How to say happy birthday in Russian
С днём рождения
Say it like this: s DNYOM ra-ZHDYEH-nee-ya
To say happy birthday in Russian, you say "С днём рождения" (s dnyom rozhdeniya). It is used in Russia and by Russian speakers in many other countries. Here is how to say it, other warm wishes, and a few customs worth knowing.
"С" means with, "днём" means day, and "рождения" means of birth. It is short for "I congratulate you on your day of birth".
Other ways to say happy birthday in Russian
- Поздравляю с днём рождения! (pozdravlyayu s dnyom rozhdeniya)Say it like this: paz-dra-VLYA-yu s DNYOM ra-ZHDYEH-nee-yaMeans "I congratulate you on your birthday". Full and warm, good for anyone.
- Поздравляю Вас с днём рождения!Say it like this: paz-dra-VLYA-yu VAS s DNYOM ra-ZHDYEH-nee-yaThe polite form with "Вас". Use it for a boss, a teacher or an older person.
- С днюхой! (s dnyukhoy)Say it like this: s DNYU-khoyA slangy, playful short form. Only for close friends.
- Желаю счастья и здоровья!Say it like this: zhe-LA-yu SHCHAS-tya ee zda-ROV-yaMeans "I wish you happiness and health". People often add it after the birthday wish.
- Всего наилучшего!Say it like this: fsee-VO na-ee-LOOCH-she-vaMeans "all the best". A nice line to end a card.
- С днём варенья!Say it like this: s DNYOM va-RYEN-yaA jokey rhyme meaning "happy jam day". Fun for friends and children.
The Happy Birthday song in Russian
С днём рождения тебя,
с днём рождения тебя,
с днём рождения, [имя],
с днём рождения тебя.
This is sung to the usual Happy Birthday tune. Russians also love a children's song from the cartoon "Crocodile Gena", which many people sing at birthday parties.
Birthday customs
- In Russia, it is seen as bad luck to wish someone happy birthday or give presents before the day. Wait until the day itself, or wish them well a little late.
- If you give flowers, give an odd number, such as 5 or 7. Even numbers of flowers are for funerals.
- The birthday person often treats workmates to cake or sweets at work.
- Children sometimes have their ears gently tugged, once for each year, to wish them a long life.
A quick tip
The letter ё has two dots and sounds like "yo". People often write it as е without the dots, so you may see "С днем рождения". Both are correct.
Questions people ask
How do you say happy birthday in Russian to a friend?
Say "С днём рождения!". With a close friend you can say the playful "С днюхой!".
Can I say happy birthday early in Russian?
Best not. Many Russians believe early wishes bring bad luck. Wish them on the day, or a day late.
What do you say back?
Say "Спасибо" (spa-SEE-ba), which means thank you.
Wish someone happy birthday in Russian
Type their name, and we will turn it into a birthday surprise in Russian: 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.