How to say happy birthday in Indonesian
Selamat ulang tahun
Say it like this: seh-LAH-maht OO-lahng TAH-hoon
To say happy birthday in Indonesian, you say "Selamat ulang tahun". It is used all over Indonesia, for friends, family, workmates and older people alike. Below you will find how to say it, other easy ways to send your wishes, and the song people sing.
"Selamat" is used for congratulations and good wishes. "Ulang" means repeat and "tahun" means year, so "ulang tahun" is the day your year comes round again.
Other ways to say happy birthday in Indonesian
- Met ultah!Say it like this: MET OOL-tahA short, casual version. "Met" is short for "selamat" and "ultah" is short for "ulang tahun". Great for friends and text messages.
- Selamat ulang tahun, Bu / PakSay it like this: seh-LAH-maht OO-lahng TAH-hoon, BOO / PAHKAdd "Bu" for a woman or "Pak" for a man to be polite to a teacher, boss or older person.
- Semoga panjang umurSay it like this: seh-MOH-gah PAHN-jahng OO-moorMeans "may you have a long life". A very common line to add after the greeting.
- Semoga sehat selaluSay it like this: seh-MOH-gah SEH-haht seh-LAH-looMeans "may you always be healthy". Kind and warm, good for anyone.
- Semoga semua impianmu tercapaiSay it like this: seh-MOH-gah seh-MOO-ah im-pee-AHN-moo ter-CHAH-pieMeans "may all your dreams come true". Lovely in a card or a long message.
- Selamat ulang tahun yang ke-30Say it like this: seh-LAH-maht OO-lahng TAH-hoon yahng keh TEE-gah POO-looMeans "happy 30th birthday". Swap in any age after "ke-".
The Happy Birthday song in Indonesian
Selamat ulang tahun,
selamat ulang tahun,
selamat ulang tahun [name],
selamat ulang tahun.
This is sung to the usual Happy Birthday tune. Many Indonesians also sing a short traditional song called "Panjang Umurnya", which wishes the birthday person a long life.
Birthday customs
- In Indonesia, the birthday person often treats friends or workmates to food. This is called "traktir", and friends may cheerfully ask for it.
- After blowing out the candles, the birthday person cuts the cake and often gives the first slice to a parent or someone special.
- For big celebrations in Indonesia, families sometimes serve "tumpeng", a cone of yellow or white rice surrounded by side dishes, as a way of giving thanks.
A quick tip
If you are short on time, "Selamat ulang tahun, semoga panjang umur dan sehat selalu" is a complete, warm message. It means "Happy birthday, wishing you a long life and good health always".
Questions people ask
How do you say happy birthday in Indonesian to a friend?
Say "Met ultah!" or "Selamat ulang tahun!". Both feel natural with friends, and "HBD" is also common in texts.
Is Indonesian the same as Malay?
They are very close, but the birthday words differ. In Malaysia people usually say "Selamat hari jadi", while in Indonesia it is "Selamat ulang tahun".
What do you say back?
Say "Terima kasih" (teh-REE-mah KAH-see), which means thank you. To add "for the wishes", say "Terima kasih atas ucapannya".
Wish someone happy birthday in Indonesian
Type their name, and we will turn it into a birthday surprise in Indonesian: 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.