happy birthday
/ˈhæpi ˈbɜːrθdeɪ/
Meaning
The standard greeting used to congratulate someone on the anniversary of their birth. It is typically said directly to the person, written in cards, or sent in messages on their special day.
Examples
-
Happy birthday! I hope you have a wonderful day with your family.
Happy birthday! I hope you have a wonderful day with your family.
-
We all stood up and sang happy birthday to him when the cake arrived.
We all stood up and sang happy birthday to him when the cake arrived.
-
I need to send a quick text to wish Sarah a happy birthday.
I need to send a quick text to wish Sarah a happy birthday.
-
Happy birthday to my favorite brother!
Happy birthday to my favorite brother!
-
Did you write 'Happy Birthday' on the card yet?
Did you write 'Happy Birthday' on the card yet?
Common Mistakes
-
✗ Congratulations on your birthday!
✓ Happy birthday!
In English, we rarely say 'congratulations' for birthdays unless it is a major milestone like turning 100. 'Happy birthday' is the standard greeting.
-
✗ I wish you happy birthday.
✓ I wish you a happy birthday.
When using the verb 'wish', you need the article 'a' because 'birthday' is a countable noun in this sentence structure.
Related Expressions
Practice
-
___, Mike! How does it feel to be thirty?
💡 The standard greeting for someone's birthday.
Show answer
Happy birthday
-
I want to wish you a very ___.
💡 Complete the phrase used with 'wish you a'.
Show answer
happy birthday