 祝你福如东海，寿比南山Zhù nǐ fú rú dōng hǎi, shòu bǐ nán shān
May your fortune be as boundless as the East Sea and your life is as long as the Nan Shan.
• 祝你年年有今日，岁岁有今朝Zhù nǐ nián nián yǒu jīn rì, suì suì yǒu jīn zhāo.
You have this day (can celebrate your birthday) every year in the future.
Happy Birthday in Chinese to Friends
If you want to say happy birthday in Chinese to friends with more emphasis (or you really want to show off that much), you can add in a couple of chengyu;
• 心想事成, xīn xiǎng shì chéng
May all your wishes come true.
• 天天快乐, tiān tiān kuài lè
I hope you’re happy every day.
• 祝你生日快乐，天天快乐，心想事成, zhù nǐ shēng rì kuài lè, tiān tiān kuài lè, xīn xiǎng shì chéng
Happy birthday to you! I hope that you are happy every day and that all your wishes come true.
Talking about a Birthday in Chinese
你几岁了？nǐ jǐ suì le？
How old are you now?
你属什么的？nǐ shǔ shén me de?
你的生日是什么时候？Nǐ de shēngrì shì shénme shíhòu?
When is your birthday?
你平时怎么过生日？Nǐ píngshí zěnmeguò shēngrì?
What do you usually do to celebrate your birthday?
我打算跟朋友一起去酒吧喝酒/去餐厅吃饭。Wǒ dǎsuàn gēn péngyǒu yīqǐ qù jiǔbā hējiǔ/qù cāntīng chīfàn.
I plan to go to a bar/restaurant with my friends.
你的生日愿望是什么?， nǐ de shēng rì yuàn wàng shì shén me
What is your birthday wish？
我__岁了, wǒ __ suì le
I am __ years old.
你要吃蛋糕吗? nǐ yào dàn gāo ma？
Do you want cake?
谢谢你的礼物， xiè xiè nǐ de lǐ wù
Thank you for the present.
Happy Birthday in Chinese Song
• 祝你生日快乐 (zhù nǐ shēng rì kuài lè)
• Happy Birthday to You
• 祝你生日快乐 (zhù nǐ shēng rì kuài lè)
• Happy Birthday to You
• 祝你幸福， 祝你健康 (zhù nǐ xìng fú, zhù nǐ jiàn kāng)
• Here’s to your happiness, Here’s to your good health
• 祝你前途光明 (zhù nǐ qián tú guāng míng)
• May your future be bright
• 祝你生日快乐 (zhù nǐ shēng rì kuài lè)
• Happy Birthday to You
• 祝你生日快乐 (zhù nǐ shēng rì kuài lè)
• Happy Birthday to You
• 祝你幸福， 祝你健康 (zhù nǐ xìng fú, zhù nǐ jiàn kāng)
• Here’s to your happiness, Here’s to your good health
• 有个温暖家庭 (yǒu gè wēn nuǎn jiā tíng)
• Here’s to your family.
Chinese Birthday Traditions
Chinese people may not celebrate their birthday’s as much as in some western countries, but saying happy birthday in Chinese is something you’re bound to come across a lot.
Chinese people usually celebrate their birthdays much quieter than other countries, getting a few friends or family together, and often only really celebrating big important birthdays.
Traditionally, Chinese people would eat longevity noodles.
This is common in a few Asian countries and comes from the fact that the noodles are long and therefore represent long life. These noodles are called 寿面 (shòu miàn).
Nowadays, younger people look towards the west and celebrate in a similar way.
Birthday cake is becoming the norm and people are celebrating with much larger parties – and every year, instead of traditionally just big birthdays for significant years.
Despite this, celebrating a birthday in China is still kept as an important family event, especially so for newborns and the elderly.
Chinese Birthday Gifts
Once you’ve learnt how to say happy birthday in Chinese to your good Chinese friend, you’ll want to pay attention to some important gift-giving rules in China. (Look back up for the word for birthday present in Chinese).
China, a country still shrouded by traditions and suspicions, has some pretty strict rules for what not to give for a birthday present.
Good gifts for Chinese people basically involve all of the normal stuff. For example, chocolates, cosmetics, clothing, etc.
Bad Chinese Birthday Gifts
• Clocks
Clocks represent time, so giving a clock could suggest that time is running out. The Chinese words meaning to ‘give a clock’ 送鐘 (sòng zhōng) sounds like (or exactly the same actually) 送終 (sòng zhōng) which means to pay one’s last respects.
• Towels
Towels are often given out at funerals, so these are best avoided to avoid association.
• White/yellow chrysanthemums
These are usually given at funerals.
Another interesting example… don't get a mirror! Why?
A mirror is a bad gift in China because they are seen to attract ghosts, so avoid giving these as gifts!
Who knew!
Birthday in Chinese – FAQ's
How do you say Happy Birthday in Chinese?Happy Birthday in Chinese is 生日快乐 – shēngrì kuàilè
How do you say gift in Chinese?Gift in Chinese is 礼物 Lǐwù
How do you say “When is your birthday” in Chinese? What is a bad birthday gift in Chinese?Clocks and shoes because they have bad homophones
Also towels and white/yellow chrysanthemums
Is it true Chinese like to eat noodles on their birthday?It is! Traditionally, Chinese people would eat longevity noodles on their birthday.
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Our LTL Team's are based in Beijing (HQ), Shanghai, Taiwan, Beihai, Chengdu, Xi'an, Singapore and Chengde! A mix of Chinese and foreign staff, we now boast over 50 staff members!
You will get a reply from us
So weird about the bad gifts, not sure who buys clocks as gifts anyway
Another great anecdote about Chinese culture! Such a deep history with so much to discover Harry.
What about Merry Christmas?
Do you have a Christmas blog also?
THanks for the flashcards! really useful
Our pleasure Alisha!
In Portuguese, the most used word to congratulate someone is PARABÉNS! (CONGRATULATIONS!) This word can be used in any situation.
For example, if someone is celebrating a birthday, got a new job, or is going to have a baby, we can just say "Parabéns!" ("Congratulations!")
In addition to the word "Parabéns!", we usually add other sentences to indicate what you wish to that person in that special situation.
Here are some sentences you can use to congratulate someone who is celebrating a birthday.
- Meus parabéns! Tudo de bom! (Congratulations! I wish you all the best!)
- Parabéns! Muitas felicidades! Muitos anos de vida! (Congratulations! I wish you a lot of happiness and long life!)
- Parabéns! Desejo muita paz e muita saúde! (Congratulations! I wish you a lot of peace and good health!)
- Meus parabéns! Que seu dia seja perfeito! (Congratulations! May your day be perfect!)
- Meus parabéns! Aproveite o seu dia! (Congratulations! Enjoy your day!)
Another very common sentence used to congratulate a person who is celebrating a birthday is FELIZ ANIVERSÁRIO! ( HAPPY BIRTHDAY!).
You can also add other sentences to indicate what you wish to that person for their birthday. Here are some examples:
- Feliz aniversário! Muitas felicidades! Muitos anos de vida! (Happy Birthday! I wish you a lot of happiness and long life!)
- Feliz aniversário! Tudo de bom! Que todos seus sonhos se realizem! (Happy Birthday! I wish you all the best! May all your dreams come true!)
- Feliz aniversário! Desejo que você seja muito feliz e tenha muita saúde! (Happy Birthday! I wish you a lot of happiness and good health!)
Different from English, in Portuguese, the word "aniversário" means both "birthday" and "anniversary," so we can say "Happy anniversary!" to congratulate someone on their birthday or wedding anniversary, but when we refer to a wedding anniversary, we are usually specific and say:
- Feliz aniversário de casamento! (Happy Wedding Anniversary!)
Now let's talk a little bit about how to congratulate a person in other situations, such as when someone gets a new job, passes a test, gets married, or buys a new house.
Let's look at some examples of sentences you can use in many different contexts:
- Parabéns! Você merece! (Congratulations! You deserve it!)
- Parabéns pela conquista! (Congratulations on the achievement!)
- Parabéns! Boa sorte nessa nova etapa! (Congratulations! Best of luck in this new phase!
- Tudo de bom pra você! (All the best to you!)
- Parabéns! Desejo muito sucesso! (Congratulations! I wish you a lot of success!)
- Parabéns! Estou muito feliz por você! (Congratulations! I'm very happy for you!)
To be specific, you can also say "parabéns por (congratulations on)..." something. But pay attention to a grammar detail, if the next word is:
- A feminine noun, you should say "parabéns PELA (congratulations on)".
- A masculine noun, you should say "parabéns PELO (congratulations on)"
- A verb, you can say "parabéns POR (congratulations on)".
Some examples:
- Parabéns pelo casamento! (Congratulations on your wedding!)
- Parabéns pelo novo emprego! (Congratulations on your new job!)
- Parabéns pela casa nova! (Congratulations on the new house!)
- Parabéns pela iniciativa! (Congratulations on the initiative!)
- Parabéns por ter passado no teste! (Congratulations on passing the test!)
- Parabéns por ser um estudante dedicado! (Congratulations on being a dedicated student!)
That's it, guys! Now it's homework time! Write a sentence below congratulating a friend on their birthday or another situation that deserves to be celebrated.
Até a próxima!
Your teacher,
Virginia
Loving birthday wishes for moms.
Birthday cards for moms are a great opportunity to thank them for all that they do. Think about a message that they can hold onto forever, and that will encourage them to sit back, relax, and enjoy their special day to the fullest.
• "Happy birthday, Mom. Everyday I am grateful to have you in my life. Let today be another reminder that you’re the best. Love you."
• "You’re more than a mother. You’re the greatest woman I know. Thank you for everything, and happy birthday."
• "Hope your day is full of relaxation, an abundance of love, and your favorite type of cake."
• "Mom, if it weren’t for you I would never have become the person I am today. Thank you for being a role model, mother, and an amazing friend. And most important of all, happy birthday."
• "Mom, thanks for all your support and your invaluable life lessons. Cheers to your best birthday yet."
• "I’m so lucky to have a mother like you. You are my best friend, the best mom, and the best person I know. Happiest of birthdays to you."
• "Roses are red, violets are blue. There’s no one I’d rather turn to you in times of trouble than you. Happy birthday to you mom, you’re the best."
• "Mom, you know how to bring our family together like none other. We love you with all of our hearts. Happy birthday, dear mother. Love, your children."
• "Mom, you are a role model, a genius, a superwoman, a five-star chef, and the most gorgeous person I know. How do you do it all? Cheers to another year of living your best life, happy birthday."
• "I am sending warm wishes and loving thoughts your way for your birthday. Even though we are apart, you will always be in my thoughts as well as in my heart. Happy birthday, Mom."
• "Sometimes life gets tough, but I always rest assured that I can make it over any obstacle in my way with the power of your love. Thanks for being the best mom the world has to offer, happy birthday."
• "Throughout my whole life, you have showered me with your love. Thank you for always giving me your all. I do my best always to return the favor. Happy birthday, mom."
• "Happy birthday, Ma. My hope is to be the amazing role model for my own family one day as you have been for ours. Your love is the best."
• "Thank you for always providing me with hope, encouragement, joy, and support. You are the best, and I hope that your birthday is as unforgettable as you are."
• "Everyday I learn something new from your grace, wonder, and compassionate soul. Here’s to another year of invaluable life lessons. Happy birthday, Mom."
Funny happy birthday messages for moms.
A birthday is a day that should be full of joy, so laughter is heavily encouraged. Keep your mom’s sense of humor in mind as you compose your fun-filled greeting.
• "However old you are is the new 30. Happy birthday."
• "Like a fine wine, we get better with age. Or maybe we just feel better about our age with a little bit of wine."
• "Happy birthday to someone who is smart, talented, pretty, creative, and fabulous. I love that we’re so much alike."
• "It is scientifically proven that people who have more birthdays live longer. Congrats on your success."
• "At least you’re not as old as you will be next year. Happy birthday."
• "Just like you’re not supposed to have a favorite child, I’m not supposed to have a favorite parent. But between you and me, let’s just say dad didn’t get as great of a gift as you’re getting this year. Happy birthday, Mom. From your unofficial favorite child."
• "Here’s to hoping all your candles this year don’t set off the fire alarm. Your birthday is gonna be lit."
• "You may be getting older Mom, but think on the bright side, you’ll at least always be younger than Dad. Happy birthday."
• "Just imagine the things you’d want to hear on your birthday and then pretend I said them. Love you, mom."
• "Your birthday outshines all the other 364 days of the year. Happy birthday, mom."
• "If things really do get better with age, then you’re nearing perfection. I bet it feels as good as it looks. Happy birthday, mom."
• "For your birthday, how about a fruit salad instead of cake? A fruit salad with mostly grapes – no, all grapes. Fermented grapes. Wine it is."
• "I can barely keep up with everyone’s birthdays these days, but you better believe I’d never forget yours. Happy birthday to the best mom there is."
• "A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away, the best woman in the world was born. Happy birthday, mom."
Happy birthday quotes for moms.
When the right words are hard to find, there’s no shame in taking inspiration from someone or something else. Enjoy our hand-picked quotes below to share with mom on her special day.
• "I believe in being strong when everything seems to be going wrong. I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls. I believe that tomorrow is another day, and I believe in miracles." - Audrey Hepburn
• "The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate." - Oprah Winfrey
• "A beautiful woman delights the eye; a wise woman, the understanding; a pure one, the soul." - Minna Antrim
• "You can be gorgeous at 30, charming at 40, and irresistible for the rest of your life." - Coco Chanel
• "A mother is she who can take the place of all others but whose place no one else can take." - Cardinal Mermillod
• "I decided if you’re lucky enough to be alive, you should use each birthday to celebrate what your life is about." - Mary Steenburgen
• "When someone asks if you’d like cake or pie, why not say you want cake and pie?" - Lisa Loeb
• "A beautiful woman is like a painting and remains beautiful no matter how old she is." - Chloe Thurlow
• "The heart of a good mother is as big as the ocean; accommodating all kinds of things and sweeping all unwanted things to its shores." - Ernest Agyemang Yeboah
• "With mirth and laughter let old wrinkles come." - William Shakespeare
• "It’s that heart of gold, & stardust soul that make you beautiful." - R.M. Broderick
• "I love my mother as trees love water and sunshine. She helps me grow, prosper, and reach great heights." - Terri Guillemets
• "My favorite thing about being a mom is just what a better person it makes you on a daily basis." - Drew Barrymore
• "Birthdays are nature’s way of telling you to eat more cake." - Jo Brand
• "No matter your age, you will always need your mom." - Unknown
Happy birthday messages for Grandmothers.
Often, the most meaningful gift for a grandmother on her special day is a heartfelt card. Start your card with one of our messages below, and feel free to add an anecdotal detail that will put a smile on your grandmother’s face.
• "Grandma, you’ve always wished the best for me, so today I’m wishing the best for you. Happy birthday."
• "I may not be there to celebrate with you today Grandma, but you are always in my heart. I hope your birthday is nothing but the best."
• "There is no grandma in the world that can compare to you. Thank you for being the guiding light for our family and giving us the gift of so much love and joy. We love you."
• "Oh grandma, today you are younger than ever. Thank you for teaching me all about love, kindness, and eternal youth. I am fortunate to have you, happy birthday."
• "Happy Birthday, Grandma. Sit back, relax, and let us spoil you as much as you’ve spoiled us today. You deserve it."
• "To talk to, laugh with, learn from — thanks for being an amazing grandmother and an awesome friend. Happy birthday, I love you."
• "Happy birthday Grandma. Take some time out for yourself today, you deserve it more than anyone I know."
• "I know you have everything in the world, so if there is one thing I wish for you today, it would be excellent health and many more amazing memories with your children and grandchildren. Happy birthday."
• "Have a wonderful birthday, grandmother. Thank you for your endless love, patience, warmth, and support. You are truly an angel."
• "My sweet grandmother, when I was young, I dreamt of becoming a woman like you. Your support, love, and faith made me the person I am now. I can’t be grateful enough for it. Happy birthday."
• "If things really do get better with age, then you’re nearing perfection. I bet it feels as good as it looks. Happy birthday, Grandma."
• "Happy birthday to the prettiest, smartest and kindest grandmother on the Earth. I am so lucky that you’ve been kind enough to pass down these genes to the rest of us."
• "Grandma, you have given me such great advice over the years. I want to take this special day and use it as an opportunity to thank you for all that and more. You’re the best."
• "Whether it’s your 60th, 80th, or 100th birthday, you look as beautiful as ever, Grandma. Happy birthday to the happiest woman I know."
• "There is not a single day I don’t think about you and all that you’ve done for me. Happy birthday, Grandma."
Send happy birthday wishes for your mother.
Loving birthday wishes for moms.
Funny happy birthday messages for moms.
Happy birthday quotes for moms.
Happy birthday messages for other mothers.
Happy birthday messages for Grandmothers.
Light the candles with Adobe Spark.
Celebrating mom’s birthday is all about singing praises. Adobe Spark lets you create a custom-tailored message that will make her feel special and honored. Whether the occasion is intimate and quiet or a party that rocks out in sheer exuberance, our designs convey the birthday message that hits exactly the right note. Our templates work for personal greetings, formal wishes, or even for group signing.
Share your Adobe Spark Post birthday card.
Adobe Spark Post makes it easy to design and share your birthday greeting so that it sends the most joy possible. Download and print out your design on a card, or share it as an eye-catching post on social media. If you like to think big, send your design to a professional printer to hang as a banner at the birthday party or hand out party favors. However you present it, your card will become a cherished keepsake in its own right to commemorate the joyous day.