How to say happy birthday in Romanian
La mulți ani
Say it like this: lah moolts AHN
To say happy birthday in Romanian, you say "La mulți ani". It is used in Romania and Moldova for birthdays, name days and even New Year. Here is how to say it, plus other easy ways to send your good wishes.
"La" means to, "mulți" means many, and "ani" means years. So it means "to many years". It wishes the person a long life.
Other ways to say happy birthday in Romanian
- La mulți ani cu sănătate!Say it like this: lah moolts AHN koo suh-nuh-TAH-tehMeans "many years, with good health". Very common and very warm.
- La mulți ani fericiți!Say it like this: lah moolts AHN feh-ree-CHEETSMeans "many happy years". Lovely in a card or message.
- Să trăiești!Say it like this: suh truh-YESHTMeans "may you live". A short, friendly wish to add after "La mulți ani".
- Vă urez la mulți ani!Say it like this: vuh oo-REZ lah moolts AHNMeans "I wish you many years". The polite form, for a boss or an older person.
- Te pup și la mulți ani!Say it like this: teh POOP shee lah moolts AHNMeans "kisses, and many years!". Casual, for close friends and family.
- Zi de naștere fericită!Say it like this: zee deh NASH-teh-reh feh-ree-CHEE-tuhA word for word "happy birthday". Understood, but "La mulți ani" is far more natural.
The Happy Birthday song in Romanian
Mulți ani trăiască,
mulți ani trăiască,
la mulți ani!
This is the traditional Romanian birthday song, with its own tune. It means "may they live many years". The next verse asks "Cine să trăiască?" (who should live?), and then everyone sings the person's name. Many people also sing Happy Birthday in English.
Birthday customs
- In Romania and Moldova, many people celebrate their name day as well as their birthday. This is the feast day of the saint who shares their name.
- "La mulți ani" is said on birthdays, name days and at New Year, so you will hear it a lot.
- When a Romanian child turns one, many families hold a "moț" party. A lock of the child's hair is cut, and the child picks from a tray of objects, such as a book or a coin, to hint at their future.
A quick tip
The letter ț sounds like "ts", as in "cats". So "mulți" sounds like "moolts". If your keyboard has no ț, people will still understand "La multi ani".
Questions people ask
What does "La mulți ani" mean?
It means "to many years". It is a wish for a long and happy life.
Can I say "La mulți ani" at New Year?
Yes. Romanians say it at New Year, on birthdays and on name days.
What do you say back?
Say "Mulțumesc" (mool-tsoo-MESK), which means thank you.
Wish someone happy birthday in Romanian
Type their name, and we will turn it into a birthday surprise in Romanian: 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.