How to say happy birthday in Irish
Breithlá shona duit
Say it like this: BREH-law HUN-ah ditch
To say happy birthday in Irish, you say "Breithlá shona duit". Irish (Gaeilge) is spoken in Ireland, mostly in the Gaeltacht areas in the west, and it is taught in every school. Here is how to say it, other friendly ways to wish someone well, and the song.
"Breithlá" means birthday (from "breith", birth, and "lá", day). "Shona" means happy, and "duit" means "to you". So it means "happy birthday to you".
Other ways to say happy birthday in Irish
- Lá breithe sona duitSay it like this: law BREH-heh SUN-ah ditchAnother very common way to say happy birthday. You will see it on many Irish cards.
- Breithlá shona daoibhSay it like this: BREH-law HUN-ah deev"Daoibh" means "to you all". Use it for twins, or a card for more than one person.
- Go mbeirimid beo ar an am seo arísSay it like this: guh MER-im-id byoh air un AM shuh uh-REESHMeans "may we be alive at this time again". A traditional wish for special days, warm and a little old-fashioned.
- Sláinte!Say it like this: SLAWN-chehMeans "health". The classic Irish toast when you raise a glass to the birthday person.
The Happy Birthday song in Irish
Lá breithe sona duit,
lá breithe sona duit,
lá breithe sona [name],
lá breithe sona duit.
This is sung to the usual Happy Birthday tune, especially in Irish-language schools (Gaelscoileanna). At most parties in Ireland, though, people sing the English version.
Birthday customs
- In Ireland, children are sometimes given the "birthday bumps": friends lift them up and gently bump them on the ground, once for each year, plus one for luck.
- In Ireland, a cake with candles and the Happy Birthday song are at the heart of most parties, just as in the UK.
- In Ireland, a 21st birthday has long been a big celebration, often with a large party for family and friends.
A quick tip
You may see both "Breithlá shona duit" and "Breithlá sona duit" written. People use both, so either is fine in a card. The "sh" in "shona" sounds like an "h".
Questions people ask
Is it "Breithlá shona" or "Lá breithe sona"?
Both are used and both are understood. "Lá breithe sona duit" is very common in schools and on cards.
Is Irish the same as Gaelic?
Irish is sometimes called Irish Gaelic. It is related to Scottish Gaelic, but they are separate languages.
What do you say back?
Say "Go raibh maith agat" (guh rev MAH ah-gut), which means thank you.
Wish someone happy birthday in Irish
Type their name, and we will turn it into a birthday surprise in Irish: 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.