生日愿望
shēng rì yuàn wàng
Birthday wish · trad. 生日願望
生日愿望 (shēngrì yuànwàng) refers to a wish made on one's birthday, often associated with blowing out candles on a cake. It's a common phrase used when discussing birthday traditions and personal desires.
When to use it
Neutral. This term is appropriate in most everyday conversations. When you 'make' a birthday wish, the verb 许 (xǔ) is typically used, as in 许生日愿望 (xǔ shēngrì yuànwàng).
How to pronounce it
Sounds like 'shung-ruh ywen-wung.' The first syllable of 生日 is a high, flat tone, and the second is a falling tone. Both syllables of 愿望 are falling tones.
Other ways to say it
- 许愿xǔ yuànto make a wish (general, often used for birthdays)
- 生日祝福shēng rì zhù fúbirthday blessing / good wishes (for someone)
- 心愿xīn yuànheartfelt wish / desire (more general)
Examples
你许了什么生日愿望？
nǐ xǔ le shén me shēng rì yuàn wàng ？
What birthday wish did you make?
我的生日愿望是环游世界。
wǒ de shēng rì yuàn wàng shì huán yóu shì jiè 。
My birthday wish is to travel the world.
祝你生日愿望都实现！
zhù nǐ shēng rì yuàn wàng dōu shí xiàn ！
May all your birthday wishes come true!
Pro tip: When making a birthday wish in Chinese, just like in many Western cultures, it's common to keep your wish a secret so it will come true! The verb 许 (xǔ) is specific for 'making' or 'granting' a wish.
Related phrases
和平 · Peace钱 · Money闭嘴 · Shut up
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