Saying Happy Birthday in Chinese
How to Say Happy Birthday in Chinese: A Simple Guide 🎉🎂
Celebrating birthdays is a universal tradition, and wishing someone “Happy Birthday” is a thoughtful way to show you care. If you want to impress a Chinese-speaking friend or simply learn a bit about the language and culture, knowing how to say “Happy Birthday” in Chinese is a great start!
This simple guide will teach you the most common birthday greetings in Chinese, the differences between Mandarin and Cantonese, and some cultural tips to make your birthday wishes even more meaningful.
The Basics: Saying “Happy Birthday” in Mandarin Chinese
The most common way to say “Happy Birthday” in Mandarin (the official language of China) is:
生日快乐
Shēngrì kuàilè
(pronounced shung-rr kuh-why-luh)
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生日 (Shēngrì) means “birthday.”
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快乐 (Kuàilè) means “happy” or “joyful.”
Together, 生日快乐 is the standard phrase for “Happy Birthday,” and it’s widely used in China, Taiwan, and other Mandarin-speaking communities.
Saying “Happy Birthday” in Cantonese
In Cantonese, which is spoken mainly in Hong Kong and parts of southern China, you say:
生日快樂
Sāangyaht faailohk
(pronounced sahng-yaht fai-lok)
Though the characters are the same as Mandarin, the pronunciation changes. Cantonese has its own distinct tones and sounds, so practicing the pronunciation can really impress native speakers!
Other Birthday Greetings and Wishes
If you want to add a little more flair to your birthday wishes, here are some other common phrases:
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祝你生日快乐 (Zhù nǐ shēngrì kuàilè) — “Wishing you a happy birthday.”
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生日快乐，身体健康 (Shēngrì kuàilè, shēntǐ jiànkāng) — “Happy birthday and good health.”
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祝你天天开心 (Zhù nǐ tiāntiān kāixīn) — “Wishing you happiness every day.”
Cultural Tips for Wishing Happy Birthday in Chinese
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Red is lucky: When giving birthday cards or gifts, red is considered an auspicious color symbolizing good luck and happiness.
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Avoid gifts like clocks or sharp objects: These can symbolize bad luck or endings.
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Longevity is valued: Birthday wishes often include phrases wishing long life and good health.
How to Pronounce “Happy Birthday” Like a Pro
Chinese is a tonal language, which means the tone or pitch you use can change the meaning of a word. Here’s a quick guide for 生日快乐 (Shēngrì kuàilè):
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Shēng — high-level tone (first tone)
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rì — falling tone (fourth tone)
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kuài — falling tone (fourth tone)
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lè — falling tone (fourth tone)
Listening to native speakers or using language apps can help you master the tones perfectly.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re celebrating a Chinese friend’s birthday or just expanding your language skills, knowing how to say “Happy Birthday” in Chinese is a wonderful way to connect and share joy. Try practicing these phrases, and you’ll impress everyone at the next birthday party!
Want to learn more Chinese phrases or cultural tips? Feel free to ask!