How to say happy birthday in Slovak
Všetko najlepšie k narodeninám
Say it like this: FSHET-koh NAI-lep-shyeh k-NAH-roh-deh-nee-nahm
To say happy birthday in Slovak, you say "Všetko najlepšie k narodeninám". It looks long, but it is the phrase everyone in Slovakia uses, for friends, family and work. Here is how to say it, some shorter ways to wish someone well, and the song people sing.
"Všetko najlepšie" means "all the best", and "k narodeninám" means "for your birthday". So the whole phrase means "all the best for your birthday".
Other ways to say happy birthday in Slovak
- Všetko najlepšie!Say it like this: FSHET-koh NAI-lep-shyehMeans "all the best!". The short, everyday version. Great for friends and text messages.
- Veľa šťastia, zdravia!Say it like this: VEH-lyah SHTYAH-styah ZDRAH-vyahMeans "lots of happiness and health". A classic wish that people say and sing.
- Blahoželám k narodeninámSay it like this: BLAH-hoh-zheh-lahm k-NAH-roh-deh-nee-nahmMeans "I congratulate you on your birthday". A little more formal, nice in a card.
- Prajem ti všetko najlepšieSay it like this: PRAH-yem tee FSHET-koh NAI-lep-shyehMeans "I wish you all the best". Warm and personal, for friends and family.
- Prajem Vám všetko najlepšieSay it like this: PRAH-yem vahm FSHET-koh NAI-lep-shyehThe polite form, for a boss, a teacher or an older person you do not know well.
- Všetko najlepšie k meninámSay it like this: FSHET-koh NAI-lep-shyeh k-MEH-nee-nahmUse this on someone's name day instead of their birthday.
The Happy Birthday song in Slovak
Veľa šťastia, zdravia,
veľa šťastia, zdravia,
veľa šťastia, milá [name],
veľa šťastia, zdravia.
This is sung to the usual Happy Birthday tune. Sing "milá" for a girl or woman, and "milý" for a boy or man. Many people in Slovakia also sing the English version, especially with children.
Birthday customs
- In Slovakia, many people celebrate their name day ("meniny"), the day in the calendar linked to their first name. For some families it is as important as the birthday.
- Every day of the Slovak calendar has a name, and the names are printed in ordinary calendars, so people can see whose name day is coming up.
- In Slovakia, friends and workmates often wish the birthday person well one by one, with a handshake and a short personal wish.
A quick tip
Keep the little marks over the letters, like the hook in "š" and "ž". They change the sound. When you write the polite form, Slovaks often use a capital letter for "Vám" to show extra respect.
Questions people ask
Is there a shorter way to say happy birthday in Slovak?
Yes. Just say "Všetko najlepšie!". Everyone will know you mean happy birthday.
What is the difference between "narodeniny" and "meniny"?
"Narodeniny" is your birthday. "Meniny" is your name day, linked to your first name in the calendar.
What do you say back?
Say "Ďakujem!" (DYAH-koo-yem), which means thank you. To be extra warm, say "Ďakujem veľmi pekne!".
Wish someone happy birthday in Slovak
Type their name, and we will turn it into a birthday surprise in Slovak: 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.