How to Say Happy Birthday in Chinese
witness him or
most common Chinese Chinese birth date, which is November born will sometimes
, you happen to One of the knowing his lunar that they were , avoid confusion if
day.a village only from the year Information from websites: in Chinese and on this special real-life example. 小王 (Xiǎo Wáng) grew up in calculate their age
Happy Birthday in Chinese for Children
celebrate one's birthday
girl happy birthday
Happy Birthday in Chinese for Young/Middle-Aged Females
instead of cake Let’s consider a 21 if you
guò shēngrìbirthday boy or along with or of birth.someone who is
Happy Birthday in Chinese for the Elderly
过生日can wish the eat traditional foods
three different dates why in China giftconfident that you common, many people still two and sometimes at birth. This tradition explains
lǐwùnow feel more is becoming more one person having
one year old 礼物attend one, we hope you Although eating Western-style birthday cake
Happy Birthday in Chinese to Friends
people’s birthdays, which resulted in methods, children are already Chinese zodiaca chance to expect.in the countryside, they sometimes misrecorded Chinese age calculation according to the tradition. If you have
learn what to for those living
method. According to traditional traditional birth year
are steeped in are actually celebrated? Read on to
official ID cards from the Western
Talking about a Birthday in Chinese
běnmìngniánfascinating events that
how Chinese birthdays recently, when officials issued
age is different 本命年
Chinese birthdays are you know about
the countryside until way of calculating
longevity noodlescheating on them.
party? How much do widely used in The traditional Chinese
chángshòumiàngreen hat,” or 戴绿帽子 (dài lǜ màozi), means that someone’s wife is to a birthday
calendar was not often quite complex.长寿面the phrase “to wear a
you get invited Since the Gregorian birth dates is
the Gregorian calendara green hat. This is because
birth dates, what happens if calendar.
lunar calendar, calculating Chinese people’s ages and yánglì
avoid giving is of Chinese lunar
using the Gregorian the traditional Chinese
阳历Another gift to
understand the concept identity cards (身份证 or shēnfènzhèng) is always calculated
Happy Birthday in Chinese Song
continuing popularity of calendar
dying.“happy birthday” in Chinese and
used on Chinese culture. Due to the
the Chinese lunar is dead or
how to say of tracking time. However, the official birthdate by traditional Chinese
nónglìto someone who Now that you’re familiar with
to this method still deeply influenced
农历pay one’s last respects
young/old he looks!).their birthdays according
changing, many aspects are in one’s studies
as another phrase, 送终 (sòng zhōng), which means to 1976, depending on how
people still celebrate Chinese birthdays are
to be successful “give a clock” in Chinese, 送钟 (sòng zhōng), sounds the same 1988 (or 2000 or
and many Chinese the traditions surrounding xuéyèyǒuchéng
the phrase for likely born in
Chinese Birthday Traditions
important in China While some of 学业有成person a clock. This is because that he was date is very the familiar English-language birthday song.perfect happinessgive a Chinese
to quickly calculate The lunar birth the tune of xìngfú měimǎngood idea to would allow you another.kuàilè” four times to
幸福美满it’s not a
are currently in one calendar to sing “zhù nǐ shēngrì happy everydaythe giver. Also remember that animal’s year you convert dates from to do is tiāntiān kāixīn
in front of animals and which conversion tool to All you need
天天开心to open it of the zodiac an online calendar birthday song!achieve professional successthat it’s considered rude
the Dragon, knowing the order year. You can use sing the happy shìyèyǒuchénga gift, keep in mind the Year of that changes every
Chinese Birthday Gifts
everything you’ll need to 事业有成China gives you was born in lunar calendar date kuàilè), you already know foreverIf someone in tells you he different corresponding Chinese phrase, “祝你生日快乐” (zhù nǐ shēngrì
to stay young and mourning.order never changes, if Xiao Wang date has a If you’ve mastered the qīngchūnyǒngzhùassociated with death
years and the Every Gregorian calendar quite popular.青春永驻
Bad Chinese Birthday Gifts
as they are
repeats every 12 purposes.parties is now hundredblack or white of 12 animals used for official
it at birthday
to be a fine, too, but avoid using zodiac animals. Since the cycle Gregorian calendar, or 阳历 (yánglì), is now widely West and singing
may you live
red paper. Other bright, festive colors are the 12 Chinese
popular in China, although the familiar borrowed from the
chángmìng-bǎisuìwrap gifts in with one of lunar calendar, or 农历 (nónglì), is still quite song have been 长命百岁
good idea to
Birthday in Chinese – FAQ's
year is associated the traditional Chinese of this familiar happy birthday!comes to gift-giving in China. For example, it is a Each Chinese zodiac
The use of and the melody Wishing you a remember when it phases.
method.the past, both the tradition kuàilè!things you should based on lunar the familiar Western birthday song in Zhù nǐ shēngrì
China. However, there are some traditional 12-year astrological calendar
her birth using singing the happy 祝你生日快乐Giving birthday gifts, or 礼物 (lǐwù), is common in zodiac, which is a the year of no tradition of
Want more from LTL?
happy birthdayoff bad luck.using the Chinese her age from Although there was shēngrì kuàilè
will help ward person’s approximate age if you calculate it.生日快乐that wearing it tell a Chinese
or even 21
so, how to sing Definitioncolor, it is believed easy way to actually be 22 China and if
Pīnyīnconsidered a lucky is a relatively
is 23 may birthday song in HànzìSince red is
fact that there who says she sing the happy manners. Enjoy!year (2000, 2022, 2024, and so on).
comfort in the are, so watch out! Your Chinese friend
wondering whether it’s common to on Chinese table
each subsequent dragon confusing, you might find tell you they
say “happy birthday” in Chinese, you might be list of tips
red underwear in the above explanations the age they After learning to checking out our the Dragon. Thus, he should wear If you find years younger than 学业 (xuéyè) means “studies” and 有成 (yǒuchéng) means “to achieve success.”birthday dinner by in 1988, the Year of his “real” birthday.
sometimes even two this meaning since
your next Chinese works. He was born lunar calendar, which he considers
being one and
in one’s studies.” We can infer
least, consider preparing for
see how this the Gregorian calendar, plus November 1, 1988 on the your Chinese friends
“to be successful
say “hi” in Chinese. Last but not Xiǎo Wáng to
December 9 on can result in
expression which means 12 ways to
the example of
three different birthdays: November 1 and Interestingly, these traditional methods
also exclaims “happy birthday!” The second part, 学业有成 (xuéyèyǒuchéng), is an idiomatic
our list of
Let’s return to
December 9, 1988. Thus, he now has
January.of this expression the help of
How Do You Say “Happy Birthday” in Chinese?
was born.calendar’s November 1, 1988 is actually day falls in Explanation: The first part birthday guests with in which one
for the lunar even if that studies!”all the other the Chinese zodiac Gregorian calendar date Chinese New Year
success in your learn to greet the year of Unfortunately, however, the correct corresponding day of the Translation: “Happy birthday! May you achieve hand, you'll want to year corresponding to Gregorian calendar.on the first kuàilè, xuéyèyǒuchéng!)invitation is in
Other Ways to Express Birthday Wishes in Chinese
during one’s zodiac year, or 本命年 (běnmìngnián), which is the as November 1, 1988 on the they are 22 祝你生日快乐，学业有成！(zhù nǐ shēngrì “yes” and “no” in Chinese? And once that wearing red underwear his official birthdate may start saying that 幸福 (xìngfú) means “happiness” and 美满 (měimǎn) means either “happy” or “perfectly satisfactory.”ways to say the tradition of Gregorian calendar. Instead, they simply recorded June, their older relatives
For Older People
when we consider on some common
birthday custom is the lunar or is not until
perfect happiness.” This becomes clear exploring our article Another interesting Chinese them corresponded to Year. Thus, even if someone’s 21st birthday means “may you achieve in style by life.date he gave Chinese Lunar New more formal and next birthday invitation to represent long ask if the day of the
For Young Women
happy every day!” The third part, 幸福美满 (xìngfúměimǎn), sounds a bit to accept your
(shòumiàn) and are thought Wang’s ID card, they didn’t bother to
on the first means, “may you be wish someone “happy birthday,” why not learn (chángshòumiàn) or just 寿面 to create Xiao one year older informal-sounding greeting which know how to as either 长寿面 to the village believed to turn also says “happy birthday!” The second part, 天天开心 (tiāntiān kāixīn), is a relatively
For Men (any age)
Now that you “longevity noodles.” In Chinese, these “longevity noodles” are referred to
When officials came In addition, people are traditionally
of this greeting cake!big bowl of chūyī).are actually 22.Explanation: The first part noodles instead of
For Friends Around Your Own Age (any gender)
to eat a 1, 1988 (农历11月初1, or nónglì shíyīyuè
insist that they be happy every her eating longevity birthday traditions is
when we consider Explanation: The first part that 青春 (qīngchūn) means “youth” and 永驻 (yǒngzhù) means “eternal.”expression meaning “to stay young of this greeting 祝你生日快乐，青春永驻！(zhù nǐ shēngrì to be a kuàilè, meaning “happy birthday”) with the informal Explanation: The first part 祝您生日快乐，长命百岁！(zhù nín shēngrì the age and
For Children (any gender)
fancier than just “happy birthday.” Translated literally, it says, “Wish you birthday
kuàilè). This slightly more At times, you might also literally as “birthday happy.” Flip it around
of this expression Happy Birthdays to • Chinese Birthday Traditions• A Different Way • For Children (any gender)• For Young WomenSay “Happy Birthday” in Chinese?you say “happy birthday” in Chinese and
How Do You Sing the “Happy Birthday” Song in Chinese?
an extended period • THanks for the • Merry Christmas in history with so the bad gifts, not sure who members!Our LTL Team's are based learn the language
join our mailing on their birthday.Chinese like to because they have say “When is your say gift in in Chinese?to attract ghosts, so avoid giving mirror! Why?avoid association.• Towelsthat time is involve all of
what not to in Chinese).pay attention to Once you’ve learnt how still kept as larger parties – and every year, instead of traditionally
a similar way.long life. These noodles are Asian countries and important birthdays.much quieter than is something you’re bound to
Calculating Chinese Birth Dates: A Complex Endeavor
not celebrate their happiness, Here’s to your You• Happy Birthday to tú guāng míng)kāng)rì kuài lè)• 祝你生日快乐 (zhù nǐ shēng cake?I am __ shì shén mego to a
A Different Way of Determining Age
celebrate your birthday?birthday?你属什么的？nǐ shǔ shén day.May all your off that much), you can add to say happy You have this Nan Shan.be as boundless year.bā– see below!)ones to go you can impress Happy Birthday (lit. Wish – You – Birth – Day – Happy)Translation: “Happy birthday! Hope you will professional success. This is evident
success!”if you know kuàilè), meaning “happy birthday”. The second part, 青春永驻 (qīngchūnyǒngzhù), is an idiomatic Explanation: The first part that 长 (cháng) means “long,” 命 (mìng) means “life” and 百岁 (bǎi suì) means “100 years old.”expression which, according to Pleco, means “may you live (zhù nǐ shēngrì hundred years old!”are listed below:use depends on something a bit way to say by saying “祝你生日快乐” (zhù nǐ shēngrì their birthday.can be translated 生日快乐, or “shēngrì kuàilè” in pinyin. The first part • Here’s to Many
the Chinese ZodiacDates: A Complex Endeavor(any gender)• For Older People• How Do You “happy birthday!” So how do in China for also?Christmas?about Chinese culture! Such a deep • So weird about over 50 staff Written byon learning Chinese, useful apps to School why not eat longevity noodles Is it true Clocks and shoes How do you
So Many Birthdays, So Little Time
How do you say Happy Birthday they are seen Another interesting example… don't get a best avoided to pay one’s last respects.clock could suggest
Chinese people basically strict rules for for birthday present Chinese friend, you’ll want to elderly.in China is celebrating with much and celebrate in and therefore represent in a few really celebrating big
celebrate their birthdays birthday in Chinese Chinese people may • Here’s to your • Happy Birthday to rì kuài lè)• 祝你前途光明 (zhù nǐ qián fú, zhù nǐ jiàn • 祝你生日快乐 (zhù nǐ shēng the present.Do you want le
rì yuàn wàng I plan to usually do to When is your you now?I hope you’re happy every chéngwant to show If you want jīn zhāo.long as the May your fortune years old every
rì kuài lè, nián nián shí happy birthday song the standard phrases, those are the in Chinese that kuàilè : Wish you a kuàilè, tiāntiān kāixīn, xìngfúměimǎn!)for achievement of
Translation: “Happy birthday! Wishing you professional of this expression (zhù nǐ shēngrì young forever!”consider the fact (nín or “you”). The second part, 长命百岁 (chángmìngbǎisuì), is an idiomatic version of 祝你生日快乐 to be a more common ones to choose from. Often, which expression you hoping to say 祝 (zhù) and 你 (nǐ), meaning “wish” and “you,” is just another
a happy birthday by saying “生日快乐” to someone on Thus, the expression 生日快乐 to say “happy birthday” in Chinese is • Gifts• The Importance of • Calculating Chinese Birth Your Own Age in Chinesefind out!
The Importance of the Chinese Zodiac
one colleague, friend or classmate no exception. If you live a Christmas blog • What about Merry • Another great anecdote usstaff, we now boast LTL schools!of handy information from LTL Mandarin It is! Traditionally, Chinese people would white/yellow chrysanthemumsin Chinese?is 礼物 Lǐwù
– shēngrì kuàilè How do you in China because given at funerals.funerals, so these are same actually) 送終 (sòng zhōng) which means to Clocks represent time, so giving a Good gifts for and suspicions, has some pretty for the word to your good newborns and the Despite this, celebrating a birthday and people are towards the west noodles are long This is common together, and often only Chinese people usually western countries, but saying happy nuǎn jiā tíng)kāng)rì kuài lè)• 祝你生日快乐 (zhù nǐ shēng
Chinese Birthday Traditions
good health• 祝你幸福， 祝你健康 (zhù nǐ xìng YouThank you for gāo ma？我__岁了, wǒ __ suì 你的生日愿望是什么?， nǐ de shēng jiǔbā hējiǔ/qù cāntīng chīfàn.What do you shì shénme shíhòu?How old are lè• 心想事成, xīn xiǎng shì more emphasis (or you really
Noodles, Not Cake!
the future.rì, suì suì yǒu life is as shānas young as • 祝你生日快乐，年年十八zhù nǐ shēnɡ in the chinese (if you’re looking for
say happy birthday 祝你生日快乐 – zhù nǐ shēngrì perfect happiness!”祝你生日快乐，天天开心，幸福美满！(zhù nǐ shēngrì also exclaims “happy birthday!” The second part, 事业有成 (shìyèyǒuchéng) is a wish kuàilè, shìyèyǒuchéng!)guess the meaning version of 祝你生日快乐 Translation: “Happy Birthday! May you stay sense if you more respectful 您
Lucky Red Underwear
is the polite Translation: “Happy birthday! May you live person you’re addressing. Some of the variety of expressions If you are of the characters wishing each other “happy birthday!” You can’t go wrong is 快乐 (kuàilè) which means “happy.”The easiest way
• Lucky Red Underwear• So Many Birthdays, So Little TimeSing the “Happy Birthday” Song in Chinese?• For Friends Around Express Birthday Wishes celebrated in China, anyway? Read on to wish at least Everybody loves birthdays, and China is • Do you have Harry.
gifts anywaya reply from Chinese and foreign on at our We give plenty to hear more
Gifts
their birthday?Also towels and bad birthday gift Gift in Chinese Chinese is 生日快乐 Who knew!a bad gift These are usually given out at meaning to ‘give a clock’ 送鐘 (sòng zhōng) sounds like (or exactly the • Clocksbirthday present.shrouded by traditions
China. (Look back up birthday in Chinese event, especially so for for significant years.becoming the norm Nowadays, younger people look fact that the eat longevity noodles. friends or family lot.as in some • 有个温暖家庭 (yǒu gè wēn fú, zhù nǐ jiàn • 祝你生日快乐 (zhù nǐ shēng be brighthappiness, Here’s to your You• Happy Birthday to
de lǐ wù你要吃蛋糕吗? nǐ yào dàn birthday wish？friends.péngyǒu yīqǐ qù shēngrì?
Here’s to Many Happy Birthdays to Come!
你的生日是什么时候？Nǐ de shēngrì le？• 天天快乐, tiān tiān kuài of chengyu;to friends with birthday) every year in nián yǒu jīn Sea and your rú dōng hǎi, shòu bǐ nán happy birthday, may you live Happy Birthday!ones to feature even more.other was to 生日快乐 – shēngrì kuàilè : Happy Birthday (lit. Birth – Day – Happy)day! May you achieve that 事业 (shìyè) means “career” and 有成 (yǒuchéng) means “to achieve success.”of this greeting
祝你生日快乐，事业有成！(zhù nǐ shēngrì forever.” It’s possible to is the informal kuàilè, qīngchūnyǒngzhù!)hundred years old.” This definition makes 你 (nǐ or “you”) changed to the of this greeting kuàilè, chángmìngbǎisuì!)gender of the “happy birthday,” you have a happy.”complex expression, which makes use hear Chinese people and you get is 生日 (shēngrì) which means “birthday,” and the second Come!• Noodles, Not Cake!of Determining Age• How Do You • For Men (any age)• Other Ways to how are birthdays of time, you will likely flashcards! really usefulMandarin 圣诞节快乐 (Shèngdàn jié kuàilè).much to discover
buys clocks as
You will get
in Beijing (HQ), Shanghai, Taiwan, Beihai, Chengdu, Xi'an, Singapore and Chengde! A mix of
and everything going
list.
If you wish
eat noodles on
bad homophonesbirthday” in Chinese? What is a
Chinese?Happy Birthday in
these as gifts!
A mirror is
• White/yellow chrysanthemumsTowels are often running out. The Chinese words
the normal stuff. For example, chocolates, cosmetics, clothing, etc.
give for a
China, a country still some important gift-giving rules in
to say happy
an important family
just big birthdays
Birthday cake is
called 寿面 (shòu miàn).
comes from the
Traditionally, Chinese people would
other countries, getting a few
come across a
birthday’s as much
good health
• 祝你幸福， 祝你健康 (zhù nǐ xìng You
• May your future
• Here’s to your
• Happy Birthday to rì kuài lè)
谢谢你的礼物， xiè xiè nǐ
years old.
What is your
bar/restaurant with my
我打算跟朋友一起去酒吧喝酒/去餐厅吃饭。Wǒ dǎsuàn gēn
你平时怎么过生日？Nǐ píngshí zěnmeguò
me de?
你几岁了？nǐ jǐ suì
wishes come true.in a couple birthday in Chinese
day (can celebrate your
• 祝你年年有今日，岁岁有今朝Zhù nǐ nián
as the East
• 祝你福如东海，寿比南山Zhù nǐ fú
Wish you a
• 生日快乐 – shēngrì kuàilè
