How to say happy birthday in Bulgarian
Честит рожден ден
Say it like this: cheh-STEET ROZH-den DEN
To say happy birthday in Bulgarian, you say "Честит рожден ден" (chestit rozhden den). Bulgarian is written in the Cyrillic alphabet and is spoken in Bulgaria. Here is how to say it, plus other friendly ways to send your good wishes.
"Честит" (chestit) means happy or blessed, "рожден" (rozhden) means birth, and "ден" (den) means day. So it means "happy birth day".
Other ways to say happy birthday in Bulgarian
- Честит рожден ден! (Chestit rozhden den!)Say it like this: cheh-STEET ROZH-den DENThe standard greeting. Fine for anyone, in person or in a card.
- Честито! (Chestito!)Say it like this: cheh-STEE-tohMeans "congratulations". Short and casual, great for friends and text messages.
- Всичко най-хубаво! (Vsichko nay-hubavo!)Say it like this: FSEECH-koh nay-HOO-ba-vohMeans "all the very best". Very common after the greeting.
- Много здраве и щастие! (Mnogo zdrave i shtastie!)Say it like this: MNOH-goh ZDRAH-veh ee SHTAHS-tee-ehMeans "lots of health and happiness". A warm wish for family and older people.
- Наздраве! (Nazdrave!)Say it like this: naz-DRAH-vehMeans "cheers". Said when you raise a glass to the birthday person.
- Желая Ви здраве, щастие и успехи! (Zhelaya Vi zdrave, shtastie i uspehi!)Say it like this: zheh-LAH-ya vee ZDRAH-veh, SHTAHS-tee-eh ee oos-PEH-heeMeans "I wish you health, happiness and success!". Uses the polite "Ви", for a boss, a teacher or someone you do not know well.
The Happy Birthday song in Bulgarian
Честит рожден ден,
честит рожден ден,
честит рожден ден, [name],
честит рожден ден.
Many Bulgarians sing the English "Happy Birthday" at parties. When they sing in Bulgarian, these simple words fit the same tune.
Birthday customs
- In Bulgaria, name days are a big event. Many first names are linked to a saint's day, and people often celebrate it as much as their birthday, with "Честит имен ден!" (Happy name day!).
- In Bulgaria, it is common for the birthday person to treat others. Children often hand out sweets to their classmates, and adults may bring cakes or drinks for workmates.
- In Bulgaria, a nod of the head often means "no" and a shake of the head means "yes", the opposite of the UK. Keep this in mind when you chat at a party!
A quick tip
The "ч" in "Честит" sounds like the "ch" in "cheese", and the "ж" in "рожден" sounds like the "s" in "treasure". Put the stress on "STEET" and you will sound natural.
Questions people ask
How do you say happy birthday in Bulgarian to a friend?
Say "Честит рожден ден!" or simply "Честито!". Add "Всичко най-хубаво!" to make it extra warm.
How do you write it in English letters?
It is usually written "Chestit rozhden den". This is handy if your phone cannot type Cyrillic.
What do you say back?
Say "Благодаря" (blah-goh-dah-RYAH), which means thank you. Or say "Мерси" (mer-SEE), which is casual and very common.
Wish someone happy birthday in Bulgarian
Type their name, and we will turn it into a birthday surprise in Bulgarian: 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.