Imagine youâre staring at your phone screen, the cursor blinking like a tiny, judgmental heartbeat. Itâs your best friendâs birthdayâor maybe itâs that colleague from the London office, or the girl you met while traveling through the cobblestone streets of Rome. You want to say something more than a dry, “Happy Birthday.” You want it to feel personal. You want to show them that you actually care enough to step outside your comfort zone.
Learning how to say happy birthday in 30 different languages isnât just about memorizing some foreign syllables; itâs about building a bridge. Itâs that “Oh wow, you remembered!” moment that turns a simple notification into a cherished memory. Iâve been thereâscrambling to find the right words in Portuguese for a friend in Lisbon, feeling the pressure of getting the pronunciation just right.
You know what? Itâs the effort that counts. Whether youâre sending a text to someone in Pakistan or a card to someone in the USA, a global wish says, “I see you, and I value your culture.”
The Secret Sauce: Why a Global Wish Works
Before we dive into the list, hereâs a little secret from someone whoâs spent years studying relationships. When you wish someone in their mother tongue, youâre hitting a “belonging” button in their brain. Itâs a psychological hack for instant closeness.
Pro-Tip Box: The Culture Rule > In some cultures, like Germany, wishing someone a “Happy Birthday” even a minute before midnight is considered bad luck. Always check the time zone! Speaking of time, if you want to really blow their mind, tell them exactly how many days theyâve lived before you give the wish. Use our Birthday Magic Tool to get those exact stats!
Table of Contents
How to say happy birthday in Spanish (¥Feliz Cumpleaños!)
Spanish is the language of passion. If youâre wishing a “Feliz Cumpleaños,” say it with a smile. Itâs widely used across Spain and Latin America. If they are very close to you, you might add, “Te deseo lo mejor” (I wish you the best).
How to say happy birthday in French (Joyeux Anniversaire!)
Thereâs something so sophisticated about French. In Paris, they might say “Joyeux Anniversaire,” but in Quebec, Canada, youâll often hear “Bonne FĂȘte.” Itâs elegant, classic, and always appreciated.
[The Ultimate Guide to 1-Liner Birthday Wishes: Crafting the Perfect Short Message]
How to say happy birthday in German (Alles Gute zum Geburtstag!)
German might sound tough, but “Alles Gute zum Geburtstag” is incredibly warm. It literally means “All the best for your birthday.” Just rememberânever wish them early!
How to say happy birthday in Italian (Buon Compleanno!)
Everything sounds like a song in Italian. “Buon Compleanno” is short, sweet, and perfect for that friend who loves pasta, sunshine, and the finer things in life.
Quick Quiz: Which Language Matches Your Friend?
- Are they adventurous and loud? â Go with Spanish.
- Are they quiet, poetic, and deep? â Go with French or Japanese.
- Are they logical but incredibly loyal? â Go with German.
- Are they full of life and “vibes”? â Jamaican Patois is the winner.
How to say happy birthday in Japanese (Otanjoubi Omedetou!)
In Japan, respect is everything. If youâre talking to a friend, “Otanjoubi Omedetou” is fine. If itâs a boss or an elder, add “Gozaimasu” at the end to make it formal.
How to say happy birthday in Portuguese (Parabéns!)
In Brazil and Portugal, “ParabĂ©ns” is the go-to. It actually means “Congratulations.” Itâs punchy, energetic, and usually followed by a lot of cake and dancing.
How to say happy birthday in Chinese Mandarin (ShÄngrĂŹ kuĂ ilĂš!)
Mandarin is all about the tones. “ShÄngrĂŹ kuĂ ilĂš” (çæ„ćż«äč) is the standard way to spread joy in China.
How to say happy birthday in Russian (S dnem rozhdeniya!)
It looks intimidating written down (ĐĄ ĐŽĐœĐ”ĐŒ ŃĐŸĐ¶ĐŽĐ”ĐœĐžŃ), but it sounds like a warm hug on a cold Moscow night. Itâs deep and meaningful.
The Global Birthday Comparison Table
| Language | The Wish | How to Pronounce it (Roughly) | Mood |
| Latin | Felix Sit Natalis Dies | Fay-leeks Sit Nah-tah-lees Dee-ays | Historic/Intellectual |
| Arabic | Eid Milad Saâid | Eed Me-lad Sa-eed | Heartfelt/Blessing |
| Korean | Saeng-il chuk-ha-ham-ni-da | Sang-il chook-ha-ham-nee-da | K-Pop Vibe/Cool |
| Greek | Chronia Polla | Hro-nya Po-la | Grand/Traditional |
| Hawaiian | HauÊ»oli LÄ HÄnau | How-oh-lee Lah Hah-now | Relaxed/Island Vibe |
How to say happy birthday in Latin (Felix Sit Natalis Dies!)
Hereâs the thing… Latin isnât “dead” if you use it to sound like a genius. Wishing someone in Latin is the ultimate intellectual flex. Itâs perfect for teachers, history buffs, or that friend who always has their nose in a book.
How to say happy birthday in Arabic (Eid Milad Saâid!)
Arabic is a language of deep blessings. “Eid Milad Saâid” (ŰčÙŰŻ Ù ÙÙۧۯ ŰłŰčÙŰŻ) is universal, but in places like Egypt or Dubai, the warmth behind the words is what really matters.
How to say happy birthday in Korean (Saeng-il chuk-ha-ham-ni-da!)
Thanks to K-Dramas and BTS, Korean is trending everywhere! If you want to sound like a local, “Saeng-il chuk-ha” is the casual version for friends.
How to say happy birthday in Hawaiian (HauÊ»oli LÄ HÄnau!)
Want to bring the beach to their birthday? “HauÊ»oli LÄ HÄnau” feels like a warm breeze. Itâs the perfect wish for someone who needs a vacation.
How to say happy birthday in Jamaican (Happy Bornday!)
In Jamaica, they donât just have a birthday; they have a “Bornday.” Use “Happy Bornday, mi bredda” for a male friend or “mi sista” for a female friend. Itâs all about the rhythm and the love.
Pro Advice: Gifting Across Borders
If youâre sending a gift from the USA to Pakistan, or from London to Tokyo, remember that the message is the real gift. A digital “Birthday Magic Report” from our tool, combined with a wish in their native language, shows more effort than a $50 gift card ever could.
[75+ Hilarious Happy Birthday Funny Wishes: The Ultimate Guide to Making Them Laugh]
How to say happy birthday in German (Alles Gute!)
Wait, did I mention German twice? Thatâs because itâs one of the most searched languages for birthdays! “Alles Gute” is the short, cool way to say it.
How to say happy birthday in Ukrainian (Z dnem narodzhennya!)
Show some love and solidarity. “Z dnem narodzhennya” (Đ ĐŽĐœĐ”ĐŒ ĐœĐ°ŃĐŸĐŽĐ¶Đ”ĐœĐœŃ) is a beautiful, rhythmic way to wish someone well.
How to say happy birthday in Vietnamese (ChĂșc mừng sinh nháșt!)
In Vietnam, birthdays are becoming more celebrated with every generation. This phrase is the standard gold version.
How to say happy birthday in Hebrew (Yom Huledet Sameach!)
“Yom Huledet Sameach” is full of joy. Itâs often sung in a very famous, catchy tune that gets everyone clapping.
How to say happy birthday in Thai (Sook San Wan Koed!)
Thailand is the “Land of Smiles,” and this wish usually comes with a polite bow (a Wai).
Social Media Punchlines (Copy & Paste these!)
- For Instagram: “365 days around the sun and youâre still glowing! âš ÂĄFeliz Cumpleaños!”
- For WhatsApp: “Thinking of you today! Eid Milad Saâid! Hope your day is as amazing as you are. â€ïž”
- For Twitter/X: “Level Up! đ Otanjoubi Omedetou to the realest one out there.”
Deep FAQ: Everything Youâre Wondering
Is it offensive if I mispronounce a birthday wish in another language?
Not at all! Most people find it incredibly touching that you even tried. Itâs the “human” element that matters. If you’re worried, send it in a text!
Which language is the most romantic for a birthday wish?
French and Italian are the heavy hitters here. “Mon Amour, Joyeux Anniversaire” (French) or “Amore mio, Buon Compleanno” (Italian) will melt anyoneâs heart.
What is the most unique way to say Happy Birthday?
Latin or Hawaiian. They aren’t common, so they stand out in a sea of “Happy Birthday” messages on Facebook.
How can I make my international friend feel special without spending money?
Give them facts about their life! Tell them: “Hey, you’ve completed 7,300 days on Earth today! Happy Birthday!” You can get these numbers in seconds using our Birthday Magic Tool.
Why do Jamaicans call it a ‘Bornday’?
Itâs part of the local Patois dialect. It emphasizes the actual day of birth and the celebration of life itself. Itâs very soulful.
The Final Note
At the end of the day, whether you say it in Latin, Arabic, or Korean, a birthday wish is a tiny prayer for someone elseâs happiness. We live in a big, noisy world, but taking ten seconds to find out how to wish happy birthday in 30 different languages makes that world feel a little bit smaller and a whole lot friendlier.
Before you go and send that text, why not add a little extra magic? Hop over to our Birthday Magic Tool and grab some fun stats to include in your message. Imagine their face when they see exactly how many hours they’ve been alive!
Happy wishing! Youâve got this.