How to say happy birthday in Lithuanian
Su gimtadieniu
Say it like this: soo gim-TAH-dyeh-nyoo
To say happy birthday in Lithuanian, you say "Su gimtadieniu!". It is short, friendly and right for anyone. Below you will find how to say it, other warm wishes to add, and the much loved song that Lithuanians sing at birthday parties.
"Su" means with, and "gimtadienis" means birthday (from "gimti", to be born, and "diena", day). It is short for "congratulations on your birthday".
Other ways to say happy birthday in Lithuanian
- Sveikinu su gimtadieniu!Say it like this: SVAY-kih-noo soo gim-TAH-dyeh-nyooMeans "I congratulate you on your birthday". A little fuller, good in person or in a card.
- Ilgiausių metų!Say it like this: il-GYOW-syoo MEH-tooMeans "the longest years", a wish for a long life. Very common and also the name of the birthday song.
- Daug laimės!Say it like this: DOWG LIE-mehsMeans "lots of happiness". A short, cheerful extra line.
- Linkiu sveikatos ir laimėsSay it like this: LIN-kyoo svay-KAH-tohs ir LIE-mehsMeans "I wish you health and happiness". Kind and suitable for anyone.
- Su vardadieniu!Say it like this: soo var-DAH-dyeh-nyooMeans "happy name day". Use it on the day linked to someone's first name.
The Happy Birthday song in Lithuanian
Ilgiausių metų, ilgiausių,
ilgiausių metų, ilgiausių,
ilgiausių metų linkim mes!
Valio! Valio! Valio!
This is a traditional Lithuanian song with its own tune, sung standing up for the birthday person. The words mean "we wish you the longest years", and "Valio!" means hooray. More people now also sing Happy Birthday, in Lithuanian or English.
Birthday customs
- In Lithuania, many people celebrate their name day ("vardadienis") as well as their birthday. Each day of the calendar has names linked to it.
- Lithuanians often say "Ilgiausių metų!" at both birthdays and name days, and may raise a glass with the same words.
- Flowers are a popular birthday gift in Lithuania. Bring an odd number, because even numbers are kept for funerals.
A quick tip
Do not change "gimtadieniu" to "gimtadienis" in your greeting. After "su", the word takes the "-iu" ending, so "Su gimtadieniu" is the correct form.
Questions people ask
How do you say happy birthday in Lithuanian to a friend?
Say "Su gimtadieniu!". It works just as well for friends as for anyone else.
What is the Lithuanian birthday song?
It is "Ilgiausių metų", which wishes the birthday person a long life. It has its own tune, not the usual Happy Birthday tune.
What do you say back?
Say "Ačiū" (AH-choo), which means thank you. For thank you very much, say "Labai ačiū".
Wish someone happy birthday in Lithuanian
Type their name, and we will turn it into a birthday surprise in Lithuanian: 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.