γενέθλια
genéthlia
The Greek word for birthday is γενέθλια (genéthlia).
γενέθλια is used to refer to both the specific day one was born and the general concept of a birthday anniversary.
Meaning: anniversary (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is derived from γεννώ (to give birth) and literally refers to births or birth-related events.
How does it change in a sentence?
γενέθλια is a neuter plural noun. Because of this, it is used with the neuter plural article τα (ta).
How do you pronounce it?
genéthlia
When do people say it?
While you can say Χαρούμενα γενέθλια to mean Happy birthday, it is very common for Greek speakers to say Χρόνια πολλά, which means Many years, as a birthday greeting.
Did you know?
- In Greece, many people celebrate their 'Name Day' (the feast day of the saint they are named after) with as much or more importance than their γενέθλια.
- The phrase Χρόνια πολλά is a versatile 'all-purpose' greeting used for birthdays, name days, and even New Year's Eve.
- The word γενέθλια is a learned borrowing from the Ancient Greek neuter plural form γενέθλια, which originally meant things relating to one's birth.
Examples in context
- Τα γενέθλια του Τομ ήταν χτες.Tom's birthday was yesterday.This sentence shows how to use γενέθλια when talking about a past date.Tatoeba #5529834 by Zeus, translation #682512 by Source_VOA
- Πότε είναι τα γενέθλια του αδερφού μου;When is my brother's birthday?This sentence is useful for asking when someone's γενέθλια occurs.Tatoeba #5520533 by Zeus, translation #1319617 by Swift
- Χαρούμενα γενέθλια.Happy birthday.This sentence demonstrates using γενέθλια in a birthday greeting.Tatoeba #4704620 by chrysaarabatzi, translation #8324073 by brandur
- Να τα εκατοστήσεις!May you reach one hundred!
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Kostas and Eleni are planning a surprise party.
- Κώστας KostasΠότε είναι τα γενέθλια της μητέρας σου;Pote einai ta genethlia tis miteras sou?When is your mother's birthday?
- Ελένη EleniΤα γενέθλια της είναι την ερχόμενη Τρίτη.Ta genethlia tis einai tin erchomeni Triti.Her birthday is next Tuesday.
- Κώστας KostasΘα φτιάξουμε μια μεγάλη τούρτα τότε.Tha ftiaksoume mia megali tourta tote.We will make a big cake then.
- Ελένη EleniΝαι, θα της αρέσει πολύ η έκπληξη!Nai, tha tis aresei poly i ekplixi!Yes, she will like the surprise very much!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “birthday” translations and entries γενέθλια, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries γενέθλια, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
