【Learn Chinese】Birthday Vocabulary in Chinese

Birthdays are a special time to celebrate, reflect, and enjoy the company of loved ones. Whether you’re planning a surprise party, writing a heartfelt card, or simply wishing someone a happy birthday, having the right vocabulary can make the experience even more memorable.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to birthday vocabulary to help you navigate this joyous occasion with ease and charm.

Essential Birthday Words
1. 生日 (Shēngrì): The word for “birthday” in Chinese. It’s the foundation of all birthday-related conversations. Example: 今天是我的生日。(Jīntiān shì wǒ de shēngrì.) - Today is my birthday.
2. 蛋糕 (Dàn gāo): This means “cake,” a staple at any birthday celebration. Example: 我们买了一个很大的蛋糕。(Wǒmen mǎi le yīgè hěn dà de dàn gāo.) - We bought a very big cake.
3. 蜡烛 (Là zhú): Candles are an essential part of the birthday cake tradition. Example: 我们在蛋糕上插了二十根蜡烛。(Wǒmen zài dàn gāo shàng chā le èrshí gēn là zhú.) - We put twenty candles on the cake.
4. 礼物 (Lǐ wù): Gifts are a way to show your love and appreciation. Example: 我给她买了一个漂亮的礼物。(Wǒ gěi tā mǎi le yīgè piàoliang de lǐ wù.) - I bought her a beautiful gift.
5. 派对 (Pàiduì): A party is a gathering of friends and family to celebrate. Example: 我们为他举办了一个惊喜派对。(Wǒmen wèi tā jǔbàn le yīgè jīngxàipàiduì.) - We threw him a surprise party.

Phrases for Wishing Someone a Happy Birthday
1. 生日快乐 (Shēngrì kuàilè): This is the most common way to say “Happy Birthday” in Chinese.
2. 祝你生日快乐 (Zhù nǐ shēngrì kuàilè): This is a more formal way to wish someone a happy birthday.
3. 愿你在新的一岁里更加快乐 (Yuàn nǐ zài xīn de yī suì lǐ gèng jiā kuàilè): This phrase means “May you be even happier in the coming year.”

Phrases for a Birthday Card
1. 亲爱的 (Qīn ài de): This means “dear” and is a warm way to start a card.
2. 感谢有你 (Gǎnxiè yǒu nǐ): This means “thank you for being there.”
3. 愿你的每一天都充满阳光 (Yuàn nǐ de měi yī tiān dōu chōngmǎn yángguāng): This means “may every day be filled with sunshine.”

Phrases for a Birthday Toast
1. 举杯 (Jǔ bēi): This means “raise your glass.”
2. 干杯 (Gān bēi): This means “cheers” or “bottoms up.”
3. 愿你的生活像这杯酒一样甜美 (Yuàn nǐ de shēnghuó xiàng zhè bēi jiǔ yīyàng tiánměi): This means “may your life be as sweet as this wine.”

Birthdays are a time to celebrate life, love, and the people who make it special. With these birthday vocabulary words and phrases, you can add a touch of warmth and sincerity to your celebrations. Whether you’re writing a card, making a toast, or simply wishing someone a happy birthday, these words will help you express your feelings in a meaningful way. So go ahead, celebrate in style, and make this birthday one to remember!