Occasions
How to say happy birthday in Hindi
Birthdays are a big deal in most Indian families. Here is what to say to a friend, what to write in a card to your partner's parents, and how to pronounce it all.
The everyday one
जन्मदिन मुबारक
janmadin mubaarak
Happy birthday (standard, warm, works for anyone).
जन्मदिन मुबारक हो
janmadin mubaarak ho
Happy birthday (slightly softer, wish-form).
Casual, friend to friend
हैप्पी बर्थडे
happy birthday
Straight from English, extremely common between friends.
बर्थडे मुबारक यार!
birthday mubaarak yaar!
Happy birthday, buddy! (informal, affectionate).
Warmer, for parents and in-laws
जन्मदिन की हार्दिक शुभकामनाएँ
janmadin ki haardik shubhkaamnaayen
Heartfelt birthday wishes (perfect for a card or message to elders).
ईश्वर आपको लंबी उम्र दे
ishwar aapko lambi umr de
May God grant you a long life (traditional blessing to elders).
ख़ुशियों से भरा हो आपका दिन
khushiyon se bhara ho aapka din
May your day be full of joy.
What to write in a card
A safe, warm three-liner to your partner's mom or dad:
जन्मदिन की हार्दिक शुभकामनाएँ। आपका आशीर्वाद हमेशा हमारे साथ रहे। बहुत सारा प्यार।
janmadin ki haardik shubhkaamnaayen. aapka aashirwaad hamesha hamaare saath rahe. bahut saara pyaar.
Heartfelt birthday wishes. May your blessings always be with us. Lots of love.
Pronunciation notes
janmadin: three beats, "jan-ma-din". The "a" is short, closer to English "u" in "cup" than "a" in "bad".
mubaarak: long "aa" in the middle. Do not squash it into "mubarak" fast.
shubhkaamnaayen: the bh is one breathy sound. Take it slow: "shubh-kaam-naa-yen".