How to say happy birthday in Polish
Wszystkiego najlepszego
Say it like this: fshis-TKYEH-go nai-lep-SHEH-go
To say happy birthday in Polish, you say "Wszystkiego najlepszego". It looks hard, but it sounds much easier than it looks. Here is how to say it, a few other ways to wish someone well, and the famous song "Sto lat".
It means "all the best", or word for word "everything of the best". It is a short form of "I wish you all the best".
Other ways to say happy birthday in Polish
- Wszystkiego najlepszego z okazji urodzinSay it like this: fshis-TKYEH-go nai-lep-SHEH-go z oh-KAH-zyee oo-ROH-jeenThe full version: "all the best on the occasion of your birthday". Ideal for a card.
- Najlepszego!Say it like this: nai-lep-SHEH-goShort and casual, for friends and text messages.
- Sto lat!Say it like this: stoh LAHTMeans "a hundred years", a wish for a long life. Easy to say and loved by everyone.
- Życzę ci wszystkiego najlepszegoSay it like this: ZHI-cheh chee fshis-TKYEH-go nai-lep-SHEH-goMeans "I wish you all the best". Warm and personal.
- Życzę Pani wszystkiego najlepszegoSay it like this: ZHI-cheh PAH-nee fshis-TKYEH-go nai-lep-SHEH-goThe polite form for a woman you do not know well. For a man, use "Panu" (PAH-noo).
- Szczęśliwych urodzinSay it like this: shchen-SHLEE-vikh oo-ROH-jeenA word-for-word "happy birthday". It is understood, but used less often than "Wszystkiego najlepszego".
The Happy Birthday song in Polish
Sto lat, sto lat,
niech żyje, żyje nam.
Sto lat, sto lat,
niech żyje, żyje nam.
Poles usually sing "Sto lat" (a hundred years) instead of Happy Birthday; it has its own tune and is sung at weddings and other celebrations too.
Birthday customs
- In Poland, name days, called "imieniny", are a big occasion. For many people, especially older generations, they matter as much as birthdays.
- "Sto lat" is sung at almost every birthday party, often loudly and with a raised glass.
- Flowers are a popular birthday gift in Poland. Give an odd number of stems, as even numbers are linked with funerals.
- The song often carries on with "Jeszcze raz", which means "once more", so everyone sings the good wishes again.
A quick tip
If you are nervous about the long words, just say "Sto lat!" with a big smile. Everyone will know exactly what you mean, and it is very easy to say. In a card, write "Wszystkiego najlepszego z okazji urodzin!" and sign your name. In Polish letters and cards, "Ci" (you) is often written with a capital C to show respect.
Questions people ask
What does "Sto lat" mean?
It means "a hundred years". It wishes the birthday person a long life, and it is also the name of the song Poles sing.
Is "Szczęśliwych urodzin" correct?
Yes, it is correct and people will understand it. But "Wszystkiego najlepszego" is what most Poles actually say.
What do you say back?
Say "Dziękuję!" (jen-KOO-yeh), which means thank you.
Wish someone happy birthday in Polish
Type their name, and we will turn it into a birthday surprise in Polish: 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.