50 Ways to Say Happy Birthday in Different Languages

Last Updated: January 28, 2025

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Want to wish your friends Happy Birthday in different languages? This guide is perfect for you.

Wishing someone a Happy Birthday in their native language may be a small gesture, but it carries immense warmth and personal touch.

 Imagine receiving a birthday video greeting where loved ones worldwide send wishes in different languages. How delightful would that be?

Imagine lighting up someone’s special day by speaking the language of their heart.

Discover how to say “Happy Birthday” in 50 different languages and learn creative ways to incorporate these multilingual greetings into personalized video greeting cards.

Keep reading this guide to ensure you create unforgettable memories that resonate deeply with your loved ones.

Why Wish Happy Birthday in Different Languages?

Cultural Significance

Language is deeply connected to culture and identity. Wishing someone “Happy Birthday” in their native tongue shows respect and an appreciation of their heritage. 

It’s a simple yet powerful way to strengthen bonds.

Personal Touch

Taking the time to learn and saying or writing birthday card wishes in a different language adds a thoughtful and unique element to your greetings.

 It shows that you’ve gone the extra mile to make someone’s day special.

The Video Greeting Card Trend

Personalized video greeting cards have become a popular way to celebrate birthdays.

Adding multilingual birthday wishes can elevate the experience, making it more memorable and heartfelt.

How Do You Say ‘Happy Birthday’ in 50 Different Languages

Happy birthday in different languages
Different languages to wish Happy Birthday

Here’s how to say Happy Birthday in different languages, organized by region—from widely spoken to some less common ones.


Asian Languages

  • Chinese (Mandarin): 生日快乐 (Shēngrì Kuàilè)
  • Hindi: जन्मदिन मुबारक (Janmadin Mubarak)
  • Japanese: お誕生日おめでとう (Otanjōbi Omedetō)
  • Korean: 생일 축하합니다 (Saengil Chukhahamnida)
  • Tamil (India): இந்த பிரந்தன வாழ்துகாடுக்க (Iniya Pirandhanaal Vaalthukkal)
  • Bengali: শুভ জন্মদিন (Shubho Jonmodin)
  • Punjabi: ਜਨਮਦਿਨ ਮੁਬਾਰਕ (Janamdin Mubarak)
  • Thai: สุขสันต์วันเกิด (S̄uk̄hs̄ạnt̒ Wạn Keid)
  • Malay: Selamat Hari Jadi
  • Vietnamese: Chúc Mừng Sinh Nhật
  • Mongolian: Төрсөн Өдрийн Мэнд (Törsön Ödrijn Mend)

European Languages

  • English: Happy Birthday
  • Spanish: Feliz Cumpleaños (feh-LEES koom-pleh-AHN-yos)
  • French: Joyeux Anniversaire (zhwah-YUH ah-nee-ver-SEHR)
  • German: Alles Gute zum Geburtstag (AH-les GOO-tuh tsoom geh-BOORTS-tahg)
  • Portuguese: Feliz Aniversário (feh-LEEZ ah-nee-ver-SA-ree-oh)
  • Dutch: Gefeliciteerd met je Verjaardag
  • Swedish: Grattis på Födelsedagen
  • Norwegian: Gratulerer med Dagen
  • Danish: Tillykke med Fødselsdagen
  • Italian (missing in original): Buon Compleanno
  • Icelandic: Til Hamingju Með Afmælið
  • Finnish: Hyvää Syntymäpäivää
  • Welsh: Penblwydd Hapus
  • Gaelic (Scottish): Co-là-breith Math
  • Polish: Wszystkiego Najlepszego z Okazji Urodzin
  • Greek: Χρόνια Πολλά (Chronia Polla)
  • Czech: Všechno Nejlepší k Narozeninám
  • Hungarian: Boldog Születésnapot
  • Romanian: La Mulți Ani
  • Ukrainian: З Днем Народження (Z Dnem Narodzhennya)
  • Slovak: Všetko Najlepšie k Narodeninám
  • Slovenian: Vse Najboljše za Rojstni Dan
  • Latvian: Daudz Laimes Dzimšanas Dienā
  • Lithuanian: Su Gimtadieniu
  • Croatian: Sretan Rođendan
  • Serbian: Срећан Рођендан (Srećan Rođendan)
  • Bulgarian: Честит Рожден Ден (Chestit Rozhden Den)

Middle Eastern Languages

  • Arabic: عيد ميلاد سعيد (ˈEid Milad Saeed)
  • Hebrew: יום הולדת שמח (Yom Huledet Sameach)
  • Persian (Farsi): تولدت مبارک (Tavalodet Mobarak)

African Languages

  • Swahili: Heri ya Siku ya Kuzaliwa
  • Xhosa: Usuku Olumnandi Lokuzalwa
  • Zulu: Usuku Oluhle Lokuzalwa
  • Amharic: መልካም ልደት (Melkam Lidet)

Oceanic and Pacific Languages

  • Hawaiian: Hauʻoli Lā Hānau
  • Maori: Rā Whānau Ki a Koe
  • Tagalog (Philippines): Maligayang Kaarawan

Fun Fact: Birthday Greetings Around the World

  • In Japan, birthdays were traditionally celebrated only for children until the 20th century. Today, wishing people “Otanjoubi Omedetou” with a personal gift is common.
  • In Ghana, special ceremonies mark milestone birthdays, with wishes emphasizing health and success.
  • In Sweden, birthday greetings are often accompanied by songs like “Ja, må han/hon leva,” adding a musical touch to the celebration.

Top 7 Languages for Birthday Wishes

Here are seven widely spoken languages and interesting birthday traditions in their cultures:

  1. English: Universal and versatile.
    • Fun Fact: Birthday cakes and candles trace their roots to ancient Greece.
  2. Spanish: Popular across Latin America and Spain.
    • Tradition: Quinceañeras are a cherished tradition in Mexican culture, celebrating a young girl's transition into womanhood with joy and festivity.
  3. French: Romantic and elegant.
    • Tradition: French birthdays often include a family meal with special pastries.
  4. Chinese (Mandarin): Widely spoken in Asia.
    • Tradition: Noodles symbolize longevity and are eaten on birthdays.
  5. Hindi: Spoken by millions in India.
    • Tradition: Friends often smear cake on the birthday person’s face as a playful gesture.
  6. Japanese: Rich in culture and etiquette.
    • Tradition: Gifts are typically wrapped with great care and attention.
  7. Arabic: Spoken in numerous countries across the Middle East and North Africa.
    • Tradition: Lavish feasts are common in Arabic birthday celebrations.

Cultural Significance of Birthday Greetings

Birthdays have different meanings and traditions across cultures, and how we celebrate them reflects our shared humanity and diverse customs. 

Let’s explore why birthday greetings are more than just words.

A Universal Celebration

No matter where you are in the world, birthdays are a time for joy and gratitude. Creating personalized greetings on their birthday acknowledges their existence, achievements, and the unique role they play in your life.

It’s a moment to pause and celebrate their presence.

A Window into Tradition

Each culture has its own way of marking birthdays, from lighting candles on cakes in the West to eating longevity noodles in East Asia. 

The greeting itself often reflects these traditions. For example, in some cultures, birthday wishes include blessings for health, prosperity, or happiness, deeply rooted in cultural values.

Building Connections Through Language

Language is a powerful way to connect with people. When you wish someone “Happy Birthday” or send them a birthday video in their native language, you respect their culture and heritage. 

This gesture can break down barriers and foster understanding, making the recipient feel truly seen and valued.

Expressions of Love and Thoughtfulness

Taking the time to learn and share birthday card messages in another language demonstrates care and thoughtfulness. It turns a simple greeting into a heartfelt expression of love, amplifying its emotional impact.

How to Create Personalized Video Greeting Cards for Birthdays

Video greeting card
Birthday video greeting messages

Creating a video card for multilingual birthday greetings is easier than ever with GiftLips, a free online greeting card maker.

Here’s how you can craft a personalized multilingual video greeting card for birthdays:

  1. Choose a Card Template: You can start by selecting from various pre-made templates on GiftLips or uploading your custom picture to make it unique.
  2. Add Your Video Message: Upload an existing video or record a new one directly on the platform. You can even invite friends and family to collaborate by adding their own birthday messages.
  3. Save or Download: Once you’ve personalized your card, save it for later or download it to share via email, social media, or messaging apps.

Personalization Ideas

  • Language Subtitles: Include subtitles for each language featured in the video gift to ensure the message is clear to everyone.
  • Cultural Visuals: To add an extra personal touch, incorporate images, icons, and colors that resonate with the recipient’s cultural background.

With GiftLips, crafting a heartfelt video greeting message that celebrates the recipient’s cultural diversity has never been more accessible or fun!

The Power of Multilingual Birthday Wishes

Learning how to say Happy Birthday in different languages is a wonderful way to make someone feel special and appreciated. 

Incorporating these greetings into personalized video cards adds an extra layer of thoughtfulness, making birthdays more memorable.

Start creating your multilingual birthday wishes today and share the joy of global connections. 

FAQs

What is a fancy word for “Happy Birthday”?

“Joyous Natal Anniversary” or “Felicitous Birthday Greetings.”

How do you say Happy Birthday in French?


Joyeux Anniversaire.

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