How to say happy birthday in Malayalam
ജന്മദിനാശംസകൾ
Say it like this: JUN-ma-din-AH-shum-sa-kal
To say happy birthday in Malayalam, you say "ജന്മദിനാശംസകൾ" (janmadinashamsakal). Malayalam is the language of Kerala in south India. Here is how to say it, plus the everyday word people use at home and other kind wishes to add.
"ജന്മദിനം" (janmadinam) means birthday, from "janmam" (birth) and "dinam" (day). "ആശംസകൾ" (ashamsakal) means good wishes. Joined together, it means birthday wishes.
Other ways to say happy birthday in Malayalam
- പിറന്നാൾ ആശംസകൾ (pirannal ashamsakal)Say it like this: pi-RUN-naal AH-shum-sa-kal"Pirannal" is the everyday word for birthday. Warm and natural for family and friends.
- ഹാപ്പി ബർത്ത്ഡേ (happy birthday)Say it like this: HAP-pee BURTH-dayThe English words are used a lot in Kerala, especially by younger people and in texts.
- ഒരായിരം പിറന്നാൾ ആശംസകൾ (orayiram pirannal ashamsakal)Say it like this: oh-RAA-yi-rum pi-RUN-naal AH-shum-sa-kalMeans "a thousand birthday wishes". Very popular in messages and cards.
- ജന്മദിനാശംസകൾ നേരുന്നു (janmadinashamsakal nerunnu)Say it like this: JUN-ma-din-AH-shum-sa-kal NAY-run-nuMeans "I offer you birthday wishes". A little more formal, good for elders or workmates.
- ദൈവം അനുഗ്രഹിക്കട്ടെ (daivam anugrahikkatte)Say it like this: DIE-vum a-nu-gra-HIK-kut-tehMeans "may God bless you". A common blessing, often from older relatives.
The Happy Birthday song in Malayalam
Happy birthday to you,
happy birthday to you,
happy birthday dear [name],
happy birthday to you.
To be honest, in Kerala people almost always sing the English song at birthday parties. There is no widely used Malayalam version, so the English lines are what you will really hear.
Birthday customs
- In Kerala, many families also mark a birthday by the Malayalam calendar. The "pirannal" falls on the day of the person's birth star (nakshatra) in their birth month, so it can move each year.
- For a "pirannal", many families in Kerala make a special meal called a "sadya". It usually ends with "payasam", a sweet pudding.
A quick tip
If you can only remember one word, use "pirannal". "Pirannal ashamsakal" sounds warm and homely, while "janmadinashamsakal" is a little more formal and written.
Questions people ask
How do you say happy birthday in Malayalam to a friend?
Say "പിറന്നാൾ ആശംസകൾ" (pi-RUN-naal AH-shum-sa-kal). Many friends also just say "Happy birthday".
What is the difference between janmadinam and pirannal?
Both mean birthday. "Janmadinam" is more formal and often written, while "pirannal" is the everyday word.
What do you say back?
Say "നന്ദി" (NUN-dee), which means thank you. Many people also say "thanks" in English.
Wish someone happy birthday in Malayalam
Type their name, and we will turn it into a birthday surprise in Malayalam: 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.