How to say happy birthday in Nepali
जन्मदिनको शुभकामना
Say it like this: JUN-ma-din-ko SHOO-bha-KAAM-na
To say happy birthday in Nepali, you say "जन्मदिनको शुभकामना". It is used all over Nepal and by Nepali speakers in India, Bhutan and around the world. Here is how to say it, plus other easy ways to send your love.
"Janmadin" means birthday ("janma" is birth and "din" is day). "Ko" means of, and "shubhakamana" means good wishes. So it means "good wishes for your birthday".
Other ways to say happy birthday in Nepali
- जन्मदिनको हार्दिक शुभकामनाSay it like this: JUN-ma-din-ko HAAR-dik SHOO-bha-KAAM-naMeans "heartfelt birthday wishes". The most popular way to write it in cards and messages.
- शुभ जन्मदिनSay it like this: SHOOBH JUN-ma-dinMeans "blessed birthday". Short and sweet, good for anyone.
- तिमीलाई जन्मदिनको शुभकामनाSay it like this: ti-MEE-lai JUN-ma-din-ko SHOO-bha-KAAM-na"Timilai" means to you. Friendly, for friends and younger family.
- तपाईंलाई जन्मदिनको शुभकामनाSay it like this: ta-PAAI-lai JUN-ma-din-ko SHOO-bha-KAAM-naThe polite form, for elders, a teacher or someone you do not know well.
- दीर्घायुको कामनाSay it like this: DEER-ghaa-yu-ko KAAM-naMeans "wishing you a long life". A lovely extra line, often added in writing.
- ह्याप्पी बर्थडेSay it like this: HAP-pee BIRTH-daySimply "happy birthday" in English, written in Nepali letters. Very common with young people.
The Happy Birthday song in Nepali
Happy birthday to you,
happy birthday to you,
happy birthday dear [name],
happy birthday to you.
In Nepal, most people sing the English Happy Birthday song when the cake comes out. Nepali versions exist, but the English one is what you will hear at most parties.
Birthday customs
- In Nepal, many people follow the Nepali calendar (Bikram Sambat), so they may celebrate their birthday on a different date each year in the Western calendar.
- On a birthday, elders often put a tika (a red mark) on the forehead and give their blessings. Many families also visit a temple.
- In the Newar community of Nepal, there are special ceremonies called Janku for elders who reach certain great ages, such as 77 years, 7 months and 7 days.
A quick tip
Nepali is written in Devanagari script, the same script used for Hindi. If you cannot type it, copy and paste the greeting. The English sound-out is fine when you say it out loud.
Questions people ask
How do you say happy birthday in Nepali to a friend?
Say "तिमीलाई जन्मदिनको शुभकामना" or just "जन्मदिनको शुभकामना". Many young people also say "ह्याप्पी बर्थडे".
How do you say happy birthday to an elder in Nepali?
Use the polite "तपाईंलाई": "तपाईंलाई जन्मदिनको हार्दिक शुभकामना". Adding "दीर्घायुको कामना" is a kind touch.
What do you say back?
Say "धन्यवाद" (DHUN-ya-baad), which means thank you.
Wish someone happy birthday in Nepali
Type their name, and we will turn it into a birthday surprise in Nepali: 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.