祝你生日快乐
zhù nǐ shēngrìkuàilè
Blessed birthday · trad. 祝你生日快樂
祝你生日快乐 (zhù nǐ shēngrìkuàilè) is the standard and most common way to say "Happy Birthday" in Mandarin Chinese. It is appropriate for almost any birthday celebration.
What does 祝你生日快乐 (zhù nǐ shēngrìkuàilè) mean?
祝你生日快乐 (zhù nǐ shēngrìkuàilè) means “blessed birthday” in English. Word for word, it breaks down as “Wish you happy birthday.”
When to use it
Neutral and universally appropriate. It is the go-to phrase for wishing someone a happy birthday, whether they are a friend, family member, or acquaintance.
How to pronounce it
Sounds like "joo nee shung-ruh kwai-luh". The tones are generally falling (zhù), dipping (nǐ), high-flat (shēng), falling (rì), falling (kuài), and neutral (lè).
Other ways to say it
- 快乐的生日kuàilè de shēngrìa blessed birthday (as a noun phrase)
- 愿你生日快乐yuàn nǐ shēngrìkuàilèMay your birthday receive grace (similar religious sentiment)
- 生日快乐shēngrì kuàilèHappy birthday (most common general wish)
Examples
祝你生日快乐！
Zhù nǐ shēngrìkuàilè!
Happy birthday to you!
祝你生日快乐，身体健康！
Zhù nǐ shēngrìkuàilè, shēntǐjiànkāng!
Happy birthday, and wish you good health!
妈妈，祝你生日快乐！
Māma, zhù nǐ shēngrìkuàilè!
Happy birthday, Mom!
Pro tip: The phrase "祝你生日快乐" uses "快乐" (happy) which is a secular and widely accepted term. Avoid "蒙福" (blessed) as it carries strong religious connotations and is not common in everyday Chinese birthday greetings.
Related phrases
生日快乐，愿神赐福你 · Christian birthday greetings生日祝福 · Birthday wishes生日愿望 · Birthday wish
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