How to say happy birthday in Ukrainian
З днем народження
Say it like this: z DNEM nah-ROD-zhen-nyah
To say happy birthday in Ukrainian, you say "З днем народження" (z dnem narodzhennia). It works for anyone, young or old, all over Ukraine. Below you will find how to say it, other kind ways to wish someone well, and the songs people sing.
"З" means "with", "днем" means "day" and "народження" means "birth". It is a short way of saying "I congratulate you on the day of your birth".
Other ways to say happy birthday in Ukrainian
- Вітаю з днем народження! (Vitaiu z dnem narodzhennia)Say it like this: vee-TAH-yoo z DNEM nah-ROD-zhen-nyahMeans "I congratulate you on your birthday". Very common, and good for anyone.
- Вітаємо з днем народження! (Vitaiemo z dnem narodzhennia)Say it like this: vee-TAH-yeh-mo z DNEM nah-ROD-zhen-nyahMeans "we congratulate you". Use it when a group, a family or a team is sending the wish.
- Щиро вітаю! (Shchyro vitaiu)Say it like this: SHCHEE-ro vee-TAH-yooMeans "warm congratulations". A nice, heartfelt line for a card.
- З днюхою! (Z dniukhoiu)Say it like this: z DNYOO-kho-yooA slangy, fun version for close friends and text messages.
- Бажаю щастя і здоров'я! (Bazhaiu shchastia i zdorovia)Say it like this: bah-ZHAH-yoo SHCHAS-tyah ee zdo-ROV-yahMeans "I wish you happiness and health". People often add it after the main greeting.
- Многая літа! (Mnohaia lita)Say it like this: MNOH-hah-yah LEE-tahMeans "many years". A traditional wish for a long life, also sung as a short song.
The Happy Birthday song in Ukrainian
З днем народження тебе,
з днем народження тебе,
з днем народження, [name],
з днем народження тебе!
This is sung to the usual Happy Birthday tune. Many Ukrainian families also sing the traditional "Многая літа" (Many years), a short blessing song for a long and happy life.
Birthday customs
- In Ukraine, it is thought to be bad luck to wish someone happy birthday before the day itself. Wait until the day, or send it a little late.
- In Ukraine, flowers are a popular birthday gift, but people give an odd number of stems. Even numbers are for funerals.
- In Ukraine, some people also celebrate their name day, the day linked to the saint who shares their name.
A quick tip
Ukrainian uses the Cyrillic alphabet, which looks a bit like Russian, but the two languages are different. Use "З днем народження" for Ukrainian. The "ж" in the middle sounds like the "s" in "pleasure".
Questions people ask
How do you say happy birthday in Ukrainian to a friend?
Say "З днем народження!" or, for a close friend, the fun slang "З днюхою!".
How do you say it politely?
Say "Вітаю Вас з днем народження" (vee-TAH-yoo vahs z DNEM nah-ROD-zhen-nyah). "Вас" is the polite word for "you".
What do you say back?
Say "Дякую!" (DYAH-koo-yoo), which means thank you.
Wish someone happy birthday in Ukrainian
Type their name, and we will turn it into a birthday surprise in Ukrainian: 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.