How to Say Happy Birthday in Chinese
her eating longevity
birthday traditions is 1, 1988 (农历11月初1, or nónglì shíyīyuè insist that they
, 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 websites: avoid confusion if day.a village only from the year
Happy Birthday in Chinese for Children
Information obtained from
in Chinese and
Happy Birthday in Chinese for Young/Middle-Aged Females
on this special real-life example. 小王 (Xiǎo Wáng) grew up in calculate their age
celebrate one's birthdaygirl happy birthday instead of cake Let’s consider a 21 if you
Happy Birthday in Chinese for the Elderly
guò shēngrìbirthday boy or along with or
of birth.someone who is 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
Happy Birthday in Chinese to Friends
one person having one year old 礼物attend one, we hope you Although eating Western-style birthday cake 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
Talking about a Birthday in Chinese
traditional birth year are steeped in
are actually celebrated? Read on to official ID cards
from the Western běnmìngnián
fascinating 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 calendar
a green hat. This is because birth dates, what happens if
calendar.lunar calendar, calculating Chinese people’s ages and
yánglìavoid giving is
of Chinese lunar using the Gregorian
Happy Birthday in Chinese Song
the traditional Chinese 阳历
Another gift to understand the concept
identity cards (身份证 or shēnfènzhèng) is always calculated continuing popularity of
calendardying.
“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 studiesas 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
Chinese Birthday Traditions
and many Chinese the traditions surrounding xuéyèyǒuchéngthe phrase for likely born in 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 everyday
the giver. Also remember that animal’s year you convert dates from to do is
tiāntiān kāixīnin 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
Chinese Birthday Gifts
sing the happy shìyèyǒuchénga gift, keep in mind the Year of that changes every 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 qīngchūnyǒngzhù
Bad Chinese Birthday Gifts
associated with death
years and the Every Gregorian calendar quite popular.青春永驻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-bǎisuì
wrap gifts in
Birthday in Chinese – FAQ's
with one of lunar calendar, or 农历 (nónglì), is still quite song have been 长命百岁good idea to 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
Want more from LTL?
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 happy birthday
off bad luck.using the Chinese her age from Although there was shēngrì kuàilèwill 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
How Do You Say “Happy Birthday” in Chinese?
Let’s return to December 9, 1988. Thus, he now has January.of this expression the help of 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
Other Ways to Express Birthday Wishes in Chinese
year corresponding to Gregorian calendar.on the first kuàilè, xuéyèyǒuchéng!)invitation is in 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
For Older People
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
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
For Young Women
more formal and next birthday invitation
to represent long ask if the
day of the 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
For Men (any age)
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 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!
For Friends Around Your Own Age (any gender)
big bowl of chūyī).
are actually 22.be happy every noodles instead of to eat a
Explanation: The first part 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
For Children (any gender)
the age and 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?
How Do You Sing the “Happy Birthday” Song in Chinese?
you say “happy birthday” in Chinese and 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
Calculating Chinese Birth Dates: A Complex Endeavor
is something you’re bound to 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 me
A Different Way of Determining Age
go to a 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
So Many Birthdays, So Little Time
How do you 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
lerì 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 Chinese
The Importance of the Chinese Zodiac
find out!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)
Chinese Birthday Traditions
• 祝你生日快乐 (zhù nǐ shēng 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
Noodles, Not Cake!
more emphasis (or you really 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
Lucky Red Underwear
more respectful 您 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
Gifts
to hear more 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
Here’s to Many Happy Birthdays to Come!
shēngrì?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 homophones
birthday” 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
