Birthdays are special in every culture. In China, people share warm words to show love. A simple wish can make someone smile all day.
Maybe you have a Chinese friend or a coworker with a birthday coming up. Maybe you just want to learn something new. Either way, the right words can make your message feel personal.
This list has 80+ Chinese birthday wishes. Each one comes with pinyin, so you can say it out loud. You also get the English meaning, so you know what you’re saying. Pick your favorite and send it today!
Chinese Birthday Wishes
- 祝你生日快乐，天天开心！Zhù nǐ shēngrì kuàilè, tiāntiān kāixīn!
Happy birthday, and be happy every day! - 愿你的每一天都充满阳光。Yuàn nǐ de měi yì tiān dōu chōngmǎn yángguāng.
May every day of yours be full of sunshine. - 祝你万事如意！Zhù nǐ wànshì rúyì!
May everything go your way! - 生日快乐，心想事成！Shēngrì kuàilè, xīn xiǎng shì chéng!
Happy birthday, may your wishes come true! - 愿你新的一岁平安顺利。Yuàn nǐ xīn de yí suì píng’ān shùnlì.
May your new year of life be safe and smooth. - 祝你身体健康，工作顺利！Zhù nǐ shēntǐ jiànkāng, gōngzuò shùnlì!
Wishing you good health and success at work! - 愿你每天都有好心情。Yuàn nǐ měitiān dōu yǒu hǎo xīnqíng.
May you be in a good mood every day. - 祝你年年有今日，岁岁有今朝。Zhù nǐ nián nián yǒu jīnrì, suì suì yǒu jīnzhāo.
May you celebrate this day every year. - 愿你的生活甜甜蜜蜜。Yuàn nǐ de shēnghuó tiántián mìmì.
May your life be sweet and happy. - 祝你越来越美丽！Zhù nǐ yuè lái yuè měilì!
May you get more beautiful every year! - 祝你越来越帅！Zhù nǐ yuè lái yuè shuài!
May you get more handsome every year! - 愿你梦想成真。Yuàn nǐ mèngxiǎng chéngzhēn.
May your dreams come true. - 祝你前程似锦！Zhù nǐ qiánchéng sì jǐn!
May your future be bright and beautiful! - 愿你笑口常开。Yuàn nǐ xiào kǒu cháng kāi.
May you always keep smiling. - 祝你今天玩得开心！Zhù nǐ jīntiān wán de kāixīn!
Hope you have a great time today! - 愿好运一直陪着你。Yuàn hǎoyùn yìzhí péizhe nǐ.
May good luck stay with you always. - 祝你幸福快乐每一天。Zhù nǐ xìngfú kuàilè měi yì tiān.
Wishing you happiness every day. - 新的一岁，新的开始！Xīn de yí suì, xīn de kāishǐ!
A new year of life, a new start!
Birthday Wishes In Chinese
- 谢谢你出现在我的生命里。Xièxie nǐ chūxiàn zài wǒ de shēngmìng lǐ.
Thank you for being in my life. - 今天你是主角，好好享受吧！Jīntiān nǐ shì zhǔjué, hǎohāo xiǎngshòu ba!
Today you’re the star, so enjoy it! - 愿你永远年轻。Yuàn nǐ yǒngyuǎn niánqīng.
May you stay young forever. - 又长大一岁了，要更开心哦！Yòu zhǎngdà yí suì le, yào gèng kāixīn o!
One year older, so be even happier! - 希望你今天被蛋糕和笑声包围。Xīwàng nǐ jīntiān bèi dàngāo hé xiàoshēng bāowéi.
Hope you’re surrounded by cake and laughter today. - 愿你的生活像蛋糕一样甜。Yuàn nǐ de shēnghuó xiàng dàngāo yíyàng tián.
May your life be as sweet as cake. - 祝你一切都好。Zhù nǐ yíqiè dōu hǎo.
Wishing you all the best. - 愿你拥有最美好的一年。Yuàn nǐ yōngyǒu zuì měihǎo de yì nián.
May you have the best year yet. - 无论何时，我都在你身边。Wúlùn héshí, wǒ dōu zài nǐ shēnbiān.
I’m always by your side. - 愿你平平安安，快快乐乐。Yuàn nǐ píngpíng ān’ān, kuàikuài lèlè.
May you be safe and happy. - 祝你事业有成！Zhù nǐ shìyè yǒuchéng!
Wishing you success in your career! - 愿你的努力都有回报。Yuàn nǐ de nǔlì dōu yǒu huíbào.
May all your efforts be rewarded. - 今天许个愿吧！Jīntiān xǔ ge yuàn ba!
Make a wish today! - 愿你的笑容永远灿烂。Yuàn nǐ de xiàoróng yǒngyuǎn cànlàn.
May your smile always shine bright. - 祝你收到很多礼物！Zhù nǐ shōudào hěn duō lǐwù!
Hope you get lots of gifts! - 愿你的未来充满惊喜。Yuàn nǐ de wèilái chōngmǎn jīngxǐ.
May your future be full of surprises. - 你值得世界上所有的美好。Nǐ zhídé shìjiè shàng suǒyǒu de měihǎo.
You deserve all the good things in the world. - 祝你这一年比上一年更好。Zhù nǐ zhè yì nián bǐ shàng yì nián gèng hǎo.
May this year be better than the last.
Happy Birthday In Chinese
- 生日快乐！Shēngrì kuàilè!
Happy birthday! (the standard way) - 祝你生日快乐！Zhù nǐ shēngrì kuàilè!
Wishing you a happy birthday! - 祝您生日快乐！Zhù nín shēngrì kuàilè!
Happy birthday! (polite “you” for elders) - 生日快乐呀！Shēngrì kuàilè ya!
Happy birthday! (soft, friendly tone) - 生日快乐哦！Shēngrì kuàilè ó!
Happy birthday! (cute tone) - 祝你生日快乐，永远幸福！Zhù nǐ shēngrì kuàilè, yǒngyuǎn xìngfú!
Happy birthday, and be happy forever! - 生日快乐，我爱你！Shēngrì kuàilè, wǒ ài nǐ!
Happy birthday, I love you! - 生日快乐，亲爱的！Shēngrì kuàilè, qīn’ài de!
Happy birthday, dear! - 宝贝，生日快乐！Bǎobèi, shēngrì kuàilè!
Happy birthday, sweetheart! - 老公，生日快乐！Lǎogōng, shēngrì kuàilè!
Happy birthday, husband! - 老婆，生日快乐！Lǎopo, shēngrì kuàilè!
Happy birthday, wife! - 妈妈，生日快乐！Māma, shēngrì kuàilè!
Happy birthday, Mom! - 爸爸，生日快乐！Bàba, shēngrì kuàilè!
Happy birthday, Dad! - 老师，生日快乐！Lǎoshī, shēngrì kuàilè!
Happy birthday, teacher! - 老板，生日快乐！Lǎobǎn, shēngrì kuàilè!
Happy birthday, boss! - 提前祝你生日快乐！Tíqián zhù nǐ shēngrì kuàilè!
Happy early birthday! - 迟到的生日快乐！Chídào de shēngrì kuàilè!
Happy belated birthday! - 生日快乐，玩得开心！Shēngrì kuàilè, wán de kāixīn!
Happy birthday, have fun!
Chinese Birthday Wishes for Elderly
- 祝您健康长寿！Zhù nín jiànkāng chángshòu!
Wishing you good health and a long life! - 福如东海，寿比南山。Fú rú Dōnghǎi, shòu bǐ Nánshān.
May your fortune be like the East Sea and your life as long as the Southern Mountain. - 祝您松鹤延年。Zhù nín sōng hè yán nián.
May you live long like the pine and the crane. - 祝您身体硬朗。Zhù nín shēntǐ yìnglang.
Wishing you a strong, healthy body. - 愿您天天开心。Yuàn nín tiāntiān kāixīn.
May you be happy every day. - 祝您寿与天齐。Zhù nín shòu yǔ tiān qí.
May your life be as long as the heavens. - 祝您平安喜乐。Zhù nín píng’ān xǐlè.
Wishing you peace and joy. - 愿您晚年幸福。Yuàn nín wǎnnián xìngfú.
May your later years be happy. - 祝您笑口常开，青春常在。Zhù nín xiào kǒu cháng kāi, qīngchūn cháng zài.
May you always smile and stay young at heart. - 祝您福寿双全。Zhù nín fú shòu shuāng quán.
Wishing you both fortune and long life. - 祝您心宽体健。Zhù nín xīn kuān tǐ jiàn.
May you have a relaxed mind and a healthy body. - 愿您每天都吃得香，睡得好。Yuàn nín měitiān dōu chī de xiāng, shuì de hǎo.
May you eat well and sleep well every day. - 祝您老当益壮。Zhù nín lǎo dāng yì zhuàng.
May you grow stronger with age. - 感谢您一直照顾我们。Gǎnxiè nín yìzhí zhàogù wǒmen.
Thank you for always taking care of us. - 愿您儿孙满堂，其乐融融。Yuàn nín érsūn mǎntáng, qílè róngróng.
May you be surrounded by children and grandchildren in happy harmony. - 祝您福星高照。Zhù nín fúxīng gāozhào.
May the lucky star shine on you. - 愿您幸福安康。Yuàn nín xìngfú ānkāng.
May you be happy and healthy. - 您是我们家的宝。Nín shì wǒmen jiā de bǎo.
You are the treasure of our family.
Chinese Birthday Wishes for Friend
- 祝我最好的朋友生日快乐！Zhù wǒ zuì hǎo de péngyou shēngrì kuàilè!
Happy birthday to my best friend! - 有你这个朋友真好。Yǒu nǐ zhège péngyou zhēn hǎo.
I’m so glad to have you as a friend. - 谢谢你一直陪着我。Xièxie nǐ yìzhí péizhe wǒ.
Thanks for always being there for me. - 愿我们的友谊天长地久。Yuàn wǒmen de yǒuyì tiāncháng dìjiǔ.
May our friendship last forever. - 今晚我们一起去庆祝吧！Jīnwǎn wǒmen yìqǐ qù qìngzhù ba!
Let’s go celebrate together tonight! - 你又老了一岁，哈哈！Nǐ yòu lǎo le yí suì, hāhā!
You’re a year older, haha! - 愿你永远这么可爱。Yuàn nǐ yǒngyuǎn zhème kě’ài.
May you always be this adorable. - 今天我请客！Jīntiān wǒ qǐngkè!
My treat today! - 祝你早日脱单！Zhù nǐ zǎorì tuōdān!
Hope you find love soon! - 祝你越来越有钱！Zhù nǐ yuè lái yuè yǒu qián!
May you get richer every year! - 愿你天天都像过生日一样开心。Yuàn nǐ tiāntiān dōu xiàng guò shēngrì yíyàng kāixīn.
May every day feel as happy as a birthday. - 和你在一起总是很快乐。Hé nǐ zài yìqǐ zǒngshì hěn kuàilè.
I’m always happy when I’m with you. - 别忘了吃蛋糕哦！Bié wàng le chī dàngāo o!
Don’t forget to eat cake! - 祝你永远十八岁！Zhù nǐ yǒngyuǎn shíbā suì!
May you stay eighteen forever! - 愿你做什么都顺利。Yuàn nǐ zuò shénme dōu shùnlì.
May everything you do go well. - 不管发生什么，我都支持你。Bùguǎn fāshēng shénme, wǒ dōu zhīchí nǐ.
No matter what, I support you. - 期待和你度过更多生日。Qīdài hé nǐ dùguò gèng duō shēngrì.
Looking forward to more birthdays with you. - 生日快乐，我的好兄弟！Shēngrì kuàilè, wǒ de hǎo xiōngdì!
Happy birthday, my good brother!
Chinese Birthday Wishes for Grandma
- 奶奶，生日快乐！Nǎinai, shēngrì kuàilè!
Happy birthday, Grandma! (dad’s mother) - 外婆，生日快乐！Wàipó, shēngrì kuàilè!
Happy birthday, Grandma! (mom’s mother) - 奶奶，祝您健康长寿！Nǎinai, zhù nín jiànkāng chángshòu!
Grandma, wishing you good health and a long life! - 外婆，您辛苦了。Wàipó, nín xīnkǔ le.
Grandma, thank you for all your hard work. - 奶奶，我爱您！Nǎinai, wǒ ài nín!
Grandma, I love you! - 谢谢您做的好吃的饭菜。Xièxie nín zuò de hǎochī de fàncài.
Thank you for the delicious meals you make. - 您是我心中最美的奶奶。Nín shì wǒ xīnzhōng zuì měi de nǎinai.
You’re the most beautiful grandma in my heart. - 愿您每天都笑呵呵。Yuàn nín měitiān dōu xiào hēhē.
May you laugh happily every day. - 我会常常回来看您。Wǒ huì chángcháng huílái kàn nín.
I’ll come visit you often. - 奶奶，您永远是我们的骄傲。Nǎinai, nín yǒngyuǎn shì wǒmen de jiāo’ào.
Grandma, you are always our pride. - 祝您身体健康，万事顺心。Zhù nín shēntǐ jiànkāng, wànshì shùnxīn.
Wishing you health and everything going your way. - 您的爱温暖了我们全家。Nín de ài wēnnuǎn le wǒmen quánjiā.
Your love warms our whole family. - 小时候您讲的故事，我都记得。Xiǎoshíhou nín jiǎng de gùshi, wǒ dōu jìde.
I remember every story you told me as a child. - 外婆，您最疼我了。Wàipó, nín zuì téng wǒ le.
Grandma, you love me the most. - 祝奶奶青春永驻。Zhù nǎinai qīngchūn yǒng zhù.
Wishing Grandma eternal youth. - 您是我们全家的福气。Nín shì wǒmen quánjiā de fúqi.
You are our whole family’s blessing. - 愿您长命百岁。Yuàn nín chángmìng bǎi suì.
May you live to be a hundred. - 有您真好。Yǒu nín zhēn hǎo.
I’m so lucky to have you.
Chinese Birthday Traditions & Culture
- 吃了长寿面，福气长长久久。Chīle chángshòu miàn, fúqi cháng cháng jiǔjiǔ.
Eat the longevity noodles, and may good fortune last long. - 这碗长寿面，代表我的祝福。Zhè wǎn chángshòu miàn, dàibiǎo wǒ de zhùfú.
This bowl of longevity noodles carries my blessings. - 面条不要咬断，长寿才会来。Miàntiáo bú yào yǎo duàn, chángshòu cái huì lái.
Don’t bite the noodles in half, so long life will come. - 吃个寿桃，健康长寿。Chī ge shòutáo, jiànkāng chángshòu.
Have a longevity peach for health and long life. - 吃红鸡蛋，红红火火。Chī hóng jīdàn, hónghóng huǒhuǒ.
Eat a red egg for a bright, prosperous life. - 这个红包送给你，祝你好运。Zhège hóngbāo sòng gěi nǐ, zhù nǐ hǎoyùn.
This red envelope is for you, with wishes of good luck. - 祝宝宝抓周抓个好前程。Zhù bǎobao zhuā zhōu zhuā ge hǎo qiánchéng.
May the baby grab a bright future at the first-birthday ceremony. - 祝你农历生日快乐！Zhù nǐ nónglì shēngrì kuàilè!
Happy lunar birthday! - 六十大寿，祝您福寿安康。Liùshí dàshòu, zhù nín fúshòu ānkāng.
Happy 60th birthday, wishing you fortune, long life and health. - 七十大寿，祝您健康快乐。Qīshí dàshòu, zhù nín jiànkāng kuàilè.
Happy 70th birthday, wishing you health and happiness. - 八十大寿，祝您福寿绵长。Bāshí dàshòu, zhù nín fú shòu miáncháng.
Happy 80th birthday, may your blessings and long life continue. - 本命年，愿你平平安安。Běnmìng nián, yuàn nǐ píngpíng ān’ān.
In your zodiac year, may you stay safe and well. - 穿上红色，好运来。Chuānshàng hóngsè, hǎoyùn lái.
Wear red and good luck will come. - 祝你大吉大利！Zhù nǐ dà jí dà lì!
Wishing you great luck and fortune! - 全家一起吃饭，就是最好的生日。Quánjiā yìqǐ chīfàn, jiù shì zuì hǎo de shēngrì.
A family meal together is the best birthday. - 吹蜡烛前，先许个愿。Chuī làzhú qián, xiān xǔ ge yuàn.
Before blowing out the candles, make a wish. - 老规矩，愿望不能说出来。Lǎo guīju, yuànwàng bù néng shuō chūlái.
Old rule: don’t say your wish out loud. - 今天的寿星最大！Jīntiān de shòuxīng zuì dà!
Today the birthday star is the most important!
Chinese Birthday Etiquette & Taboos
- 祝您生日快乐！Zhù nín shēngrì kuàilè!
Happy birthday! (Use 您 to show respect to elders.) - 谢谢您的祝福！Xièxie nín de zhùfú!
Thank you for your blessing! (A polite reply.) - 你太客气了。Nǐ tài kèqi le.
You’re too kind. (A modest reply to a gift.) - 请收下这份小礼物。Qǐng shōuxià zhè fèn xiǎo lǐwù.
Please accept this small gift. (Offer it with both hands.) - 一点心意，请笑纳。Yìdiǎn xīnyì, qǐng xiàonà.
A small token, please accept it. (Formal.) - 恭祝您生辰快乐。Gōngzhù nín shēngchén kuàilè.
Respectfully wishing you a happy birthday. (Very formal.) - 祝你越活越年轻！Zhù nǐ yuè huó yuè niánqīng!
May you grow younger each year! (Kinder than mentioning age.) - 您看起来一点也不老。Nín kàn qǐlái yìdiǎn yě bù lǎo.
You don’t look old at all. (Be careful when talking about age.) - 送你一个红包，图个吉利。Sòng nǐ yí ge hóngbāo, tú ge jílì.
A red envelope for good luck. (Avoid amounts with the number 4.) - 愿你事事顺利，六六大顺。Yuàn nǐ shìshì shùnlì, liùliù dàshùn.
May all go smoothly. (6 is a lucky number.) - 祝你发发发！Zhù nǐ fā fā fā!
Wishing you prosperity! (8 sounds like “get rich.”) - 送你一束红色的花。Sòng nǐ yí shù hóngsè de huā.
Here are red flowers for you. (Avoid white flowers, linked to funerals.) - 你的心意我收到了。Nǐ de xīnyì wǒ shōudào le.
I received your kind thought. (A gracious reply. Never give a clock as a gift, because 送钟 sounds like “attending a funeral.”) - 这份礼物，希望你喜欢。Zhè fèn lǐwù, xīwàng nǐ xǐhuan.
Hope you like this gift. (Gifts are often opened later, not in front of the giver.) - 谢谢大家来参加我的生日会。Xièxie dàjiā lái cānjiā wǒ de shēngrì huì.
Thank you all for coming to my party. (Hosts thank their guests.) - 多吃点，别客气！Duō chī diǎn, bié kèqi!
Eat more, don’t be shy! (Hosts often say this.) - 祝你四季平安。Zhù nǐ sìjì píng’ān.
Wishing you peace in all four seasons. (Number 4 sounds like “death,” so it is best avoided alone.) - 祝大家吃好喝好！Zhù dàjiā chī hǎo hē hǎo!
Wishing everyone good food and drink! (A common party toast.) - 长寿面请慢慢吃，别咬断。Chángshòu miàn qǐng mànmàn chī, bié yǎo duàn.
Please eat the longevity noodles slowly, and don’t bite them off. (Broken noodles are said to shorten life.) - 这个苹果送给你，祝你平平安安。Zhège píngguǒ sòng gěi nǐ, zhù nǐ píngpíng ān’ān.
This apple is for you, wishing you peace. (苹果 sounds like 平, “peace.” Avoid pears, because 梨 sounds like “separation.”) - 我用双手送上红包。Wǒ yòng shuāngshǒu sòngshàng hóngbāo.
I give you this red envelope with both hands. (Use both hands to give and to receive.) - 请您先吃，您是寿星。Qǐng nín xiān chī, nín shì shòuxīng.
Please eat first, you are the birthday star. (Let the eldest person or the guest of honor start.) - 这盒点心送给您，祝您甜甜蜜蜜。Zhè hé diǎnxin sòng gěi nín, zhù nín tiántián mìmì.
This box of sweets is for you, wishing you a sweet life. (Sweets are a safe gift. Avoid umbrellas, because 伞 sounds like 散, “to part.”
Quick Birthday Captions
- 生日快乐！🎂 Shēngrì kuàilè!
Happy birthday! - 又长一岁！Yòu zhǎng yí suì!
One year older! - 今天我最大！Jīntiān wǒ zuì dà!
Today is my day! - 蛋糕时间！Dàngāo shíjiān!
Cake time! - 许个愿吧！Xǔ ge yuàn ba!
Make a wish! - 岁月静好。Suìyuè jìng hǎo.
Years are calm and good. - 新的一岁，加油！Xīn de yí suì, jiāyóu!
New year of life, let’s go! - 开心每一天！Kāixīn měi yì tiān!
Happy every day! - 十八岁又一年！Shíbā suì yòu yì nián!
Eighteen, one more time! - 快乐无限！Kuàilè wúxiàn!
Endless joy! - 好运连连！Hǎoyùn liánlián!
Lots of good luck! - 12. 爱与蛋糕，一个都不能少。Ài yǔ dàngāo, yí ge dōu bù néng shǎo.
Love and cake, you can’t miss either one. - 吹蜡烛啦！Chuī làzhú la!
Blow out the candles! - 今天不减肥！Jīntiān bù jiǎnféi!
No diet today! - 我又升级了！Wǒ yòu shēngjí le!
I’ve leveled up again! - 感恩有你们。Gǎn’ēn yǒu nǐmen.
Grateful to have you all. - 派对开始！Pàiduì kāishǐ!
Let the party begin! - 愿望成真！Yuànwàng chéngzhēn!
May your wishes come true! - 生日大吉！🎉 Shēngrì dà jí!
Lucky birthday! - 今天快乐加倍！Jīntiān kuàilè jiābèi!
Double the joy today! - 我的生日我做主！Wǒ de shēngrì wǒ zuòzhǔ!
My birthday, my rules! - 又是闪闪发光的一年。Yòu shì shǎnshǎn fāguāng de yì nián.
Another sparkling year. - 笑着迎接新的一岁。Xiàozhe yíngjiē xīn de yí suì.
Meeting a new year with a smile.
FAQs
How do you say happy birthday in Chinese?
You say “Shēngrì kuàilè” (生日快乐). It is the most common birthday wish in Chinese. Use “Zhù nín shēngrì kuàilè” to show respect to elders.
What do you say to wish someone a long life in Chinese?
Say “Zhù nín jiànkāng chángshòu” (祝您健康长寿). It means “Wishing you good health and a long life.” People often say it to grandparents and older family members.
How do you say happy birthday to a friend in Chinese?
You can say “Péngyou, shēngrì kuàilè” (朋友，生日快乐). For a closer friend, add “Yuàn nǐ tiāntiān kāixīn” (愿你天天开心). It means “May you be happy every day.”
What is a traditional Chinese birthday food?
Longevity noodles (长寿面, chángshòu miàn) are the most traditional. Long noodles stand for a long life. People try not to bite them in half.
How do you say happy birthday to grandma in Chinese?
Say “Nǎinai, shēngrì kuàilè” (奶奶，生日快乐) for your dad’s mother. Say “Wàipó, shēngrì kuàilè” (外婆，生日快乐) for your mom’s mother.
Conclusion
A birthday wish is a small gift. In Chinese, a few kind words can carry a lot of love. Now you have more than 80 phrases to choose from. There are wishes for friends, family, and elders too.
Start with “Shēngrì kuàilè” if you are new. It is simple and works for everyone. Then try longer wishes when you feel ready. Say them out loud, and your message will feel warm and real. Don’t worry about mistakes, because people love the effort. So pick a phrase, send it today, and make someone’s birthday a little brighter.
Hi, I’m a passionate content writer and the creator of Wishlif.com, dedicated to helping people express their emotions through heartfelt wishes and meaningful messages. With 5+ years of experience in writing wishes, greetings, quotes, and celebration content, I create original and easy-to-read content for every occasion. My goal is to provide inspiring words that make birthdays, anniversaries, festivals, and special moments more memorable.
