How to say happy birthday in Telugu
పుట్టినరోజు శుభాకాంక్షలు
Say it like this: PUT-ti-na-ro-ju SHU-bhaa-kaank-sha-lu
To say happy birthday in Telugu, you say "పుట్టినరోజు శుభాకాంక్షలు", or "Puttinaroju shubhakankshalu". Telugu is spoken in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana in India, and by Telugu families around the world. Here is how to say it and other kind ways to send your wishes.
"పుట్టినరోజు" (puttinaroju) means birthday, from "born" and "day". "శుభాకాంక్షలు" (shubhakankshalu) means good wishes.
Other ways to say happy birthday in Telugu
- జన్మదిన శుభాకాంక్షలు (Janmadina shubhakankshalu)Say it like this: JAN-ma-di-na SHU-bhaa-kaank-sha-luAlso means "birthday wishes". A little more formal, often seen in cards and posters.
- మీకు పుట్టినరోజు శుభాకాంక్షలు (Meeku puttinaroju shubhakankshalu)Say it like this: MEE-ku PUT-ti-na-ro-ju SHU-bhaa-kaank-sha-luMeans "birthday wishes to you", in the polite form. Good for elders, teachers and your boss.
- నీకు పుట్టినరోజు శుభాకాంక్షలు (Neeku puttinaroju shubhakankshalu)Say it like this: NEE-ku PUT-ti-na-ro-ju SHU-bhaa-kaank-sha-luThe friendly form, for friends, brothers, sisters and children.
- శుభాకాంక్షలు! (Shubhakankshalu!)Say it like this: SHU-bhaa-kaank-sha-luMeans "best wishes!". Short and handy for text messages.
- హ్యాపీ బర్త్డే (Happy birthday)Say it like this: HAP-pee BURTH-dayThe English words written in Telugu letters. Very common, especially with young people.
The Happy Birthday song in Telugu
Happy birthday to you,
happy birthday to you,
happy birthday dear [name],
happy birthday to you.
Most Telugu families sing the English song when the cake is cut. Elders then often bless the birthday person and say "పుట్టినరోజు శుభాకాంక్షలు".
Birthday customs
- In Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, as in much of India, many people wear new clothes on their birthday and visit a temple with their family.
- 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
Use "మీకు" (meeku) for anyone older than you or anyone you want to show respect to, and "నీకు" (neeku) only for close friends and younger people. If you are not sure, the polite "మీకు" is always safe.
Questions people ask
Which is better, "puttinaroju" or "janmadina"?
Both are correct. "Puttinaroju" is the everyday word, and "janmadina" sounds a little more formal.
How do you wish an elder happy birthday in Telugu?
Say "Meeku puttinaroju shubhakankshalu". It is polite and respectful.
Is there a Telugu birthday song?
There is no one Telugu version that everyone sings. Families nearly always sing the English song, then share sweets and say their wishes in Telugu.
What do you say back?
Say "ధన్యవాదాలు" (Dhanyavaadaalu, dhan-ya-VAA-daa-lu), which means thank you.
Wish someone happy birthday in Telugu
Type their name, and we will turn it into a birthday surprise in Telugu: 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.