How to Say “Happy Birthday” in Mi’kmaq

By Hannah Annie • Updated October 7, 2026

Wli' ajipuna'

The Mi'kmaq phrase for "happy birthday" is Wli' ajipuna'.

Wli' ajipuna' is used to express good wishes to someone on the anniversary of their birth.

Meaning: good wishes for a birthday (intj)

Did you know?

The Mi'kmaq language is polysynthetic, meaning a single word can often express a complex idea that would require a whole sentence in English.
In Mi'kmaq culture, celebrations of life often focus more on the community and the spiritual connection to ancestors than on the individual 'birthday' itself.
In Mi'kmaq, the word wli' does not just mean 'happy' but carries a deeper sense of 'wellness' and 'correctness' in a spiritual or physical sense.

Examples in context

Wli' ajipuna' kinu'!
Happy birthday to you!

Example conversation

John is giving a gift to Jessica.

John

Wli' ajipuna', Jessica!
Happy birthday, Jessica!
Jessica

Wela'ln!
Thank you!
John

Kwet'w li' ajipuna' kwi'nu.
A very happy birthday to you.
Jessica

Wela'ln, John.
Thank you, John.

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About The Author

Hannah Annie

Tân'si! I'm Hannah, a linguistic enthusiast, especially for the Cree language. When I'm not writing comprehensive guides on how to say diverse words in Cree, you might catch me wandering in the wilderness or diving into captivating animal documentaries. With passion as dynamic as a 'sawêsiw' (lynx) and a heart as warm as 'kîsikohk' (morning), I find joy in making bridges of communication. Empowered by 'kimâmowin' (respect), I'm determined to share the beauty of the Cree language, hoping the world will listen, one word at a time. Mi'kmaq is spoken not far from Cree, and it has become another language close to my heart, so you will now find my guides to Mi'kmaq here too. Kâ-nâkatêyihtahkik kinêtan-ayâyâstâhk ('always choose love') is my motto.

Hannah AnnieHelp 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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