Happy Birthday Wishes in Chinese Language: Learn How to Say it!

Birthdays are the best, aren’t they? Cake, presents, and spending time with the people you love – what’s not to like? But when you’re trying to celebrate someone who speaks a different language, figuring out the perfect birthday wish can feel a little tricky. You want to express your genuine happiness and warm wishes, but a simple “Happy Birthday” just doesn’t seem to cut it.

Maybe you’ve tried using an online translator, only to get a phrase that sounds robotic or even slightly off. Or perhaps you’re worried about accidentally saying something impolite or confusing. You really want to make your friend or family member feel special on their big day, but the language barrier is making it feel like a bit of a hurdle. The last thing you want is for your heartfelt message to get lost in translation!

Well, fear not! Sending birthday wishes in Chinese can be a truly beautiful and meaningful way to show your appreciation and respect for their culture. With a little guidance, you can craft a message that will not only convey your warm wishes but also bring a genuine smile to their face. Let’s explore some fantastic ways to say “Happy Birthday” in Chinese and make their special day even brighter!

Cantonese happy birthday wishes (生日快樂)

Cantonese, a vibrant dialect spoken in Southern China and Hong Kong, offers its own unique way to express birthday greetings. While “生日快樂 (saang1 jat6 faai3 lok6)” which literally translates to “Happy Birthday” is universally understood, adding some Cantonese flair can make your wishes even more special and heartfelt. Here are some examples to brighten someone’s special day:

• 生日快樂，身體健康! (Saang1 jat6 faai3 lok6, san1 tai2 gin6 hong1!) - Happy birthday, and may you have good health!
• 祝你生日快樂，心想事成! (Zuk1 nei5 saang1 jat6 faai3 lok6, sam1 soeng2 si6 sing4!) - Wishing you a happy birthday, and may all your wishes come true!
• 生日快樂，開開心心! (Saang1 jat6 faai3 lok6, hoi1 hoi1 sam1 sam1!) - Happy birthday, and be happy!
• 祝你年年有今日，歲歲有今朝! (Zuk1 nei5 nin4 nin4 jau5 gam1 jat6, seoi3 seoi3 jau5 gam1 ziu1!) - Wishing you many happy returns of the day!
• 生日快樂，青春常駐! (Saang1 jat6 faai3 lok6, cing1 ceon1 soeng4 zyu3!) - Happy birthday, and may you always stay young!
• 祝你生日快樂，萬事如意! (Zuk1 nei5 saang1 jat6 faai3 lok6, maan6 si6 jyu4 ji3!) - Wishing you a happy birthday, and may everything go well for you!
• 生日快樂，笑口常開! (Saang1 jat6 faai3 lok6, siu3 hau2 soeng4 hoi1!) - Happy birthday, and may you always have a smile on your face!
• 祝你生日快樂，甜甜蜜蜜! (Zuk1 nei5 saang1 jat6 faai3 lok6, tim4 tim4 mat6 mat6!) - Wishing you a happy birthday, and may your life be sweet!
• 生日快樂，日日都咁開心! (Saang1 jat6 faai3 lok6, jat6 jat6 dou1 gam2 hoi1 sam1!) - Happy birthday, and may you be this happy every day!
• 祝你生日快樂，快高長大! (Zuk1 nei5 saang1 jat6 faai3 lok6, faai3 gou1 zoeng2 daai6!) - Wishing you a happy birthday, and may you grow up quickly and tall! (Typically for children)
• 生日快樂，身體健康，萬事勝意! (Saang1 jat6 faai3 lok6, san1 tai2 gin6 hong1, maan6 si6 sing3 ji3!) - Happy birthday, good health, and may everything be in accordance with your wishes!
• 祝你生日快樂，永遠幸福! (Zuk1 nei5 saang1 jat6 faai3 lok6, wing5 jyun5 hang6 fuk1!) - Wishing you a happy birthday, and eternal happiness!
• 生日快樂，豬籠入水! (Saang1 jat6 faai3 lok6, zyu1 lung4 jap6 seoi2!) - Happy birthday, and may money flow in! (A very Cantonese saying for wealth)
• 祝你生日快樂，好運齊來! (Zuk1 nei5 saang1 jat6 faai3 lok6, hou2 wan6 cai4 loi4!) - Wishing you a happy birthday, and may good luck come your way!
• 生日快樂，掂過碌蔗! (Saang1 jat6 faai3 lok6, dim1 gwo3 luk1 ze3!) - Happy birthday, and may everything go smoothly! (A very Cantonese saying for success)

Using these phrases, even with a basic understanding of Cantonese pronunciation, will surely impress your friends and family and show them that you put in the extra effort to make their birthday even more special. Don’t be afraid to try them out!

Remember, the most important thing is the sincerity behind your words. No matter which phrase you choose, delivering it with a warm heart will make the birthday person feel loved and cherished. Happy celebrating!

Birthday wishes for elders/seniors (respectful)

When offering birthday wishes to elders or seniors, it’s crucial to show respect and reverence. The language used should be polite and express genuine care and admiration for their wisdom and experience. Here are some heartfelt birthday wishes suitable for elders in Chinese:

• 祝您福如东海，寿比南山！(Zhù nín fú rú dōnghǎi, shòu bǐ nánshān!) - Wishing you happiness as immense as the Eastern Sea and longevity as great as the Southern Mountain!
• 祝您生日快乐，身体健康，长命百岁！(Zhù nín shēngrì kuàilè, shēntǐ jiànkāng, chángmìng bǎisuì!) - Wishing you a happy birthday, good health, and a long life of a hundred years!
• 祝您晚年幸福，安康顺遂！(Zhù nín wǎnnián xìngfú, ānkāng shùnsuì!) - Wishing you happiness, peace, and smooth sailing in your later years!
• 恭祝您生日快乐，松鹤延年！(Gōngzhù nín shēngrì kuàilè, sōng hè yánnián!) - Respectfully wishing you a happy birthday and longevity like the pine and crane!
• 愿您岁岁平安，年年有今日！(Yuàn nín suì suì píng’ān, nián nián yǒu jīnrì!) - Wishing you peace and safety every year, and may you have this day every year!
• 祝您福寿安康，笑口常开！(Zhù nín fú shòu ān kāng, xiào kǒu cháng kāi!) - Wishing you happiness, longevity, peace, and a constant smile!
• 祝您生活愉快，事事如意！(Zhù nín shēnghuó yúkuài, shì shì rúyì!) - Wishing you a pleasant life and that everything goes according to your wishes!
• 祝您生日吉祥，健康长寿！(Zhù nín shēngrì jíxiáng, jiànkāng chángshòu!) - Wishing you a lucky birthday, good health, and a long life!
• 祝您寿比松龄，福如海阔！(Zhù nín shòu bǐ sōnglíng, fú rú hǎikuò!) - Wishing you longevity like the age of a pine tree and happiness as vast as the sea!
• 愿您老当益壮，精神矍铄！(Yuàn nín lǎo dāng yì zhuàng, jīngshén juéshuò!) - Wishing you to be stronger as you get older and full of vigor!
• 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!
• 祝您福星高照，寿与天齐！(Zhù nín fúxīng gāo zhào, shòu yǔ tiān qí!) - Wishing you good fortune shining upon you and a life as long as the heavens!
• 祝您身体棒棒，万事胜意！(Zhù nín shēntǐ bàng bàng, wànshì shèng yì!) - Wishing you a strong body and that everything goes your way!
• 祝您心情舒畅，颐养天年！(Zhù nín xīnqíng shūchàng, yíyǎng tiānnián!) - Wishing you a relaxed mood and peaceful retirement years!
• 祝您生日快乐，福乐绵绵！(Zhù nín shēngrì kuàilè, fú lè miánmián!) - Wishing you a happy birthday and endless happiness!

Remember to deliver these wishes with sincerity and a respectful tone. Adding a small, thoughtful gift that caters to their interests can further enhance the sentiment.

By using these traditional and respectful phrases, you’ll be sure to make the elder in your life feel loved, honored, and deeply appreciated on their special day. A little effort goes a long way in showing your respect for their wisdom and experience.

Birthday wishes for friends/peers (casual)

When it comes to friends, especially peers you see regularly, the birthday wishes can be more laid-back and relatable. These greetings often incorporate a sense of fun, shared experiences, and a genuine wish for their happiness and well-being. Here are some ways to say “Happy Birthday” in Chinese to your friends in a casual and heartwarming manner:

• 生日快乐! (Shēngrì kuàilè!) - Happy Birthday! (Simple and classic)
• 祝你生日快乐! (Zhù nǐ shēngrì kuàilè!) - Wishing you a happy birthday!
• 生日嗨皮！ (Shēngrì hāipí!) - Happy Birthday! (More modern and playful, like “Happy Birthday, yay!”)
• 祝你今天玩得开心! (Zhù nǐ jīntiān wán de kāixīn!) - Hope you have fun today!
• 生日快乐，天天开心! (Shēngrì kuàilè, tiāntiān kāixīn!) - Happy Birthday, be happy every day!
• 祝你生日快乐，心想事成! (Zhù nǐ shēngrì kuàilè, xīn xiǎng shì chéng!) - Happy birthday, may all your wishes come true!
• 生日快乐，越来越漂亮/帅气! (Shēngrì kuàilè, yuè lái yuè piàoliang/shuàiqì!) - Happy birthday, getting more and more beautiful/handsome!
• 祝你生日快乐，身体健康! (Zhù nǐ shēngrì kuàilè, shēntǐ jiànkāng!) - Happy birthday, wishing you good health!
• 生日快乐，吃好喝好玩好! (Shēngrì kuàilè, chī hǎo hē hǎo wán hǎo!) - Happy birthday, eat well, drink well, and have fun!
• 生日快乐！永远年轻！(Shēngrì kuàilè! Yǒngyuǎn niánqīng!) - Happy Birthday! Stay young forever!
• 祝你生日快乐！万事如意！(Zhù nǐ shēngrì kuàilè! Wànshì rúyì!) - Happy Birthday! May everything go your way!
• 嗨，生日快乐！(Hāi, Shēngrì kuàilè!) - Hey, Happy Birthday! (Very informal)
• 生日快乐！我们一起庆祝！(Shēngrì kuàilè! Wǒmen yīqǐ qìngzhù!) - Happy Birthday! Let’s celebrate together!
• 祝你生日快乐，梦想成真! (Zhù nǐ shēngrì kuàilè, mèngxiǎng chéng zhēn!) - Happy Birthday, may your dreams come true!
• 生日快乐！等你请客哦！(Shēngrì kuàilè! Děng nǐ qǐngkè o!) - Happy Birthday! Waiting for you to treat us! (Playful)

These simple phrases are perfect for sending a quick text, writing in a card, or even saying in person. Remember to adjust your tone and choose the most suitable wish based on your relationship with the friend.

Beyond the words themselves, adding a personal touch will make your birthday wishes even more meaningful. Perhaps reminisce about a shared memory, mention something you appreciate about them, or simply express your gratitude for their friendship. A little sincerity goes a long way!

Birthday wishes with blessings of longevity

In Chinese culture, wishing someone longevity is a deeply valued expression of respect and affection, especially for elders. These wishes go beyond simply celebrating another year; they express a heartfelt desire for a long, healthy, and fulfilling life filled with joy and prosperity.

• May you enjoy a long and healthy life filled with happiness!
• Wishing you a life as long and strong as the pine tree!
• May you live a long and prosperous life, filled with joy and good fortune!
• May your years be as numerous as the stars in the sky!
• Wishing you good health and a long life, may your days be filled with laughter!
• May you have the longevity of the southern mountain and the blessings of the eastern sea!
• May your life be long and your happiness boundless!
• Wishing you a long and healthy life, filled with the love of family and friends.
• May you enjoy a long life filled with wisdom, peace, and tranquility.
• May your life be like a long and beautiful scroll, unfolding with joy and grace.
• Wishing you a hundred years of happiness and prosperity!
• May you live to a ripe old age, surrounded by the warmth of your loved ones.
• Wishing you a long life, overflowing with good health and endless blessings.
• May your days be long, bright, and filled with the warmth of the sun.
• Wishing you a life of longevity, joy, and endless good fortune.

These wishes are often accompanied by traditional symbols of longevity, such as peaches, pine trees, cranes, and turtles, which further emphasize the desire for a long and healthy life. Using these phrases shows great respect and adds a layer of cultural richness to your birthday greetings.

No matter which phrase you choose, the most important thing is to deliver it with sincerity and genuine warmth. Your heartfelt wishes for longevity will undoubtedly bring joy and happiness to the birthday celebrant, making their special day even more memorable.

Birthday wishes with career/success wishes

Celebrating a birthday is a wonderful opportunity to not only wish someone well but also to express hopes for their continued success and prosperity in their career. Here are some heartfelt birthday wishes that blend personal greetings with aspirations for professional achievement.

• Happy birthday! May this year bring you new opportunities and even greater success in your career.
• Wishing you a very happy birthday and a year filled with professional growth and achievements.
• Happy birthday! I hope this year is filled with exciting new challenges and rewarding accomplishments at work.
• On your special day, I wish you boundless success and fulfillment in your career. Happy birthday!
• Happy birthday! May your career continue to flourish and reach new heights this year.
• Wishing you a fantastic birthday! May success and happiness be your constant companions in your professional journey.
• Happy birthday! May you achieve all your career aspirations and continue to inspire others with your dedication.
• Wishing you a very happy birthday and a year of groundbreaking achievements in your field.
• Happy birthday! I hope you continue to climb the ladder of success and achieve all your professional goals.
• On your birthday, I wish you continued success, recognition, and fulfillment in your career.
• Happy birthday! May this new year of life bring you even closer to your dream career.
• Wishing you a wonderful birthday and a year full of exciting career advancements.
• Happy birthday! May your hard work and dedication be rewarded with great success in the coming year.
• On your special day, I wish you all the best in your career endeavors. May you achieve great things! Happy birthday!
• Happy birthday! Here’s to another year of success, growth, and amazing achievements in your career.

These messages are designed to be encouraging and motivational, showing your support for the birthday person’s professional aspirations. Feel free to adapt them to suit your relationship with the individual and their specific career goals.

By combining birthday greetings with wishes for career success, you’re sending a powerful message of encouragement and belief in their potential. It’s a thoughtful way to show you care about their overall well-being and future happiness.

Funny/lighthearted Chinese birthday wishes

Birthdays are a time for joy and laughter! If you’re looking for a way to add a little humor to your birthday wishes, these funny and lighthearted English translations of Chinese birthday greetings are perfect. They offer a playful twist on traditional sentiments, guaranteed to bring a smile to the birthday person’s face.

• Happy birthday! May your wrinkles increase, but your waistline doesn’t!
• Wishing you a birthday filled with so much joy, it’s almost illegal!
• Happy birthday! Don’t worry about getting older, you’re still younger than next year!
• May your birthday be as bright as your smile, and as fun as our last karaoke night!
• Happy birthday! I hope your cake is as sweet as you… but not as nutty!
• Wishing you a day filled with laughter, presents, and absolutely no chores!
• Happy birthday! Remember, age is just a number… a really, really big number in your case!
• May your wrinkles tell tales of adventures, not just naps! Happy birthday!
• Happy birthday! I’m not saying you’re old, but your birth certificate is on papyrus!
• Wishing you all the cake you can eat without feeling guilty! Happy birthday!
• Happy birthday! May your hair grow slower than your bank account!
• Another year older, but still not wiser! Happy birthday!
• Happy birthday! Don’t count the candles, just enjoy the glow!
• Wishing you a birthday so awesome, it makes all the other birthdays jealous!
• Happy birthday! May you always be as young as you feel… or at least as young as you pretend to feel!

These lighthearted wishes are a great way to show you care while adding a touch of fun. Remember to tailor the message to the recipient’s personality and sense of humor for the best impact.

No matter which wish you choose, the most important thing is to convey your sincere affection and good wishes for a happy and healthy year ahead. So go ahead, spread some birthday cheer with these fun greetings!

Wishing You Joyful Celebrations!

We hope this guide has given you some fun and useful ways to express “Happy Birthday” in Chinese! Whether you’re celebrating with family, friends, or colleagues, adding a touch of Mandarin to your birthday wishes is a thoughtful and memorable gesture. Remember, the most important thing is to speak from the heart and wish the birthday person all the best.

Thanks for reading! We hope you’ll visit again soon for more insights into Chinese language and culture. We’re always adding new content to help you on your learning journey. Zài jiàn! (Goodbye!)