How to say happy birthday in Urdu
سالگرہ مبارک
Say it like this: saal-gi-RAH moo-BAA-rak
To say happy birthday in Urdu, you say "سالگرہ مبارک" (saalgirah mubarak). Urdu is the national language of Pakistan and is also spoken by millions of people in India. Here is how to say it, other kind ways to wish someone well, and what people sing.
"Saalgirah" means birthday. It joins "saal" (year) and "girah" (knot). People often say it comes from an old custom of tying a knot in a string each year. "Mubarak" means blessed or congratulations.
Other ways to say happy birthday in Urdu
- سالگرہ مبارک ہو (saalgirah mubarak ho)Say it like this: saal-gi-RAH moo-BAA-rak HOThe most common full version. Fine for anyone.
- آپ کو سالگرہ مبارک ہو (aap ko saalgirah mubarak ho)Say it like this: AAP ko saal-gi-RAH moo-BAA-rak HOThe polite form, for an elder, a boss or someone you do not know well.
- تمہیں سالگرہ مبارک ہو (tumhein saalgirah mubarak ho)Say it like this: tum-HEN saal-gi-RAH moo-BAA-rak HOThe friendly form, for friends and people your own age.
- سالگرہ کی بہت بہت مبارکباد (saalgirah ki bohat bohat mubarakbaad)Say it like this: saal-gi-RAH kee bo-HUT bo-HUT moo-BAA-rak-baadMeans "many, many congratulations on your birthday". Lovely in a card.
- اللہ آپ کو لمبی عمر دے (Allah aap ko lambi umar de)Say it like this: al-LAH AAP ko LUM-bee UM-ar DAYMeans "may God give you a long life". A very common blessing to add.
- جنم دن مبارک (janam din mubarak)Say it like this: JUN-um DIN moo-BAA-rakAnother way to say happy birthday. It is understood, but "saalgirah" is the usual Urdu word.
The Happy Birthday song in Urdu
Happy birthday to you,
happy birthday to you,
happy birthday dear [name],
happy birthday to you.
In Pakistan, people mostly sing the English Happy Birthday song around the cake. Afterwards everyone says "Saalgirah mubarak!" and blessings for a long life.
Birthday customs
- In Pakistan, families often share sweets called mithai with friends and neighbours on happy occasions, including birthdays.
- In Pakistan, many people add a prayer or a blessing to their birthday wishes, such as asking God to give the person a long and happy life.
A quick tip
Urdu is written from right to left. If you copy "سالگرہ مبارک" into a card or message, check the letters stay joined up and in the right order. The "aa" in "mubarak" is long, so stretch it a little.
Questions people ask
How do you say happy birthday in Urdu to a friend?
Say "Saalgirah mubarak ho!" or "Tumhein saalgirah mubarak ho".
Is it the same as Hindi?
Spoken Urdu and Hindi are very close, but they use different scripts. Hindi speakers often say "Janamdin mubarak" or "Janmdin ki shubhkamnayein", while Urdu speakers usually say "Saalgirah mubarak".
What do you say back?
Say "Shukriya" (SHOOK-ree-yah), which means thank you. For extra warmth, say "Bohat shukriya".
Wish someone happy birthday in Urdu
Type their name, and we will turn it into a birthday surprise in Urdu: 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.