How to say happy birthday in Welsh
Penblwydd hapus
Say it like this: pen-BLOO-ith HAP-iss
To say happy birthday in Welsh, you say "Penblwydd hapus". Welsh is spoken across Wales, and also by a small community in Patagonia, Argentina. The good news is that it is easy to say. Here is how, plus other friendly ways to send your good wishes.
"Penblwydd" means birthday. It joins "pen" (head or end) and "blwydd" (a year of age), so it marks the end of another year. "Hapus" means happy.
Other ways to say happy birthday in Welsh
- Penblwydd hapus i ti!Say it like this: pen-BLOO-ith HAP-iss ee TEEMeans "happy birthday to you!". Use "ti" for a friend, a child or family.
- Penblwydd hapus i chi!Say it like this: pen-BLOO-ith HAP-iss ee KHEEThe polite form, for an older person or someone you do not know well. Also used for a group.
- Penblwydd hapus iawn!Say it like this: pen-BLOO-ith HAP-iss YOWNMeans "a very happy birthday!". Warm and lively, great in a card.
- Pob dymuniad daSay it like this: pohb duh-MIN-yad DAHMeans "every good wish". A lovely line to add under your greeting.
- Llongyfarchiadau!Say it like this: hlon-guh-var-KHYA-dyeMeans "congratulations!". Good for a big birthday like 18, 21 or 50.
- Cariad mawrSay it like this: KAR-yad MOWRMeans "lots of love". A sweet way to sign off a card to family or close friends.
The Happy Birthday song in Welsh
Penblwydd hapus i ti,
penblwydd hapus i ti,
penblwydd hapus, annwyl [name],
penblwydd hapus i ti.
This is sung to the usual Happy Birthday tune. "Annwyl" (AN-wil) means "dear". In schools across Wales, children often sing it in Welsh.
Birthday customs
- In Wales, birthday cards in Welsh, or in both Welsh and English, are sold in many shops.
- In Wales, many children learn Welsh at school, so "Penblwydd hapus" is sung in classrooms and at parties all over the country.
- In Patagonia, Argentina, descendants of Welsh settlers who arrived in 1865 still speak Welsh, and some families use "Penblwydd hapus" today.
A quick tip
The "dd" in "Penblwydd" sounds like the "th" in "this", not a d. The "w" is a vowel here, like "oo". You may also see it written with a hyphen as "Pen-blwydd hapus". Both are fine.
Questions people ask
How do you pronounce Penblwydd hapus?
Say pen-BLOO-ith HAP-iss. The "dd" at the end is a soft "th" sound, like in "this".
Is it "i ti" or "i chi"?
Use "i ti" for one friend, a child or family. Use "i chi" to be polite, or when you speak to more than one person.
What do you say back?
Say "Diolch!" (DEE-olkh), which means thank you. To be extra warm, say "Diolch yn fawr!" (DEE-olkh un VOWR), which means thank you very much.
Wish someone happy birthday in Welsh
Type their name, and we will turn it into a birthday surprise in Welsh: 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.