Birthday Wishes in Mandarin: Learn How to Say Happy Birthday in Chinese

Birthdays! They’re a time for cake, celebration, and connecting with loved ones. When someone special in your life is celebrating another trip around the sun, you naturally want to express your warmest wishes. But what if that someone speaks Mandarin? Suddenly, a simple “Happy Birthday!” feels a little… inadequate. You want to say something meaningful, something that truly conveys your joy and good wishes, but your high school Mandarin class feels like a distant, hazy memory.

Relying on a generic online translator can feel risky – are you *really* conveying the right sentiment? Will your heartfelt message come across as awkward, or even worse, unintentionally rude? Spending precious time scouring the internet for the *perfect* phrase can leave you feeling overwhelmed and frustrated, especially when you just want to focus on finding the perfect gift and planning a fun celebration. You don’t want the language barrier to dim the sparkle of their special day.

Fear not! Expressing genuine birthday wishes in Mandarin doesn’t have to be daunting. With a little guidance, you can confidently deliver a message that warms their heart and shows you’ve put in the effort to connect with them on a deeper level. Let’s explore some easy-to-use phrases and tips that will make your Mandarin birthday greetings shine!

Birthday wishes for elders in Mandarin

Expressing birthday wishes to elders in Mandarin is a wonderful way to show respect and love. When conveying these wishes, it’s important to use polite language and phrases that reflect honor and longevity. Here are some heartfelt examples you can use:

• 福如东海，寿比南山 (Fú rú dōng hǎi, shòu bǐ nán shān): May your happiness be as immense as the Eastern Sea, and your life as long as the Southern Mountain.
• 生日快乐，身体健康 (Shēngrì kuàilè, shēntǐ jiànkāng): Happy birthday, and good health!
• 祝您生日快乐，长命百岁 (Zhù nín shēngrì kuàilè, cháng mìng bǎi suì): Wishing you a happy birthday and a long life of a hundred years.
• 岁岁平安，年年有余 (Suì suì píng’ān, nián nián yǒu yú): Wishing you peace year after year, and abundance year after year.
• 祝您福寿安康 (Zhù nín fú shòu ān kāng): Wishing you happiness, longevity, peace, and good health.
• 愿您晚年幸福，身体硬朗 (Yuàn nín wǎnnián xìngfú, shēntǐ yìnglǎng): Wishing you happiness in your later years and a strong, healthy body.
• 祝您老如松柏，益寿延年 (Zhù nín lǎo rú sōngbǎi, yì shòu yán nián): Wishing you to be as evergreen as pine and cypress, and to prolong your life.
• 祝您生日快乐，笑口常开 (Zhù nín shēngrì kuàilè, xiào kǒu cháng kāi): Wishing you a happy birthday and a constant smile.
• 愿您生活美满，幸福安康 (Yuàn nín shēnghuó měimǎn, xìngfú ānkāng): Wishing you a fulfilling life, happiness, peace, and good health.
• 祝爷爷/奶奶生日快乐，永远年轻 (Zhù yéye/nǎinai shēngrì kuàilè, yǒngyuǎn niánqīng): Happy birthday, Grandpa/Grandma, may you stay forever young.
• 祝您身体健康，万事如意 (Zhù nín shēntǐ jiànkāng, wànshì rúyì): Wishing you good health and that everything goes according to your wishes.
• 祝您生日快乐，天天开心 (Zhù nín shēngrì kuàilè, tiāntiān kāixīn): Wishing you a happy birthday and happiness every day.
• 祝您福星高照，寿与天齐 (Zhù nín fúxīng gāo zhào, shòu yǔ tiān qí): Wishing you good fortune and a life as long as the heavens.
• 愿您事事顺心，福乐绵绵 (Yuàn nín shì shì shùnxīn, fú lè miánmián): Wishing you that everything goes smoothly and endless happiness.
• 祝您老当益壮，精神矍铄 (Zhù nín lǎo dāng yì zhuàng, jīngshén juéshuò): Wishing you to be stronger as you get older and full of vigor.

When using these wishes, remember to adapt them to fit your specific relationship with the elder you are celebrating. Adding a personal touch, like mentioning a shared memory or inside joke, will make the message even more meaningful.

Ultimately, the most important thing is to convey your genuine love and respect. Your heartfelt wishes, spoken with sincerity, will undoubtedly bring joy to their special day and strengthen your bond.

Birthday wishes for friends in Mandarin

Celebrating your friend’s birthday with a wish in Mandarin is a thoughtful gesture that shows you care. Here are some heartfelt and simple birthday wishes you can use to express your warm feelings on their special day. These wishes range from the classic to the more affectionate, perfect for conveying your friendship and good wishes.

• 生日快乐！ (Shēngrì kuàilè!) - Happy Birthday!
• 祝你生日快乐，天天开心！ (Zhù nǐ shēngrì kuàilè, tiāntiān kāixīn!) - Wishing you a happy birthday and happiness every day!
• 愿你生日这天充满快乐和惊喜！ (Yuàn nǐ shēngrì zhè tiān chōngmǎn kuàilè hé jīngxǐ!) - May your birthday be filled with joy and surprises!
• 祝你年年有今日，岁岁有今朝！ (Zhù nǐ nián nián yǒu jīn rì, suì suì yǒu jīn zhāo!) - Wishing you many happy returns of the day!
• 希望你的每个愿望都能实现！ (Xīwàng nǐ de měi gè yuànwàng dōu néng shíxiàn!) - Hope all your wishes come true!
• 友谊长存，生日快乐！ (Yǒuyì cháng cún, shēngrì kuàilè!) - May our friendship last forever, Happy Birthday!
• 祝你生日快乐，身体健康！ (Zhù nǐ shēngrì kuàilè, shēntǐ jiànkāng!) - Wishing you a happy birthday and good health!
• 祝你有个美好的一天！(Zhù nǐ yǒu gè měihǎo de yī tiān!) - Wishing you a wonderful day!
• 生日快乐，我的好朋友！(Shēngrì kuàilè, wǒ de hǎo péngyǒu!) - Happy birthday, my good friend!
• 祝你生日快乐，万事如意！ (Zhù nǐ shēngrì kuàilè, wànshì rúyì!) - Wishing you a happy birthday and that everything goes well for you!
• 希望你永远年轻漂亮！ (Xīwàng nǐ yǒngyuǎn niánqīng piàoliang!) - Hope you stay young and beautiful forever!
• 祝你生日快乐，心想事成！ (Zhù nǐ shēngrì kuàilè, xīn xiǎng shì chéng!) - Wishing you a happy birthday and that all your dreams come true!
• 愿你每天都充满阳光！ (Yuàn nǐ měi tiān dōu chōngmǎn yángguāng!) - May your every day be filled with sunshine!
• 生日快乐，祝你一切都好！(Shēngrì kuàilè, zhù nǐ yīqiè dōu hǎo!) - Happy birthday, wishing you all the best!
• 祝你生日快乐，越来越棒！(Zhù nǐ shēngrì kuàilè, yuè lái yuè bàng!) - Wishing you a happy birthday and that you become more and more awesome!

These simple phrases can go a long way in making your friend feel loved and appreciated on their birthday. Choose the one that resonates most with your relationship and add a personal touch to make it even more special.

Remember to pronounce the phrases correctly to truly impress your friend! There are plenty of online resources to help you with Mandarin pronunciation, ensuring your heartfelt message is delivered perfectly.

Formal birthday wishes in Mandarin

When conveying birthday wishes in Mandarin in a formal setting, such as to elders, superiors, or in professional communications, it’s important to use respectful and auspicious language. These wishes often express longevity, good health, and prosperity. Using the correct phrasing shows your respect and sincerity.

• 祝您生日快乐，身体健康！ (Zhù nín shēngrì kuàilè, shēntǐ jiànkāng!) - Wishing you a happy birthday and good health!
• 恭祝您生日快乐，福如东海，寿比南山！ (Gōng zhù nín shēngrì kuàilè, fú rú dōnghǎi, shòu bǐ nánshān!) - Respectfully wishing you a happy birthday, may your fortune be as vast as the Eastern Sea, and your life as long as the Southern Mountain!
• 敬祝您生日快乐，万事如意！ (Jìng zhù nín shēngrì kuàilè, wànshì rúyì!) - Respectfully wishing you a happy birthday and may everything go as you wish!
• 祝您生日快乐，事业有成！ (Zhù nín shēngrì kuàilè, shìyè yǒu chéng!) - Wishing you a happy birthday and success in your career!
• 祝您生日快乐，阖家幸福！ (Zhù nín shēngrì kuàilè, héjiā xìngfú!) - Wishing you a happy birthday and happiness for the whole family!
• 祝您福寿安康，生日快乐！ (Zhù nín fú shòu ān kāng, shēngrì kuàilè!) - Wishing you fortune, longevity, peace, and health. Happy birthday!
• 祝您生日快乐，年年有今日，岁岁有今朝！ (Zhù nín shēngrì kuàilè, nián nián yǒu jīnrì, suì suì yǒu jīnzhāo!) - Wishing you a happy birthday, may you have this day every year, and this morning every year!
• 祝您生日快乐，心想事成！ (Zhù nín shēngrì kuàilè, xīn xiǎng shì chéng!) - Wishing you a happy birthday and may all your wishes come true!
• 祝您生日快乐，吉祥如意！ (Zhù nín shēngrì kuàilè, jíxiáng rúyì!) - Wishing you a happy birthday and may everything be auspicious and as you wish!
• 祝您生日快乐，生活美满！ (Zhù nín shēngrì kuàilè, shēnghuó měimǎn!) - Wishing you a happy birthday and a fulfilling life!
• 祝 [Name] 生日快乐，身体健康，工作顺利！(Zhù [Name] shēngrì kuàilè, shēntǐ jiànkāng, gōngzuò shùnlì!) - Wishing [Name] a happy birthday, good health, and smooth progress at work!
• 谨祝 [Name] 生日快乐，前程似锦！(Jǐn zhù [Name] shēngrì kuàilè, qiánchéng sì jǐn!) - Sincerely wishing [Name] a happy birthday and a bright future!
• 祝您生日快乐，青春永驻！(Zhù nín shēngrì kuàilè, qīngchūn yǒng zhù!) - Wishing you a happy birthday and eternal youth!
• 祝 [Name] 生日快乐，岁岁平安！(Zhù [Name] shēngrì kuàilè, suì suì píng’ān!) - Wishing [Name] a happy birthday and peace every year!
• 祝您生日快乐，晚年幸福！ (Zhù nín shēngrì kuàilè, wǎnnián xìngfú!) - Wishing you a happy birthday and a happy retirement!

These formal wishes go beyond a simple “Happy Birthday” and incorporate elements of respect, admiration, and blessings for the recipient’s future. The phrases are carefully chosen to reflect positive sentiments and demonstrate good etiquette.

Remember to deliver these wishes with a genuine and respectful tone. Adding a small, thoughtful gift can further enhance the sentiment and show your appreciation for the person you’re celebrating.

Casual birthday wishes in Mandarin

When you want to send a simple, heartfelt birthday wish to a friend or acquaintance in Mandarin, you don’t need to be overly formal. These casual greetings are perfect for expressing your good wishes in a relaxed and friendly way. They are easy to remember and convey genuine warmth.

• 生日快乐！(Shēngrì kuàilè!) - Happy birthday!
• 生日嗨皮！(Shēngrì hāipí!) - Happy birthday! (More slangy, like “Happy birthday, have fun!”)
• 祝你生日快乐！(Zhù nǐ shēngrì kuàilè!) - Wishing you a happy birthday!
• 生日快乐，天天开心！(Shēngrì kuàilè, tiāntiān kāixīn!) - Happy birthday, be happy every day!
• 祝你天天开心！(Zhù nǐ tiāntiān kāixīn!) - Wishing you happiness every day! (Can be used around a birthday)
• 生日快乐，万事如意！(Shēngrì kuàilè, wànshì rúyì!) - Happy birthday, may everything go well!
• 祝你万事如意！ (Zhù nǐ wànshì rúyì!) - Wishing you all the best! (Can be used around a birthday)
• 生日快乐，心想事成！(Shēngrì kuàilè, xīn xiǎng shì chéng!) - Happy birthday, may all your wishes come true!
• 祝你心想事成！(Zhù nǐ xīn xiǎng shì chéng!) - Wishing you that all your wishes come true! (Can be used around a birthday)
• 生日快乐，越来越漂亮/帅！(Shēngrì kuàilè, yuè lái yuè piàoliang/shuài!) - Happy birthday, may you become more and more beautiful/handsome!
• 生日快乐，吃好喝好！(Shēngrì kuàilè, chī hǎo hē hǎo!) - Happy birthday, eat well and drink well!
• 祝你吃好喝好！(Zhù nǐ chī hǎo hē hǎo!) - Wishing you eat well and drink well! (Can be used around a birthday)
• 嗨，生日快乐！(Hāi, shēngrì kuàilè!) - Hi, happy birthday!
• 生日快乐呀！(Shēngrì kuàilè ya!) - Happy birthday! (Adding “ya” makes it sound more cute and casual)
• 祝你有个美好的一天！(Zhù nǐ yǒu gè měihǎo de yītiān!) - Wishing you a wonderful day! (Can be used around a birthday)

These simple phrases are a great starting point for expressing your birthday wishes in Mandarin. Feel free to add a personal touch by mentioning a shared memory or inside joke to make your message even more special and meaningful.

Remember that sincerity is key! Even a simple “生日快乐！” can go a long way when delivered with genuine warmth and a smile. So go ahead and brighten someone’s day with these easy and heartfelt birthday wishes.

Humorous birthday wishes in Mandarin

Birthdays are a perfect time to share a laugh with loved ones. If you’re looking to add some lighthearted fun to your Mandarin birthday wishes, these humorous examples are sure to bring a smile to the birthday person’s face. Remember to consider your relationship with the person and their sense of humor when choosing the right wish!

• 祝你生日快乐，岁岁年轻，钱包越来越厚，头发越来越多！(Zhù nǐ shēngrì kuàilè, suì suì niánqīng, qiánbāo yuè lái yuè hòu, tóufa yuè lái yuè duō!) - Happy birthday! May you get younger every year, your wallet thicker, and your hair more abundant!
• 生日快乐！希望你的蛋糕比你的年龄大，但你比你的蛋糕年轻！(Shēngrì kuàilè! Xīwàng nǐ de dàngāo bǐ nǐ de niánlíng dà, dàn nǐ bǐ nǐ de dàngāo niánqīng!) - Happy birthday! Hope your cake is older than you, but you are younger than your cake!
• 祝你生日快乐，永远十八岁！(至少心理上是！)(Zhù nǐ shēngrì kuàilè, yǒngyuǎn shíbā suì! (Zhìshǎo xīnlǐ shàng shì!)) - Happy birthday, forever 18! (At least mentally!)
• 生日快乐！别数蜡烛了，数礼物吧！(Shēngrì kuàilè! Bié shǔ làzhú le, shǔ lǐwù ba!) - Happy birthday! Stop counting candles, count the gifts!
• 祝你生日快乐！又老了一岁，但还是那么可爱！(Zhù nǐ shēngrì kuàilè! Yòu lǎo le yī suì, dàn háishi nàme kě’ài!) - Happy birthday! Another year older, but still so adorable!
• 生日快乐！希望你的皱纹越来越少，智慧越来越多！(Shēngrì kuàilè! Xīwàng nǐ de zhòuwén yuè lái yuè shǎo, zhìhuì yuè lái yuè duō!) - Happy birthday! Hope your wrinkles decrease and your wisdom increases!
• 祝你生日快乐！希望你每天都像过生日一样开心，但不用每天都变老！(Zhù nǐ shēngrì kuàilè! Xīwàng nǐ měitiān dōu xiàng guò shēngrì yīyàng kāixīn, dàn bùyòng měitiān dōu biàn lǎo!) - Happy birthday! Hope you’re as happy every day as you are on your birthday, but you don’t have to get older every day!
• 生日快乐！不要担心变老，你只会变得更有价值！(就像古董一样！) (Shēngrì kuàilè! Bùyào dānxīn biàn lǎo, nǐ zhǐ huì biàn de gèng yǒu jiàzhí! (Jiù xiàng gǔdǒng yīyàng!)) - Happy birthday! Don’t worry about getting old, you just become more valuable! (Like an antique!)
• 祝你生日快乐！希望你收到很多红包，然后分我一点！(Zhù nǐ shēngrì kuàilè! Xīwàng nǐ shōu dào hěn duō hóngbāo, ránhòu fēn wǒ yīdiǎn!) - Happy birthday! Hope you receive lots of red envelopes, and then share some with me!
• 生日快乐！愿你每天都笑口常开，即使牙齿掉光了！(Shēngrì kuàilè! Yuàn nǐ měitiān dōu xiàokǒu cháng kāi, jíshǐ yáchǐ diào guāng le!) - Happy birthday! May you always smile, even if you lose all your teeth!
• 祝你生日快乐！希望你像小笼包一样，皮薄馅大，充满惊喜！(Zhù nǐ shēngrì kuàilè! Xīwàng nǐ xiàng xiǎolóngbāo yīyàng, pí báo xiàn dà, chōngmǎn jīngxǐ!) - Happy birthday! Hope you’re like a xiaolongbao, thin-skinned and full of surprises!
• 生日快乐！ 今天你可以尽情享受，因为明天你又要开始减肥了！(Shēngrì kuàilè! Jīntiān nǐ kěyǐ jìnxíng xiǎngshòu, yīnwèi míngtiān nǐ yòu yào kāishǐ jiǎnféi le!) - Happy birthday! Enjoy yourself today, because tomorrow you have to start dieting again!
• 祝你生日快乐！ 希望你永远保持一颗童心，这样我们就可以一起玩泥巴了！(Zhù nǐ shēngrì kuàilè! Xīwàng nǐ yǒngyuǎn bǎochí yī kē tóngxīn, zhèyàng wǒmen jiù kěyǐ yīqǐ wán níbā le!) - Happy birthday! Hope you always keep a childlike heart, so we can play in the mud together!
• 生日快乐！ 祝你每天都有好心情，即使堵车的时候！(Shēngrì kuàilè! Zhù nǐ měitiān dōu yǒu hǎo xīnqíng, jíshǐ dǔchē de shíhou!) - Happy birthday! Wish you a good mood every day, even when you’re stuck in traffic!
• 祝你生日快乐！ 希望你每天都像今天一样开心，然后请我吃蛋糕！(Zhù nǐ shēngrì kuàilè! Xīwàng nǐ měitiān dōu xiàng jīntiān yīyàng kāixīn, ránhòu qǐng wǒ chī dàngāo!) - Happy birthday! Hope you’re as happy every day as you are today, and then treat me to cake!

These humorous wishes are a fun way to celebrate a birthday in Mandarin. Remember to deliver them with a smile and genuine affection to make the birthday person feel truly special.

No matter which funny birthday wish you choose, the most important thing is to express your care and make the birthday person laugh. A little humor can go a long way in making their day even brighter!

Birthday wishes for lovers in Mandarin

Expressing your love on your partner’s birthday in Mandarin can add a special touch of intimacy and cultural appreciation to your heartfelt message. Here are some warm and loving birthday wishes you can use to celebrate your significant other.

• 亲爱的，祝你生日快乐！ (Qīn’ài de, zhù nǐ shēngrì kuàilè!) - My dear, happy birthday!
• 生日快乐，我爱你！(Shēngrì kuàilè, wǒ ài nǐ!) - Happy birthday, I love you!
• 祝你生日快乐，每天都开开心心！(Zhù nǐ shēngrì kuàilè, měitiān dōu kāi kāi xīn xīn!) - Happy birthday, may you be happy every day!
• 愿你每天都像今天一样快乐！(Yuàn nǐ měitiān dōu xiàng jīntiān yīyàng kuàilè!) - May you be as happy every day as you are today!
• 我的爱人，生日快乐！(Wǒ de àirén, shēngrì kuàilè!) - My love, happy birthday!
• 希望你所有的愿望都能实现。(Xīwàng nǐ suǒyǒu de yuànwàng dōu néng shíxiàn.) - I hope all your wishes come true.
• 你是我生命中最重要的人，生日快乐！(Nǐ shì wǒ shēngmìng zhōng zuì zhòngyào de rén, shēngrì kuàilè!) - You are the most important person in my life, happy birthday!
• 祝你生日快乐，永远年轻漂亮/帅气！(Zhù nǐ shēngrì kuàilè, yǒngyuǎn niánqīng piàoliang/shuàiqì!) - Happy birthday, may you always be young and beautiful/handsome!
• 感谢你走进我的生命，生日快乐！(Gǎnxiè nǐ zǒujìn wǒ de shēngmìng, shēngrì kuàilè!) - Thank you for coming into my life, happy birthday!
• 愿我们的爱越来越深，生日快乐！(Yuàn wǒmen de ài yuè lái yuè shēn, shēngrì kuàilè!) - May our love grow deeper and deeper, happy birthday!
• 祝你生日快乐，甜甜蜜蜜！(Zhù nǐ shēngrì kuàilè, tián tián mì mì!) - Happy birthday, may you be sweet and happy!
• 你是我的阳光，生日快乐！(Nǐ shì wǒ de yángguāng, shēngrì kuàilè!) - You are my sunshine, happy birthday!
• 每一年都更加爱你，生日快乐！(Měi yī nián dōu gèngjiā ài nǐ, shēngrì kuàilè!) - I love you more every year, happy birthday!
• 希望你的每一天都充满惊喜，生日快乐！(Xīwàng nǐ de měi yītiān dōu chōngmǎn jīngxǐ, shēngrì kuàilè!) - I hope every day of yours is full of surprises, happy birthday!
• 宝贝，祝你生日快乐，我永远爱你。(Bǎobèi, zhù nǐ shēngrì kuàilè, wǒ yǒngyuǎn ài nǐ.) - Baby, happy birthday, I will always love you.

These heartfelt wishes aim to convey your deepest affection and make your lover feel truly cherished on their special day. Remember to say it with sincerity and a warm smile.

Adding a small gift or planning a special activity alongside these words can make the celebration even more memorable. Let your love shine through in every gesture!

Short and sweet Mandarin birthday greetings

Sometimes, the most heartfelt messages are the simplest. If you’re looking for short and sweet ways to say “Happy Birthday” in Mandarin, here are some lovely options translated directly into English for easy understanding and use. These greetings are perfect for cards, text messages, or even a quick spoken wish!

• Happy Birthday!
• Wishing you a happy birthday!
• Have a great birthday!
• All the best on your birthday!
• Happy, happy birthday!
• Wishing you happiness!
• Hope you have a wonderful birthday!
• Best wishes for your birthday!
• Enjoy your special day!
• May your dreams come true!
• Wishing you joy!
• Have a fun birthday!
• Wishing you a healthy year!
• Hope your birthday is amazing!
• Wishing you all the best!

These short and sweet greetings are perfect for expressing your warm wishes quickly and effectively. They’re versatile and suitable for anyone, regardless of your relationship with the birthday celebrant.

Choose the greeting that resonates most with you and adds a personal touch to make it even more special. A simple wish, delivered with sincerity, can brighten anyone’s birthday!

Happy Celebrating!

We hope this little guide to saying “Happy Birthday” in Mandarin has been helpful and inspires you to add a special touch to your next birthday celebration! Whether you’re wishing a friend, family member, or colleague well, knowing a few basic phrases can go a long way in making their day feel extra special and thoughtful.

Thanks for reading! We hope you enjoyed learning some new Mandarin phrases. Be sure to check back soon for more language learning tips and cultural insights. Wishing you all the best in your language journey and many happy birthdays to come!