How to say happy birthday in Greek
Χρόνια πολλά
Say it like this: KHRON-ya po-LAH
To say happy birthday in Greek, you say "Χρόνια πολλά" (chronia polla). It is used in Greece and Cyprus, and by Greek families all over the world. Here is how to say it, plus other warm ways to send your good wishes.
"Χρόνια" (chronia) means years and "πολλά" (polla) means many. So it means "many years", a wish for a long and happy life.
Other ways to say happy birthday in Greek
- Χρόνια σου πολλά! (Chronia sou polla!)Say it like this: KHRON-ya soo po-LAHMeans "many years to you!". Friendly and personal, for friends and family.
- Να τα εκατοστήσεις! (Na ta ekatostiseis!)Say it like this: na ta eh-ka-to-STEE-seesMeans "may you reach one hundred!". Very common and warm, often said right after "Χρόνια πολλά".
- Να ζήσεις! (Na ziseis!)Say it like this: na ZEE-seesMeans "may you live long!". Short and joyful, and also the start of the birthday song.
- Χρόνια πολλά και ευτυχισμένα (Chronia polla kai eftychismena)Say it like this: KHRON-ya po-LAH keh ef-tee-khees-MEH-naMeans "many happy years". Lovely in a card.
- Χαρούμενα γενέθλια! (Charoumena genethlia!)Say it like this: kha-ROO-meh-na yeh-NETH-lee-aA direct "happy birthday". Correct, but "Χρόνια πολλά" is heard far more often.
- Χρόνια σας πολλά (Chronia sas polla)Say it like this: KHRON-ya sas po-LAHThe polite form, for an older person, a boss or someone you do not know well.
The Happy Birthday song in Greek
Να ζήσεις [name] και χρόνια πολλά,
μεγάλος να γίνεις με άσπρα μαλλιά.
Παντού να σκορπίζεις της γνώσης το φως
και όλοι να λένε, να ένας σοφός.
This traditional Greek verse is the song sung at most Greek birthday parties. It wishes the person a long life, "with white hair", and wisdom. For a woman or girl, sing "μεγάλη" (meh-GAH-lee) in place of "μεγάλος", and "μια σοφή" (mya so-FEE) in place of "ένας σοφός".
Birthday customs
- In Greece and Cyprus, name days are often celebrated as much as birthdays, and sometimes more. Many names are linked to a saint, and friends call or visit with "Χρόνια πολλά" on that day.
- In Greece and Cyprus, "Χρόνια πολλά" is not only for birthdays. People also say it at Easter, Christmas, New Year and other celebrations.
- In Greece, it is common for the birthday person to treat friends or workmates, for example by bringing sweets or cakes to share.
A quick tip
"Χρόνια" starts with a "ch" sound like in the Scottish word "loch", not like in "church". If that is hard, a soft "h" sound is close enough, and people will still understand you.
Questions people ask
Does Χρόνια πολλά mean happy birthday?
Not word for word. It means "many years". But it is the most common way to say happy birthday in Greek.
How do you say happy birthday in Greek to someone older?
Use the polite form "Χρόνια σας πολλά" (KHRON-ya sas po-LAH). You can add "Να τα εκατοστήσετε" to wish them one hundred years.
What do you say back?
Say "Ευχαριστώ!" (ef-kha-ree-STOH), which means thank you. To be extra warm, say "Ευχαριστώ πολύ!" (ef-kha-ree-STOH po-LEE).
Wish someone happy birthday in Greek
Type their name, and we will turn it into a birthday surprise in Greek: 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.