What does it mean word for word?
عيد means 'feast', ميلاد means 'birth' and سعيد means 'happy', so the phrase means 'happy feast of birth'.
Which one should you use?
عيد ميلاد سعيد is the Arabic version, used in speech and writing alike. The French wish is equally common, and switching between the two within one conversation is normal in Tunisia.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Both are used at every level of formality, from a child's party to a message to a colleague.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The Arabic phrase is shared with the rest of the Arabic-speaking world, while the strong presence of French wishes is distinctly Tunisian and Maghrebi, tied to the region's history.
How does it change in a sentence?
سعيد does not change for a man or a woman in this fixed phrase.
How do you pronounce it?
Tunisian speech often shortens the vowels, so ميلاد can sound closer to 'mlad' in fast conversation.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Using عيد مبارك, the greeting for religious holidays, instead of عيد ميلاد سعيد mixes up two different kinds of occasions.
When do people say it?
Tunisian birthday parties often mix languages freely, with the candles blown out to 'Joyeux anniversaire' sung alongside the Arabic wish said right after.
Did you know?
- Tunisian birthday wishes often mix Arabic and French in the same breath, a reflection of how common French still is in daily speech there.
- Unlike عيد مبارك for religious holidays, عيد ميلاد سعيد is reserved specifically for birthdays and is not used for Eid.
Examples in context
- عيد ميلاد سعيد، قداش عمرك توا؟3id milad sa3id, qeddesh 3omrek touwa?Happy birthday, how old are you now?
- Bonne fête, نتمنى لك كل خير.Bonne fête, netmanna lik kol khir.Happy birthday, I wish you all the best.
- عيد ميلاد سعيد يا صاحبي.3id milad sa3id ya sahbi.Happy birthday, my friend.
Example conversation
Sabrine calls her friend Walid on his birthday.
- Sabrineعيد ميلاد سعيد وليد!3id milad sa3id Walid!Happy birthday Walid!
- Walidيعيشك صابرين، برشا نشكرك.yaishek Sabrine, barsha nashkorek.Thank you Sabrine, thank you so much.
- Sabrineقداش عمرك توا؟qeddesh 3omrek touwa?How old are you now?
- Walidتوا كملت ثلاثين.touwa kammalt thlathin.I just turned thirty.
