Learning how to say “Happy Birthday” in Chinese is not only a fun way to impress your friends but also a valuable skill if you’re planning to dive deeper into Mandarin!
In this guide, we’ll explore different ways to say, write, and even sing “Happy Birthday” in Chinese, from Mandarin to Cantonese, so you’ll be ready for any celebration.
1. How to Say “Happy Birthday” in Chinese
The most common way to say “Happy Birthday” in Mandarin is 生日快乐 (Shēng rì kuài lè). Let’s break it down:
- 生日 (Shēng rì) = Birthday
- 快乐 (Kuài lè) = Happy
Pronunciation tip:
- Shēng (sounds like “shung”)
- Rì (sounds like “ruh”)
- Kuài (sounds like “kwhy”)
- Lè (sounds like “luh”)
So when you put it together, it sounds like “shung-ruh kwai-luh.”
2. How to Write “Happy Birthday” in Chinese
If you want to write it in characters, it’s simply:
- 生日快乐 (Simplified Chinese)
- 生日快樂 (Traditional Chinese)
Want to add a personal touch? Here’s a more formal birthday message:
祝你生日快乐！ (Zhù nǐ shēng rì kuài lè!) – “Wishing you a happy birthday!”
3. Happy Birthday Song in Chinese
Singing the birthday song is a universal tradition! Here’s how to sing the Happy Birthday song in Mandarin:
祝你生日快乐，祝你生日快乐，
祝你生日快乐，祝你永远快乐！
(Zhù nǐ shēng rì kuài lè, zhù nǐ shēng rì kuài lè,
Zhù nǐ shēng rì kuài lè, zhù nǐ yǒng yuǎn kuài lè!)
4. Want to Learn More Chinese? Apply for Language Courses in China!
If you’re eager to improve your Mandarin, why not take your skills to the next level by applying for language courses in China?
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