How to say happy birthday in Latvian
Daudz laimes dzimšanas dienā
Say it like this: DOWDZ LIE-mess DZIM-shah-nahs DEE-eh-nah
To say happy birthday in Latvian, you say "Daudz laimes dzimšanas dienā". It looks long, but it is easy once you break it into four parts. Below you will find how to say it, shorter ways to wish someone well, and the song Latvians sing.
"Daudz" means much, "laimes" means happiness, "dzimšanas" means of birth, and "dienā" means on the day. So it means "much happiness on your birthday".
Other ways to say happy birthday in Latvian
- Daudz laimes!Say it like this: DOWDZ LIE-messThe short, everyday version. Perfect for friends, family and texts.
- Apsveicu dzimšanas dienā!Say it like this: AHP-svay-tsoo DZIM-shah-nahs DEE-eh-nahMeans "I congratulate you on your birthday". Good for workmates or in a card.
- Visu to labāko!Say it like this: VEE-soo toh LAH-bah-kohMeans "all the best". A friendly line to add at the end.
- Novēlu laimi un veselībuSay it like this: NOH-veh-loo LIE-mee oon VEH-seh-lee-booMeans "I wish you happiness and health". Warm and suitable for anyone.
- Daudz laimes vārda dienā!Say it like this: DOWDZ LIE-mess VAHR-dah DEE-eh-nahMeans "happy name day". Use it on the day linked to someone's first name.
The Happy Birthday song in Latvian
Daudz baltu dieniņu, Laimiņa, lemi,
daudz baltu dieniņu, Laimiņa, lemi.
The words of this much loved song are traditional, and it has its own tune. It asks Laima, the goddess of fate, to grant many bright days. The verses go on to wish a full life of living, working and loving. Many people also sing the English Happy Birthday.
Birthday customs
- In Latvia, name days ("vārda dienas") are taken very seriously. Each day of the calendar has names, and friends often bring flowers or a small gift.
- Midsummer in Latvia, called "Jāņi", is also the name day for everyone called Jānis, one of the most common Latvian names.
- Flowers are a classic birthday gift in Latvia. Give an odd number, because even numbers are kept for funerals.
A quick tip
The line over a letter, as in "ā" or "ē", means you hold that sound a little longer. The "š" sounds like "sh". If you cannot type these, plain letters are still understood.
Questions people ask
How do you say happy birthday in Latvian to a friend?
Just say "Daudz laimes!". Everyone will know you mean happy birthday.
Is a name day as important as a birthday?
For many Latvians, yes. Some people even make more fuss of their name day than their birthday.
What do you say back?
Say "Paldies" (PAHL-dee-ess), which means thank you. For thank you very much, say "Liels paldies".
Wish someone happy birthday in Latvian
Type their name, and we will turn it into a birthday surprise in Latvian: 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.