Happy Birthday Wishes Chinese Language: Learn How to Say 生日快乐!

Birthdays are a big deal, no matter where you are! And when it comes to wishing someone a happy birthday in another language, it can feel a little tricky, right? You want to express your heartfelt wishes, but suddenly you’re faced with unfamiliar characters and tones that might seem a bit daunting. Just typing “Happy Birthday” into Google Translate might not capture the warmth and sincerity you’re going for.

Let’s be honest, a simple “生日快乐” (Shēngrì kuàilè) will do the trick, but wouldn’t it be nice to add a personal touch? Maybe sprinkle in some extra good wishes for health, prosperity, or happiness? Picture the delight on your friend or family member’s face when they hear you say something beyond the standard greeting, showing you put in the effort to learn a bit of their language and culture.

Fear not, conveying warm birthday wishes in Chinese doesn’t have to be complicated! We’re going to break down some easy-to-learn phrases and share tips on how to add that special personalized touch that will make your birthday greeting truly memorable and appreciated. Let’s get started and bring some extra joy to their special day!

Common Chinese birthday phrases (Mandarin & Cantonese)

Wishing someone a happy birthday in Chinese is a beautiful way to show respect and affection. Whether you’re speaking Mandarin or Cantonese, there are many heartwarming phrases you can use to express your best wishes for their special day. Here are some common and useful phrases to help you celebrate birthdays in Chinese:

• 生日快乐 (Shēngrì kuàilè) - Happy Birthday (Mandarin)
• 生日快樂 (Saang1 jat6 faai3 lok6) - Happy Birthday (Cantonese)
• 祝你生日快乐 (Zhù nǐ shēngrì kuàilè) - Wishing you a happy birthday (Mandarin)
• 祝你生日快樂 (Zuk1 nei5 saang1 jat6 faai3 lok6) - Wishing you a happy birthday (Cantonese)
• 年年有今日 (Nián nián yǒu jīn rì) - Wishing you many happy returns of the day (Mandarin)
• 年年有今日 (Nin4 nin4 jau5 gam1 jat6) - Wishing you many happy returns of the day (Cantonese)
• 岁岁平安 (Suì suì píng’ān) - Wishing you peace every year (Mandarin)
• 歲歲平安 (Seoi3 seoi3 ping4 on1) - Wishing you peace every year (Cantonese)
• 身体健康 (Shēntǐ jiànkāng) - Wishing you good health (Mandarin)
• 身體健康 (San1 tai2 gin6 hong1) - Wishing you good health (Cantonese)
• 万事如意 (Wànshì rúyì) - Wishing you all the best (Mandarin)
• 萬事如意 (Maan6 si6 jyu4 ji3) - Wishing you all the best (Cantonese)
• 心想事成 (Xīn xiǎng shì chéng) - May all your wishes come true (Mandarin)
• 心想事成 (Sam1 soeng2 si6 sing4) - May all your wishes come true (Cantonese)
• 青春永驻 (Qīngchūn yǒng zhù) - Wishing you eternal youth (Mandarin)

These phrases can be used on their own or combined to create a more personalized birthday message. For instance, you could say “祝你生日快乐，身体健康！” (Zhù nǐ shēngrì kuàilè, shēntǐ jiànkāng!) in Mandarin, meaning “Wishing you a happy birthday and good health!”

Learning these basic birthday phrases not only allows you to express your warm wishes in Chinese but also shows your appreciation for the culture. So go ahead, use these phrases to make someone’s birthday extra special and memorable!

Formal happy birthday wishes in Chinese

When offering birthday wishes in Chinese in more formal settings, such as to elders, superiors, or in professional contexts, it’s important to use respectful and polite language. These wishes often incorporate blessings for long life, good health, and prosperity. Using formal greetings shows your respect and sincerity.

• 祝您生日快乐，福如东海，寿比南山！(Zhù nín shēngrì kuàilè, fú rú dōnghǎi, shòu bǐ nánshān!) - Wishing you a happy birthday, may your happiness be as immense as the Eastern Sea and your life as long as the Southern Mountain!
• 恭祝您生日快乐，身体健康，万事如意！(Gōng zhù nín shēngrì kuàilè, shēntǐ jiànkāng, wànshì rúyì!) - Respectfully wishing you a happy birthday, good health, and that everything goes according to your wishes!
• 敬祝您生日快乐，岁岁平安，年年有余！(Jìng zhù nín shēngrì kuàilè, suì suì píng’ān, nián nián yǒuyú!) - Humbly wishing you a happy birthday, peace year after year, and abundance every year!
• 祝您寿比松龄鹤寿，福如海阔天空！(Zhù nín shòu bǐ sōnglíng hè shòu, fú rú hǎikuò tiānkōng!) - Wishing you a life as long as the pine and crane, and happiness as vast as the sea and sky!
• 恭祝您生日快乐，吉星高照，心想事成！(Gōng zhù nín shēngrì kuàilè, jíxīng gāo zhào, xīn xiǎng shì chéng!) - Respectfully wishing you a happy birthday, may lucky stars shine upon you, and may all your wishes come true!
• 敬祝您生日快乐，椿萱并茂，福寿绵长！ (Jìng zhù nín shēngrì kuàilè, chūnxuān bìngmào, fúshòu miáncháng!) - Humbly wishing you a happy birthday, may your parents be healthy, and may your happiness and longevity be everlasting!
• 祝您生日快乐，日月昌明，松鹤遐龄！ (Zhù nín shēngrì kuàilè, rì yuè chāngmíng, sōng hè xiá líng!) - Wishing you a happy birthday, may your future be bright, and may you live as long as the pine and crane!
• 恭祝您生日快乐，鸿案相庄，如松之盛！(Gōng zhù nín shēngrì kuàilè, hóng àn xiāng zhuāng, rú sōng zhī shèng!) - Respectfully wishing you a happy birthday, may you and your spouse have a harmonious relationship, and may your life be as prosperous as the pine tree!
• 敬祝您生日快乐，福禄双全，笑口常开！(Jìng zhù nín shēngrì kuàilè, fú lù shuāng quán, xiào kǒu cháng kāi!) - Humbly wishing you a happy birthday, may you have both happiness and prosperity, and may you always have a smile on your face!
• 祝您生日快乐，富贵安康，顺心如意！(Zhù nín shēngrì kuàilè, fùguì ānkāng, shùnxīn rúyì!) - Wishing you a happy birthday, wealth, good health, and may everything go smoothly according to your wishes!
• 恭祝您生日快乐，福星高照，阖家欢乐！(Gōng zhù nín shēngrì kuàilè, fúxīng gāo zhào, héjiā huānlè!) - Respectfully wishing you a happy birthday, may the star of happiness shine upon you, and may your whole family be happy!
• 敬祝您生日快乐，事业有成，前程似锦！(Jìng zhù nín shēngrì kuàilè, shìyè yǒu chéng, qiánchéng sì jǐn!) - Humbly wishing you a happy birthday, success in your career, and a bright future!
• 祝您生日快乐，岁序更新，履新之喜！ (Zhù nín shēngrì kuàilè, suì xù gēngxīn, lǚxīn zhī xǐ!) - Wishing you a happy birthday, with the renewal of the year, may you have the joy of new beginnings!
• 恭祝您生日快乐，鹤算同添，天保九如！(Gōng zhù nín shēngrì kuàilè, hè suàn tóng tiān, tiān bǎo jiǔ rú!) - Respectfully wishing you a happy birthday, may your lifespan increase like the crane, and may you have the nine blessings of Heaven!
• 敬祝您生日快乐，老当益壮，精神矍铄！(Jìng zhù nín shēngrì kuàilè, lǎo dāng yì zhuàng, jīngshén juéshuò!) - Humbly wishing you a happy birthday, may you grow stronger as you age, and may your spirit be vigorous!

These formal wishes not only express your birthday greetings but also convey your respect and good intentions towards the recipient. They are perfect for cards, speeches, or any situation where a more refined and considerate message is appropriate.

Remember to deliver these wishes with a sincere smile and a respectful demeanor to truly convey your heartfelt blessings. The recipient will surely appreciate the thoughtfulness and care you put into your greeting.

Casual Chinese birthday greetings for friends

When celebrating a friend’s birthday, you want your wishes to feel genuine and warm. Here are some casual and friendly Chinese birthday greetings you can use to show your appreciation and affection for your friends on their special day. These sayings are perfect for texts, social media posts, or even a handwritten card.

• 生日快乐！(Shēngrì kuàilè!) - Happy Birthday!
• 祝你生日快乐！(Zhù nǐ shēngrì kuàilè!) - Wishing you a happy birthday!
• 生日快乐，我的朋友！(Shēngrì kuàilè, wǒ de péngyǒu!) - Happy birthday, my friend!
• 祝你天天开心！(Zhù nǐ tiāntiān kāixīn!) - Wishing you happiness every day!
• 祝你万事如意！(Zhù nǐ wànshì rúyì!) - Wishing you all the best!
• 希望你今天过得愉快！(Xīwàng nǐ jīntiān guò dé yúkuài!) - Hope you have a great day!
• 祝你岁岁平安！(Zhù nǐ suì suì píng’ān!) - Wishing you peace and safety every year!
• 祝你心想事成！(Zhù nǐ xīn xiǎng shì chéng!) - Wishing you all your dreams come true!
• 生日快乐，多吃点好吃的！(Shēngrì kuàilè, duō chī diǎn hǎo chī de!) - Happy birthday, eat lots of delicious food!
• 祝你越来越漂亮/帅气！(Zhù nǐ yuè lái yuè piàoliang/shuàiqì!) - Wishing you more and more beautiful/handsome!
• 祝你每天都充满笑容！(Zhù nǐ měitiān dōu chōngmǎn xiàoróng!) - Wishing you every day filled with smiles!
• 生日快乐！好好享受今天！(Shēngrì kuàilè! Hǎohāo xiǎngshòu jīntiān!) - Happy Birthday! Enjoy your day!
• 希望你的愿望都实现！(Xīwàng nǐ de yuànwàng dōu shíxiàn!) - Hope all your wishes come true!
• 祝你生日充满惊喜！(Zhù nǐ shēngrì chōngmǎn jīngxǐ!) - Wishing you a birthday full of surprises!
• 祝你健康快乐！(Zhù nǐ jiànkāng kuàilè!) - Wishing you health and happiness!

Remember to adjust your message based on your relationship with the friend. Adding a personal touch, like a shared memory or inside joke, can make your greeting even more special and meaningful.

No matter which greeting you choose, the most important thing is to express your genuine happiness for your friend on their birthday. A heartfelt message will surely make their day even brighter and show them how much you care.

Birthday wishes for elders (respectful Chinese)

When wishing elders a happy birthday in Chinese, it’s vital to express respect and reverence. The language used should reflect their seniority and your sincere wishes for their health and longevity. Here are some examples of birthday wishes tailored for elders, using polite and auspicious phrases.

• 祝您福如东海，寿比南山! (Zhù nín fú rú dōng hǎi, shòu bǐ nán shān!) - Wishing you happiness as immense as the Eastern Sea and a lifespan as long as the Southern Mountains!
• 祝您生日快乐，身体健康，万事如意! (Zhù nín shēngrì kuàilè, shēntǐ jiànkāng, wànshì rúyì!) - Wishing you a happy birthday, good health, and may all go well with you!
• 恭祝您生日快乐，长命百岁! (Gōng zhù nín shēngrì kuàilè, chángmìng bǎisuì!) - Respectfully wishing you a happy birthday and a long life of one hundred years!
• 祝您寿星高照，晚年幸福安康! (Zhù nín shòuxīng gāo zhào, wǎnnián xìngfú ānkāng!) - Wishing you the blessing of the God of Longevity, and a happy, peaceful, and healthy old age!
• 愿您延年益寿，岁岁平安! (Yuàn nín yánnián yìshòu, suì suì píng’ān!) - May you have a long and healthy life, and peace every year!
• 祝爷爷/奶奶生日快乐，福寿安康! (Zhù yéye/nǎinai shēngrì kuàilè, fú shòu ānkāng!) - Wishing Grandpa/Grandma a happy birthday, with happiness, longevity, peace, and health!
• 祝您生日吉乐，笑口常开! (Zhù nín shēngrì jílè, xiàokǒu cháng kāi!) - Wishing you joyful happiness on your birthday, and may you always have a smile on your face!
• 愿您松柏长青，福寿绵长! (Yuàn nín sōngbǎi cháng qīng, fú shòu miáncháng!) - May you be as evergreen as a pine and cypress, and may your happiness and longevity be continuous!
• 敬祝您生日快乐，精神矍铄! (Jìng zhù nín shēngrì kuàilè, jīngshén juéshuò!) - Respectfully wishing you a happy birthday and that you remain full of vigor and vitality!
• 祝您晚年生活幸福美满，健康长寿! (Zhù nín wǎnnián shēnghuó xìngfú měimǎn, jiànkāng chángshòu!) - Wishing you a happy and fulfilling life in your later years, with good health and longevity!
• 祝您寿与天齐，福禄双全! (Zhù nín shòu yǔ tiān qí, fú lù shuāng quán!) - Wishing you a lifespan as long as the heavens and blessings and prosperity in abundance!
• 恭祝长辈生日快乐，身体棒棒! (Gōng zhù zhǎngbèi shēngrì kuàilè, shēntǐ bàng bàng!) - Respectfully wishing you, elder, a happy birthday, and a strong body!
• 祝您福星高照，寿比松龄! (Zhù nín fúxīng gāo zhào, shòu bǐ sōnglíng!) - Wishing you the blessing of the God of Happiness and a lifespan comparable to the age of a pine tree!
• 愿您鹤寿延年，安享晚年! (Yuàn nín hè shòu yánnián, ānxiǎng wǎnnián!) - May you have a crane’s longevity and peacefully enjoy your twilight years!
• 祝您生日快乐，福如海渊，寿比冈陵! (Zhù nín shēngrì kuàilè, fú rú hǎi yuān, shòu bǐ gāng líng!) - Wishing you a happy birthday, happiness as deep as the ocean abyss, and a lifespan as long as the mountains!

Remember to deliver these wishes with sincerity and a respectful demeanor. Your genuine care and consideration will undoubtedly make their birthday even more special and memorable.

These phrases are not just words; they are a heartfelt expression of your love and appreciation for the elders in your life. By using these respectful wishes, you are honoring their wisdom, experience, and the significant role they play in your family and community.

Funny and playful Chinese birthday greetings

Sometimes, a touch of humor can make a birthday wish even more memorable! While directly translating Chinese idioms into funny English might not always work, we can capture the playful spirit with creative and light-hearted messages that hint at Chinese birthday traditions and wishes.

• Happy birthday! May your longevity noodles be extra long this year, so you can slurp them up all day!
• Another year older? Don’t worry, you’re just becoming a vintage wine – more valuable with age! Happy birthday!
• Happy birthday! May your red envelope be overflowing with so much money it needs its own bodyguard!
• Happy birthday! Remember, age is just a number… a really big, impressive number!
• I heard you’re one year closer to being a wise old sage! Happy birthday! May your wisdom teeth not ache too much.
• Happy birthday! May your fortune cookies always have the best predictions for the coming year.
• Happy birthday! Hope your birthday cake is as tall as the Great Wall of China… and just as delicious!
• Wishing you a birthday so lucky, even the mahjong tiles are on your side!
• Happy birthday! May your year be filled with so much joy, it’s like a never-ending Chinese New Year celebration!
• Happy birthday! I hope you have so much good food today, you’ll need to take a nap like a panda afterwards!
• Happy birthday! Don’t count the candles, just enjoy the glow!
• Happy birthday! May your life be as sweet as mooncakes and as bright as Chinese lanterns.
• Another year, another wrinkle? Just kidding! Happy birthday, you timeless beauty/handsome devil!
• Happy birthday! May your journey through life be as exciting and colorful as a dragon dance!
• Happy birthday! Get ready to party like it’s 1949…in a good way!

These playful greetings are a fun way to acknowledge someone’s birthday with a touch of lighthearted humor. They also incorporate elements of Chinese culture in an accessible and enjoyable manner.

Remember to tailor the message to the recipient’s personality and your relationship with them. A little bit of thoughtfulness goes a long way in making their birthday extra special and memorable!

Happy Birthday, Again!

We hope this guide has helped you find the perfect way to wish someone a happy birthday in Chinese! Whether you’ve chosen a classic phrase or opted for a more personal touch, we’re sure your well wishes will be greatly appreciated. Remember, it’s the thought that counts, and the effort you put into learning a little about the language and culture will definitely make their special day even brighter.

Thanks for reading! We hope you enjoyed learning some new ways to celebrate birthdays in Chinese. Be sure to bookmark this page for future reference, and feel free to explore our other articles on Chinese language and culture. We’re always adding new content, so come back and visit us again soon! Wishing you all the best!