Birthdays are important milestones in any child’s life. Between birthday parties and classroom celebrations, it’s important for your child to celebrate. So, from the formal to the casual, here are five different ways to say “happy birthday” in Chinese.
1. 生日快乐 (shēngrì kuàilè)
This birthday greeting is the most common, it is usually used for friends or family members around the same age. It's the perfect mix of informal and formal. So, you’ll hear it the most often.
2. 祝你生日快乐 (zhù nǐ shēngrì kuàilè)
This second phrase is more formal. It is typically used with people you’ve just met, or with acquaintances of the same age. Since, it’s a bit more formal, its the go-to option to write on a greeting card.
3. 祝您生日快乐 (zhù nín shēngrì kuàilè)
This phrase should only be used with people who are older than us, who we respect. The level of formality in this sentence is quite high, because of 您 (nín) in the phrase. 您 (nín) means “you” but signifies a high level of respect.
4. 祝您福如东海，寿比南山 (zhù nín fú rú dōnghǎi, shòu bǐ nánshān)
This greeting is formal and poetic. This sentence is used to address parents and grandparents, who we respect and love. It's considered poetic because when translated it means: “I wish you success in the South China Sea and long life from the South Mountain.” 'South China Sea' and 'Slatab Mountain' are well-known idioms from China that mean longevity or prayer.
5. 祝您年年有今日，岁岁有今朝 (zhù nín nián nián yǒu jīnrì, suì suì yǒu jīnzhāo)
This birthday greeting is popularly used in Hong Kong, usually with people you already know who are in middle age. The meaning of this birthday wish is: “it is your birthday now, and we will celebrate it every year in the future.”
Now you know how to say “happy birthday” in Chinese! Don't forget, age difference greatly affects which greeting you should use, so be sure to choose the right one.
If you want to go even further, here’s how to sing “Happy Birthday” in Chinese:
Happy Birthday Song in Chinese
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 Wishing you happiness and good health.
祝你前途光明zhù nǐ qián tú guāng míng Wishing you a bright future.
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 Wishing you happiness and good health.
有个温暖家庭yǒu gè wēn nuǎn jiā tíng And well wishes to your family.
Now you’re ready to celebrate anyone’s birthday in Chinese!
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