Χρόνια πολλά
chrónia polláeveryday, Cyprus
On a birthday in Cyprus people say Χρόνια πολλά (chrónia pollá), literally "many years". It is the standard Greek wish and it is also used on name days and holidays. It is also called Χαρούμενα γενέθλια (charoúmena genéthlia) and Να ζήσεις (na zísis).
Meaning: wish for someone's birthday (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Χρόνια πολλά | chrónia pollá | everyday, Cyprus |
| Χαρούμενα γενέθλια | charoúmena genéthlia | neutral |
| Να ζήσεις | na zísis | warm |
Say Χρόνια πολλά to anyone, in person or in a message. Friends often add the name, as in Χρόνια πολλά, Μαρία.
Which one should you use?
Χαρούμενα γενέθλια (charoúmena genéthlia) means "happy birthday" and names the occasion directly. Να ζήσεις (na zísis) means "may you live" and is a warm extra wish for one person.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
To several people or to someone you address politely, use Να ζήσετε (na zísete).
Is it said differently in some regions?
Cypriot Greek is a spoken dialect, and in writing Cypriots use standard Greek, so the spelling is the same in Cyprus and in Athens.
Did you know?
- Χρόνια πολλά works for name days too, and name days are widely celebrated in Greece and Cyprus.
Examples in context
- Χρόνια πολλά, Μαρία.Chrónia pollá, María.Happy birthday, Maria.
- Χαρούμενα γενέθλια, φίλε μου.Charoúmena genéthlia, fíle mou.Happy birthday, my friend.
- Χρόνια πολλά και να ζήσεις.Chrónia pollá kai na zísis.Happy birthday and may you live long.
Example conversation
Petros calls his cousin Andri on her birthday.
- PetrosΧρόνια πολλά, Άντρη.Chrónia pollá, Ándri.Happy birthday, Andri.
- AndriΕυχαριστώ, Πέτρο.Efcharistó, Pétro.Thank you, Petros.
- PetrosΝα ζήσεις και να είσαι πάντα καλά.Na zísis kai na eísai pánta kalá.May you live long and always be well.
