How to say happy birthday in Bengali
শুভ জন্মদিন
Say it like this: SHU-bho JON-mo-din
To say happy birthday in Bengali, you say "শুভ জন্মদিন" (shubho jonmodin). Bengali, also called Bangla, is spoken in Bangladesh and in the Indian state of West Bengal, as well as by many families in the UK. Here is how to say it, plus other kind ways to share your wishes.
"শুভ" (shubho) means good or blessed. "জন্মদিন" (jonmodin) joins "জন্ম" (jonmo, birth) and "দিন" (din, day). So it means "blessed birth day".
Other ways to say happy birthday in Bengali
- শুভ জন্মদিন! (Shubho jonmodin!)Say it like this: SHU-bho JON-mo-dinThe standard greeting. Works for anyone, young or old.
- জন্মদিনের অনেক অনেক শুভেচ্ছা (Jonmodiner onek onek shubhechchha)Say it like this: JON-mo-di-ner O-nek O-nek SHU-bhech-chhaMeans "many, many good wishes on your birthday". Very popular in cards and messages.
- শুভ জন্মদিন, ভালো থেকো (Shubho jonmodin, bhalo theko)Say it like this: SHU-bho JON-mo-din, BHA-lo THE-koMeans "happy birthday, stay well". Warm and friendly, for friends and family.
- তোমাকে জন্মদিনের শুভেচ্ছা (Tomake jonmodiner shubhechchha)Say it like this: TO-ma-keh JON-mo-di-ner SHU-bhech-chhaMeans "birthday wishes to you". Uses "tomake", the friendly word for "you".
- আপনাকে জন্মদিনের শুভেচ্ছা (Apnake jonmodiner shubhechchha)Say it like this: AP-na-keh JON-mo-di-ner SHU-bhech-chhaThe polite form, for an elder, a teacher or a boss.
- শুভ জন্মদিন, দোস্ত! (Shubho jonmodin, dost!)Say it like this: SHU-bho JON-mo-din, DOSTMeans "happy birthday, mate!". Very casual, for a close friend.
The Happy Birthday song in Bengali
Happy birthday to you,
happy birthday to you,
happy birthday dear [name],
happy birthday to you.
At most Bengali birthday parties, people sing the English "Happy Birthday" song, then shout "শুভ জন্মদিন!" when the candles are blown out.
Birthday customs
- In Bengali homes in India and Bangladesh, a mother often makes "payesh", a sweet rice pudding cooked in milk, as a special birthday treat.
- In many Bengali Hindu families, the birthday person touches the feet of elders as a sign of respect, and the elders give their blessings in return.
- In Bangladesh and West Bengal, sweets such as rasgulla and sandesh are often shared with family, friends and neighbours on happy occasions, including birthdays.
A quick tip
Bengali has three words for "you": "tui" for very close friends, "tumi" for friends and family, and "apni" for elders and strangers. If you are not sure, use "apni" (apnake) to be safe and polite.
Questions people ask
How do you say happy birthday in Bengali to an elder?
Say "আপনাকে জন্মদিনের শুভেচ্ছা" (apnake jonmodiner shubhechchha). It is respectful and warm.
Is Bangla the same as Bengali?
Yes. "Bangla" is the name in the language itself, and "Bengali" is the usual English name. The greeting is the same in Bangladesh and India.
What do you say back?
Say "ধন্যবাদ" (dhonnobad), said DHON-no-bad, which means thank you. With friends, many people simply say "Thank you" in English too.
Wish someone happy birthday in Bengali
Type their name, and we will turn it into a birthday surprise in Bengali: 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.