How to Say “Happy Birthday” in Chinese
Greetings and politeness · HSK 1
"Happy Birthday" in Chinese is 生日快乐 (Shēng rì kuài lè). 生日快乐 is sung to the same tune as the English 'Happy Birthday' song; Chinese people literally sing 'Zhù nǐ shēng rì kuài lè' on repeat. The traditional food is 长寿面 (cháng shòu miàn, longevity noodles); you shouldn't bite through them, since the uncut length symbolizes long life.
Primary translation
生日快乐
Shēng rì kuài lè
Traditional: 生日快樂
When to use it
生日快乐 is sung to the same tune as the English 'Happy Birthday' song; Chinese people literally sing 'Zhù nǐ shēng rì kuài lè' on repeat. The traditional food is 长寿面 (cháng shòu miàn, longevity noodles); you shouldn't bite through them, since the uncut length symbolizes long life. Birthday cakes arrived via Western influence and are now standard in cities. For elders, avoid gifting clocks (送钟 sòng zhōng sounds like 送终, 'attending a funeral'); it's a major taboo.
Example sentences
生日快乐！许个愿吧。
Shēng rì kuài lè! Xǔ gè yuàn ba.
Happy birthday! Make a wish.
祝你生日快乐，身体健康！
Zhù nǐ shēng rì kuài lè, shēn tǐ jiàn kāng!
Happy birthday; wishing you good health!
今天是我奶奶的八十大寿，生日快乐！
Jīn tiān shì wǒ nǎi nai de bā shí dà shòu, shēng rì kuài lè!
Today is my grandma's 80th birthday; happy birthday!