生日愿望
shēngrì yuànwàng
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.
What does 生日愿望 (shēngrì yuànwàng) mean?
生日愿望 (shēngrì yuànwàng) means “birthday wish” in English.
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xǔyuànto make a wish (general, often used for birthdays)
- 生日祝福shēngrì zhùfúbirthday blessing / good wishes (for someone)
- 心愿xīnyuànheartfelt wish / desire (more general)
Examples
你许了什么生日愿望？
nǐ xǔle shénme shēngrì yuànwàng?
What birthday wish did you make?
我的生日愿望是环游世界。
wǒde shēngrì yuànwàng shì huányóu shìjiè.
My birthday wish is to travel the world.
祝你生日愿望都实现！
zhù nǐ shēngrì yuànwàng dōu shíxiàn!
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
生日祝福 · Birthday wishes祝您生日快乐 · Birthday wishes for elderly祝你生日快乐 · Blessed birthday
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