How to say happy birthday in Czech
Všechno nejlepší k narozeninám
Say it like this: FSHEKH-noh NEY-lep-shee k-NAH-roh-zeh-nyee-nahm
To say happy birthday in Czech, you say "Všechno nejlepší k narozeninám". It is a long phrase, but do not worry. Czech speakers often shorten it, and the short version is just as warm. Here is how to say it, plus other easy ways to send your good wishes.
"Všechno" means everything or all, "nejlepší" means the best, and "k narozeninám" means "for your birthday". So it means "all the best for your birthday".
Other ways to say happy birthday in Czech
- Všechno nejlepší!Say it like this: FSHEKH-noh NEY-lep-sheeMeans "all the best!". The short version, used all the time with friends and family.
- Hodně štěstí, zdraví!Say it like this: HOD-nyeh SHTYES-tyee, ZDRAH-veeMeans "lots of luck and health!". A classic birthday wish, and the words of the birthday song.
- Přeju ti všechno nejlepší k narozeninámSay it like this: PRZHEH-yoo tyih FSHEKH-noh NEY-lep-shee k-NAH-roh-zeh-nyee-nahmMeans "I wish you all the best for your birthday". Warm and personal, for friends.
- Přeji Vám všechno nejlepší k narozeninámSay it like this: PRZHEH-yee vahm FSHEKH-noh NEY-lep-shee k-NAH-roh-zeh-nyee-nahmThe polite form, for a boss, a teacher or someone you do not know well.
- Hodně štěstí k narozeninám!Say it like this: HOD-nyeh SHTYES-tyee k-NAH-roh-zeh-nyee-nahmMeans "lots of luck for your birthday!". Great in a card or text.
- Na zdraví!Say it like this: nah ZDRAH-veeMeans "cheers" or "to your health". Said when you raise a glass to the birthday person.
The Happy Birthday song in Czech
Hodně štěstí, zdraví,
hodně štěstí, zdraví,
hodně štěstí, milý [name],
hodně štěstí, zdraví.
This is sung to the usual Happy Birthday tune. "Milý" means "dear" for a man or boy. For a woman or girl, sing "milá" instead.
Birthday customs
- In the Czech Republic, name days ("svátek") are a real celebration. Each day of the calendar has a name, and people with that name get wishes, flowers or small gifts.
- In the Czech Republic, it is common for the birthday person to bring cake, sweets or drinks to share with workmates or classmates.
- In the Czech Republic, flowers are a popular birthday gift. People usually give an odd number of flowers, as even numbers are linked with funerals.
A quick tip
The "ř" in "přeju" is a famous Czech sound. It is a rolled r and a "zh" sound at the same time. If it is hard, just say "Všechno nejlepší!", which has no ř at all.
Questions people ask
How do you say happy birthday in Czech to a friend?
Say "Všechno nejlepší!". It is short, warm and natural with friends.
Is there a shorter way to say it?
Yes. "Všechno nejlepší!" (all the best) is what most people say. You can also say "Hodně štěstí!" (lots of luck).
What do you say back?
Say "Děkuji!" (DYEH-koo-yee), which means thank you. With friends, the casual "Díky!" (DYEE-kee) is perfect.
Wish someone happy birthday in Czech
Type their name, and we will turn it into a birthday surprise in Czech: 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.