How to say happy birthday in Albanian
Gëzuar ditëlindjen
Say it like this: guh-ZOO-ar dee-tuh-LEEND-yen
To say happy birthday in Albanian, you say "Gëzuar ditëlindjen". It is used in Albania, Kosovo and by Albanian speakers in North Macedonia, Montenegro and beyond. Here is how to say it, more ways to send your wishes, and the song people sing.
"Gëzuar" means happy or joyful. "Ditëlindjen" joins "ditë" (day) and "lindje" (birth), so it means "birth day".
Other ways to say happy birthday in Albanian
- Për shumë vjet!Say it like this: pur SHOO-muh VYETMeans "for many years!". Very common, and also said at New Year and other celebrations.
- Urime!Say it like this: oo-REE-mehMeans "congratulations!". Short and friendly, good for messages.
- Urime për ditëlindjen!Say it like this: oo-REE-meh pur dee-tuh-LEEND-yenMeans "congratulations on your birthday!". Warm and simple.
- U bëfsh 100 vjeç!Say it like this: oo BUFSH nyuh-CHEEND VYETCHMeans "may you live to 100!". A loving wish, often said by family.
- Të uroj një ditëlindje të lumturSay it like this: tuh oo-ROY nyuh dee-tuh-LEEND-yeh tuh LOOM-toorMeans "I wish you a happy birthday". Nice in a card or letter.
- Ju uroj një ditëlindje të lumturSay it like this: yoo oo-ROY nyuh dee-tuh-LEEND-yeh tuh LOOM-toorThe polite form, for a boss, a teacher or an older person.
The Happy Birthday song in Albanian
Gëzuar ditëlindjen,
gëzuar ditëlindjen,
gëzuar ditëlindjen [name],
gëzuar ditëlindjen.
This is sung to the usual Happy Birthday tune. Many people also sing the English version.
Birthday customs
- In Albania and Kosovo, "Gëzuar!" is also the word people say when they raise a glass, like "Cheers!".
- "Për shumë vjet" is a wish for many happy years. You will hear it at birthdays, at New Year and on other special days.
- Birthdays were not always a big event in Albania. Parties with cake and friends are now common, especially among younger people.
A quick tip
Keep the two dots over the "ë". It makes a soft "uh" sound, like the a in "about". At the end of a word it is often hardly said at all.
Questions people ask
What is the most common way to say happy birthday in Albanian?
"Gëzuar ditëlindjen" is the most common. "Për shumë vjet" is also used all the time.
How do you say happy birthday in Albanian to a friend?
Say "Gëzuar ditëlindjen!" or just "Urime!". Both feel natural with friends.
What does "Për shumë vjet" mean?
It means "for many years". It is a wish that the person will enjoy many more happy years, and it works for birthdays, New Year and other special days.
What do you say back?
Say "Faleminderit!" (fah-leh-meen-DEH-reet), which means thank you.
Wish someone happy birthday in Albanian
Type their name, and we will turn it into a birthday surprise in Albanian: a gift box to open, confetti, their name in gold and the birthday song. Then send it by WhatsApp, text or email. It is free.