Birthday is one of the most exciting days throughout the year for most people, and China is no exception. It is a special occasion in everyone’s life that doesn’t not only represent the birth of a person but also a mother’s suffering day.
Today, we will introduce the phrases commonly used by the Chinese about “Happy Birthday.” Let’s get started!
Phrases To Use On Birthday Celebrations
Besides “Happy Birthday 生日快乐 (Shēng Rì Kuài Lè)”, there are many other words we use during the birthday celebrations. You’ll also find some interesting phrases we use in Chinese, like “寿星 (Shòu Xing)” or 寿面 (Shòu Miàn).
1. 祝你生日快乐 (Zhù Nǐ Shēng Rì Kuài Lè)
“Happy Birthday” is the most general word to congratulate people. The common Chinese word used to congratulate someone for his birthday is “生日快乐 (Shēng Rì Kuài Lè).”
The first part of this expression is “生日(Shēng Rì)” means “Birthday” and the second part “快乐 (Kuài Lè)” means “Happy.” Thus, to wish your Chinese friends “Happy Birthday 生日快乐 (Shēng Rì Kuài Lè)” is one of the most useful phrases.
In general, we will use wishing phrases like “wish” or “hope” accompanying the word “Happy Birthday.” The word “祝” (Zhù) literally means “wish” or “hope,” and “你 (Nǐ)” means “You”.
Example:
A: Wish you a happy birthday!
祝你生日快乐
(Zhù Nǐ Shēng Rì Kuài Lè)
B: Thank you!
谢谢！
(Xiè xiè)
2. 生日愿望(Shēng Rì Yuàn Wàng)
When talking about birthday, the most common topic is “Birthday Wishes,” which means “生日愿望(Shēng Rì Yuàn Wàng).”
The word “愿”(Yuàn) is actually similar to “祝” (Zhù), which is “hope” or “wish.” When the word “愿” (Yuàn) is combined with “望”(Wàng), it means “wishes,” “aspiration” or “hope.”
Example :
May all your birthday wishes come true!
愿你生日愿望都实现!
(Yuàn Nǐ Shēng Rì Yuàn Wàng Doū Shí Xiàn)
3. 生日派对 (Shēng Rì Pài Duì)
When speaking of birthdays, the most exciting thing is ways to celebrate. Nowadays, people love having a birthday party, especially teenagers.
The word “派(Pài)” in Chinese means “Send” or “Arrange.” Whereas the word “对(Duì)” can be used as nouns, verbs, adjectives, and others. In English, “对(Duì)” means “For,” “About,” “Yeah”, or “Yes”.
派对 (Pài Duì) literally means “ Party ”. It is a social event often organized in someone’s house, at which people enjoy themselves with several activities. For instance, playing, eating, dancing, and so on.
Examples:
Do you want to join Jane’s birthday party?
你有兴趣参加Jane的生日派对吗?
(Nǐ Yǒu Xìng Qù Cān Jiā Jane De Shēng Rì Pài Duì Ma?)
4. 生日礼物 (Shēng Rì Lǐ Wù)
Along with birthday wishes, a common way of blessing is to give a birthday present. People always take a chance to give a birthday gift for someone to express their love and blessing at a birthday party.
The word “礼(Lǐ)” means “Present” or “Gift.” But in Chinese, we often combine it with the word “物”(Wù) to make it a noun.
Example:
It is his birthday present.
那是他的生日礼物。
(Nà Shì Shǔ Yú Tā De Shēng Rì Lǐ Wù.)
5. 生日蛋糕 (Shēng Rì Dàn Gāo)
Of course, the cake is indispensable at the birthday party. Both of the words, when separated, are nouns. The meaning of “蛋(Dàn)” in English is “Egg,” and the word “糕(Gāo)” means “Cake.” When those two words are combined, it means “Cake.”
Examples:
We’re going to bake a birthday cake.
我们要去烘培一个生日蛋糕。
(Wǒ Men Yào Qù Hōng Péi Yī Gè Shēng Rì Dàn Gāo.)
6. 寿星(Shòu Xing)
The essential character is our birthday boy/ birthday girl when talking about birthdays. In Chinese, we call this person “寿星(Shòu Xing).”
In general, English words have many meanings and ways to use them. And it’s the same in Chinese! The word “寿(Shòu)” is a noun meaning “Longevity.” Whereas the word “星(Xing)” could be a noun that means “Star” or “Weeks”.
“寿星(Shòu Xing)” is a noun we use to mention the person whose birthday is being celebrated. Literally, it means god of longevity. That is what we wish the person for.
Examples:
Now, where’s the birthday girl?
我们的寿星在哪里？
(Wǒ Men De Shòu Xing Zài Nǎ Lǐ?)
“Here’s the birthday girl!”
这是我们的寿星!”
(Zhè Shì Wǒ Men De Shòu Xing!)
7. 寿面 (Shòu Miàn)
In China, 寿面(Shòu Miàn) is the most important food when celebrating someone’s birthday. It has a special origin, which after eating the noodles, you will gain more longevity. That is why people refer to it as “Longevity Noodles” in English.
The word 寿(Shòu) is a noun meaning “Longevity.” Besides, the word 面 (Miàn) has various meanings, such as “Face,” “Surface,” or “Flour.”
Examples:
In Chinese birthday, the longevity noodles are essential food.
华人庆生时，寿面是必不可少的食物。
(Huá Rén Qìng Shēng Shòu Miàn Shì Bì Bù Kě Shǎo De Shí Wù.)
Other Wishes on Birthday
We have many other ways to wish someone a “Happy Birthday” in Chinese. It has different expressions depending on the age and the gender of the person you’re addressing. Some of the most common ones are listed below:
For Children
Wish you a Happy Birthday and better progress in your study.
祝你生日快乐, 学业进步!
(Zhù Nǐ Shēng Rì Kuài Lè, Xué Yè Jìn Bù!)
For Friend
Wish you a Happy Birthday. Stay happy every day!
祝你生日快乐, 天天开心。
(Zhù Nǐ Shēng Rì Kuài Lè,Tiān Tiān Kāi Xīn.)
For Young Girl
Wish you a Happy Birthday and eternal youth!
祝你生日快乐, 青春永驻。
(Zhù Nǐ Shēng Rì Kuài Lè, Qīng Chūn Yǒng Zhù.)
For Older People
Wish you a Happy Birthday and more longevity.
祝你生日快乐,长命百岁。
(Zhù Nǐ Shēng Rì Kuài Lè, Cháng Mìng Bǎi Suì.)
Final Thoughts
Birthday is an important day for everyone in the world. That is why we prepared this article for you. After going through this article, we believe you’ve learned the important phrases to wish someone Happy Birthday. Whether your parents, lover, or friends, using Chinese birthday wish for them would definitely light up their birthdays!
If you love this article, you’ll also love the articles below from Maayot about Chinese language learning:
English
Spanish
French
Japanese