How to Say “Happy Birthday” in Maltese

By Derek Declan • Updated October 1, 2026

għeluq sninek it-tajjeb

The English phrase "happy birthday" is translated into Maltese as għeluq sninek it-tajjeb.

This phrase is used to offer good wishes to someone on the occasion of their birthday.

Meaning: good wishes for a birthday (intj)

Did you know?

In traditional Maltese culture, it is common to celebrate a 'Name Day' as well as a birthday. This occurs on the feast day of the saint after whom a person is named.
The word għeluq in your phrase has roots in Arabic, specifically the word ḡulūq, which relates to the idea of a completion or a closing.
In many Mediterranean cultures including Malta, it is common to sing 'Happy Birthday' in English even if the conversation is entirely in Maltese.

Example sentences for Maltese are not verified yet.

Example conversation

Andre gives a gift to Myriam.

Andre

Myriam, għeluq sninek it-tajjeb!
Myriam, happy birthday!
Myriam

Grazzi ħafna, Andre!
Thank you so much, Andre!
Andre

Hawn hu r-rigal għalik.
Here is the gift for you.
Myriam

Tajjeb ħafna, grazzi!
Very nice, thank you!

Sources

Wiktionary, “happy birthday” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
Word origins: Wiktionary entries għeluq, CC BY-SA 4.0.

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About The Author

Derek Declan

مرحبًا (Hello), I am Derek. As a lover of languages and cultures, I have an unstoppable passion for the Arabic culture and language. My wanderlust often takes me on journeys across the Arab world. Also, a self-proclaimed foodie, unleashing my culinary skills to recreate traditional dishes like hummus and bread, is my favourite pastime. My interest in Arabic also led me to Maltese, its Mediterranean relative written in Latin letters, and I now write guides on Maltese too. My interest in Arabic is not merely linguistic, but I indulge in breaking down societal norms and cultural subtleties.

Derek DeclanHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.

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