How to Say Birthday in Arabic – A Comprehensive Guide

Birthdays are special occasions celebrated around the world, and it’s always thoughtful to greet someone on their special day in their native language. If you’re looking to wish someone a happy birthday in Arabic, this guide will provide you with various formal and informal ways to express your greetings. While Arabic is a diverse language with regional variations, we’ll focus on the most commonly used phrases. Let’s dive in!

Formal Ways to Say Birthday in Arabic

When addressing someone in a formal setting, such as a boss, colleague, or someone you highly respect, you can use the following phrases:

1. عيد ميلاد سعيد (Eid Milad Saeed)

This phrase is the standard way to say “Happy Birthday” in Arabic and can be used in most formal situations. It is widely understood and appropriate for both written and spoken greetings.

2. كل عام وأنت بخير (Kul ‘Aam Wa Anta Bikhair)

This phrase translates to “May every year find you in good health,” which is a formal and polite way to wish someone a happy birthday. It emphasizes well-being and prosperity.

Informal Ways to Say Birthday in Arabic

Informal settings allow for more casual and familiar language. When greeting friends, family, or peers, you can use the following phrases:

1. عقبال مئة سنة (Aqbaal Me’ah Sana)

This phrase means “May you live for a hundred years” and is a common informal way to wish someone a happy birthday. It expresses the wish for a long and prosperous life.

2. كل سنة وأنت طيب (Kul Sana Wa Anta Tayyeb)

This phrase is used among friends and family to say “Happy Birthday” in a more informal way. It conveys the message “May every year find you healthy and well.”

Regional Variations

Arabic is spoken across numerous countries and regions, resulting in slight variations in the way people express birthday greetings. Here are a few common regional variations:

1. مولد سعيد (Mawlid Saeed)

In some regions, especially in the Levant and the Gulf, “مولد سعيد” is used instead of “عيد ميلاد سعيد” to wish someone a happy birthday. The phrase translates to “Happy Birthday” but with a slight regional variation in vocabulary.

2. نسناس سعيد (Nisnas Saeed)

In certain parts of the Maghreb, specifically in Morocco and Algeria, “نسناس سعيد” is commonly used to express birthday greetings. It’s important to note that this phrase is not widely understood outside of these regions.

Tips for Saying Birthday in Arabic

Here are some useful tips to keep in mind when wishing someone a happy birthday in Arabic:

1. Always consider the individual’s preference: If you’re uncertain, it’s best to use a formal greeting.
2. Pay attention to the cultural context: Different cultures within the Arab world may have specific preferences and customs related to birthdays.
3. Use proper pronunciations: Arabic pronunciation can be challenging for non-native speakers, so practice the phrases to ensure clarity and accuracy.

Examples

Let’s see these phrases in action:

Example 1: Person A: عيد ميلاد سعيد! Person B: شكراً جزيلاً! (Thank you very much!)

Example 2: Person A: كل عام وأنت بخير! Person B: شكراً، أتمنى لك نفس الشيء (Thank you, I wish you the same!)

Example 3: Person A: عقبال مئة سنة! Person B: شكراً، بارك الله فيك (Thank you, may God bless you!)