How to say happy birthday in Tamil
இனிய பிறந்தநாள் வாழ்த்துகள்
Say it like this: ee-NI-ya pi-RAN-dha-naal VAAZH-thu-gal
To say happy birthday in Tamil, you say "இனிய பிறந்தநாள் வாழ்த்துகள்", or "Iniya pirandhanaal vaazhthukal". Tamil is spoken in Tamil Nadu in India, in Sri Lanka, Singapore and Malaysia, and by families all over the world. Here is how to say it and other kind ways to send your wishes.
"இனிய" (iniya) means sweet or happy. "பிறந்தநாள்" (pirandhanaal) means birthday, from "born" and "day". "வாழ்த்துகள்" (vaazhthukal) means wishes or blessings.
Other ways to say happy birthday in Tamil
- பிறந்தநாள் வாழ்த்துகள் (Pirandhanaal vaazhthukal)Say it like this: pi-RAN-dha-naal VAAZH-thu-galMeans "birthday wishes". A little shorter, and fine for anyone.
- வாழ்த்துகள்! (Vaazhthukal!)Say it like this: VAAZH-thu-galMeans "wishes!" or "congratulations!". Short and handy for text messages.
- இனிய பிறந்தநாள் நல்வாழ்த்துகள் (Iniya pirandhanaal nalvaazhthukal)Say it like this: ee-NI-ya pi-RAN-dha-naal NAL-vaazh-thu-galMeans "happy birthday, good wishes". A little fuller, nice in a card.
- உங்களுக்கு இனிய பிறந்தநாள் வாழ்த்துகள் (Ungalukku iniya pirandhanaal vaazhthukal)Say it like this: UNG-a-luk-ku ee-NI-ya pi-RAN-dha-naal VAAZH-thu-galMeans "happy birthday to you", in the polite form. Good for elders, teachers and your boss.
- பல்லாண்டு வாழ்க! (Pallaandu vaazhga!)Say it like this: PAL-laan-du VAAZH-gaMeans "may you live for many years!". A traditional blessing, often said by elders.
- நீடூழி வாழ்க! (Needoozhi vaazhga!)Say it like this: NEE-doo-zhi VAAZH-gaMeans "long may you live!". Another warm blessing for a long and happy life.
The Happy Birthday song in Tamil
Happy birthday to you,
happy birthday to you,
happy birthday dear [name],
happy birthday to you.
Most Tamil families sing the English song at birthday parties. People then often add "இனிய பிறந்தநாள் வாழ்த்துகள்!" when they hug or bless the birthday person.
Birthday customs
- In Tamil Nadu, as in much of India, many people wear new clothes on their birthday and visit a temple in the morning to pray.
- In India, it is common for the birthday person to touch the feet of their parents and grandparents to ask for their blessing.
- In Indian schools, children often bring sweets or chocolates to share with their whole class on their birthday.
A quick tip
The "zh" in "வாழ்த்துகள்" is a special Tamil sound, a bit like an r and an l mixed together. If you find it hard, a soft "l" is close enough. You may also see the word spelt "வாழ்த்துக்கள்". Both spellings are used.
Questions people ask
How do you say happy birthday in Tamil to a friend?
Say "Iniya pirandhanaal vaazhthukal!". Many friends also simply say "Happy birthday" in English.
How do you wish an elder happy birthday in Tamil?
Use "Ungalukku iniya pirandhanaal vaazhthukal". It is polite and respectful.
What do you say back?
Say "நன்றி" (Nandri, NAN-dree), which means thank you.
Wish someone happy birthday in Tamil
Type their name, and we will turn it into a birthday surprise in Tamil: 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.