How to say happy birthday in Malay
Selamat hari jadi
Say it like this: seh-LAH-maht HAH-ree JAH-dee
To say happy birthday in Malay, you say "Selamat hari jadi". It is used in Malaysia, Brunei and Singapore, for friends, family and older people alike. Here is how to say it, other friendly wishes to add, and the songs people sing.
"Selamat" is used for congratulations and good wishes. "Hari" means day, and "jadi" here means to come into being. So "hari jadi" is the day you were born.
Other ways to say happy birthday in Malay
- Selamat hari lahirSay it like this: seh-LAH-maht HAH-ree LAH-heer"Lahir" means born. This means the same as "Selamat hari jadi" and is just as common.
- 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 dimurahkan rezekiSay it like this: seh-MOH-gah dee-moo-RAH-kahn reh-ZEH-keeMeans "may your blessings and living be plentiful". A popular wish in Malaysia.
- Semoga bahagia selaluSay it like this: seh-MOH-gah bah-HAH-gee-ah seh-LAH-looMeans "may you always be happy". Kind and warm for anyone.
- Selamat hari jadi, kawan!Say it like this: seh-LAH-maht HAH-ree JAH-dee, KAH-wahnMeans "happy birthday, friend!". Casual and cheerful.
- Selamat hari jadi, Encik / PuanSay it like this: seh-LAH-maht HAH-ree JAH-dee, en-CHEEK / POO-ahnAdd "Encik" for a man or "Puan" for a woman to be polite to a boss or someone you do not know well.
The Happy Birthday song in Malay
Selamat hari jadi,
selamat hari jadi,
selamat hari jadi [name],
selamat hari jadi.
This is sung to the usual Happy Birthday tune. In Malaysia, many Muslim families sing the same tune with the words "Allah selamatkan kamu", which means "may God keep you safe".
Birthday customs
- In Malaysia, "Allah selamatkan kamu" is often sung at birthday parties in place of the English words, especially at family gatherings and schools.
- In Malaysia, the official birthday of the King, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, is a public holiday each June.
- In Singapore, Malay is the national language and one of four official languages, so "Selamat hari jadi" is understood there too.
A quick tip
Malay and Indonesian are very close, but the birthday words differ. In Malaysia, say "Selamat hari jadi". In Indonesia, people say "Selamat ulang tahun" instead.
Questions people ask
How do you say happy birthday in Malay to a friend?
Say "Selamat hari jadi!" or "Selamat hari lahir!". Add "kawan" (friend) to make it extra friendly.
Is it "hari jadi" or "hari lahir"?
Both are correct and both are used every day in Malaysia. Pick whichever you find easier to say.
What do you say back?
Say "Terima kasih" (teh-REE-mah KAH-seh), which means thank you. To say thank you very much, say "Terima kasih banyak".
Wish someone happy birthday in Malay
Type their name, and we will turn it into a birthday surprise in Malay: 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.