How to say happy birthday in Hindi

To say happy birthday in Hindi, you say "जन्मदिन की शुभकामनाएँ" (janamdin ki shubhkamnayen). Hindi is spoken by hundreds of millions of people in India, and by families all over the world. Here is how to say it, plus easier everyday ways and some lovely Indian birthday customs.

"Janamdin" means birthday ("janam" is birth and "din" is day). "Shubhkamnayen" means good wishes. So it means "birthday good wishes".

Other ways to say happy birthday in Hindi

• जन्मदिन मुबारक (janamdin mubarak)Say it like this: JUN-um-din moo-BAA-rakShort, warm and very common. Great for friends, family and texts.
• हैप्पी बर्थडे (happy birthday)Say it like this: HAP-pee BIRTH-dayMany Hindi speakers simply say it in English. Very natural in everyday chat.
• आपको जन्मदिन की हार्दिक शुभकामनाएँ (aapko janamdin ki hardik shubhkamnayen)Say it like this: AAP-koh JUN-um-din kee HAAR-dik shubh-KAAM-na-yenMeans "heartfelt birthday wishes to you". Polite and warm, good for elders, teachers and cards.
• सालगिरह मुबारक (salgirah mubarak)Say it like this: saal-GEE-rah moo-BAA-rakAnother way to say happy birthday. It can also mean happy anniversary.
• भगवान आपको लंबी उम्र दे (bhagwan aapko lambi umar de)Say it like this: bhug-WAAN AAP-koh LUM-bee OOM-ur dehMeans "may God give you a long life". A kind blessing, often from older relatives.

The Happy Birthday song in Hindi

In India, people usually sing the English Happy Birthday song while the cake is cut. Some families also play a well known Hindi film song, "Baar Baar Din Yeh Aaye", at birthday parties.

Birthday customs

• In India, many people touch the feet of their parents and elders on their birthday, to ask for their blessings.
• In India, schoolchildren often hand out sweets or chocolates to their classmates on their birthday.
• In many Indian homes, the birthday person cuts the cake and then feeds the first pieces to family members.
• In India, many families visit a temple on the birthday morning to pray for a good year ahead.

A quick tip

Use "aap" (polite "you") for anyone older than you or someone you do not know well. Use "tum" or "tu" only with close friends and family. If in doubt, "Janamdin mubarak" works for everyone.

Questions people ask