Birthday Wishes in Chinese

Published: 27 Apr 2025

If you’re looking to wish someone a happy birthday in Chinese, there are several beautiful and meaningful ways to express your feelings. Whether it’s a friend, family member, or colleague, these Chinese birthday wishes will bring warmth and joy to their special day. Here are some traditional and creative birthday wishes in Chinese, along with their meanings:

Traditional Birthday Wishes in Chinese

生日快乐 (Shēng rì kuài lè)
Meaning: “Happy Birthday!”
This is the most common and straightforward way to wish someone a happy birthday in Chinese. It’s perfect for anyone and any situation.
祝你生日快乐，身体健康，万事如意 (Zhù nǐ shēng rì kuài lè, shēn tǐ jiàn kāng, wàn shì rú yì)
Meaning: “Wishing you a happy birthday, good health, and all the best in everything you do!”
This is a more formal and elaborate birthday wish, wishing the person not only a happy birthday but also good health and success.
祝你生日愉快，岁岁平安 (Zhù nǐ shēng rì yú kuài, suì suì píng ān)
Meaning: “Wishing you a happy birthday and peace year after year.”
A poetic and thoughtful wish, emphasizing peace and safety for the upcoming year.
祝你长命百岁，快乐永远 (Zhù nǐ cháng mìng bǎi suì, kuài lè yǒng yuǎn)
Meaning: “Wishing you a long life of 100 years and eternal happiness.”
A classic wish for longevity and happiness, perfect for older relatives or friends.

Fun and Playful Birthday Wishes in Chinese

生日来临，快乐来临，祝你每天都笑口常开 (Shēng rì lái lín, kuài lè lái lín, zhù nǐ měi tiān dōu xiào kǒu cháng kāi)
Meaning: “As your birthday comes, so does happiness. Wishing you a smile every day!”
A cheerful and lighthearted birthday wish for someone you want to see happy every day.
祝你生日大快乐，生日蛋糕大吃一口，身体大强壮 (Zhù nǐ shēng rì dà kuài lè, shēng rì dàn gāo dà chī yī kǒu, shēn tǐ dà qiáng zhuàng)
Meaning: “Wishing you a super happy birthday, a big bite of birthday cake, and a strong body!”
A fun and casual wish filled with humor, perfect for close friends or younger people.
祝你越长越年轻，生日快乐！(Zhù nǐ yuè zhǎng yuè nián qīng, shēng rì kuài lè!)
Meaning: “Wishing you grow younger and younger, Happy Birthday!”
A funny and playful way to wish someone to stay youthful, especially for those who are getting older.

Formal Birthday Wishes in Chinese

恭喜发财，生日快乐 (Gōng xǐ fā cái, shēng rì kuài lè)
Meaning: “Congratulations and wealth, Happy Birthday!”
A formal, celebratory birthday wish that combines the traditional greeting for wealth and success with a birthday wish.
愿你生日快乐，事业蒸蒸日上，前程似锦 (Yuàn nǐ shēng rì kuài lè, shì yè zhēng zhēng rì shàng, qián chéng shì jǐn)
Meaning: “Wishing you a happy birthday, and may your career prosper and your future be bright.”
A formal wish that’s perfect for a colleague or someone in a professional setting, focusing on career success.

Birthday Wishes for Loved Ones in Chinese

亲爱的，祝你生日快乐，永远年轻，永远幸福！(Qīn ài de, zhù nǐ shēng rì kuài lè, yǒng yuǎn nián qīng, yǒng yuǎn xìng fú!)
Meaning: “My dear, wishing you a happy birthday, may you stay young forever and be happy forever!”
A loving birthday wish for a partner or close family member.
生日快乐，愿你每一年的生日都比上一年更好！(Shēng rì kuài lè, yuàn nǐ měi yī nián de shēng rì dōu bǐ shàng yī nián gèng hǎo!)
Meaning: “Happy Birthday! May each year’s birthday be better than the last!”
A warm, encouraging birthday wish for anyone close to you, wishing them continuous improvement in life.
祝你生日快乐，笑容永远灿烂！(Zhù nǐ shēng rì kuài lè, xiào róng yǒng yuǎn càn làn!)
Meaning: “Happy Birthday, may your smile always shine brightly!”
A heartfelt wish for someone with a bright and infectious smile.

Conclusion: A Birthday Full of Joy and Happiness

Whether you’re sending a formal, traditional, or playful message, wishing someone a happy birthday in Chinese is a beautiful way to show your care and respect. These heartfelt birthday wishes will make your recipient feel loved, appreciated, and celebrated on their special day. 生日快乐 (Shēng rì kuài lè)! 🎉