Ways to say it
| Turkish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| doğum günün kutlu olsun | /doːum ɟynyn kutlu olsun/ (from spelling rules) | |
| nice mutlu yıllara | /nid͡ʒe mutlu jɯllaɾa/ (from spelling rules) | |
| mutlu yıllar | /mutlu jɯllaɾ/ (from spelling rules) | formal |
The phrases used to express good wishes for a birthday range from standard wishes to more concise or colloquial expressions. While doğum günün kutlu olsun is a standard greeting, another very common way to say happy birthday is İyi ki doğdun!, which literally translates to 'Good that you were born!'
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase doğum günün kutlu olsun literally translates to 'may your birthday be auspicious' or 'may your birthday be blessed'. The phrase mutlu yıllar literally means 'happy years'.
Which one should you use?
Doğum günün kutlu olsun is the standard way to say happy birthday to one person you know personally. Mutlu yıllar is a more concise, slightly more formal alternative. Nice mutlu yıllara is a common, slightly more casual way to wish someone many happy years ahead on their birthday.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Mutlu yıllar is considered a formal option. Nice mutlu yıllara is a colloquial expression used to wish someone many happy years. Doğum günün kutlu olsun is the standard form used for individuals you know personally.
How does it change in a sentence?
To address someone formally or to address a group, change the possessive suffix in the standard phrase from günün to gününüz, resulting in doğum gününüz kutlu olsun.
How do you pronounce it?
/doːum ɟynyn kutlu olsun/. The /u/ sound is like c[oo]l, /m/ is like [m]uch, /ɟ/ is like ar[g]ue, /n/ is like [n]ot, /k/ is like [c]ore and /s/ is like [s]end.
Did you know?
- In Turkey, it is common to celebrate a birthday by bringing a cake with candles, but the person celebrating may also be expected to treat their friends to a meal or drinks.
- The word kutlu in doğum günün kutlu olsun comes from kut, an ancient Turkic concept of divine blessing or sacred life force given by a deity.
- The phrase mutlu yıllar can be used both for birthdays and as a general greeting for the New Year.
Examples in context
- Doğum günün kutlu olsun!Happy birthday!This is a standard way to say Happy birthday!Tatoeba #1080676 by duran, translation #453219 by CM
- Doğum günün kutlu olsun.I wish you a happy birthday.This is useful for wishing someone a happy birthday.Tatoeba #7827306 by soliloquist, translation #897532 by CM
- Sana mutlu yıllar diyorum.I say happy birthday.This shows how to use the phrase 'mutlu yıllar' to say happy birthday.Tatoeba #5305479 by deyta, translation #1216270 by jared1981
- Canım arkadaşım, iyi ki doğdun!My dear friend, good that you were born!
- 29 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mehmet and Merve are celebrating Merve's birthday at a cafe.
- MehmetDoğum günün kutlu olsun, Merve!Happy birthday, Merve!
- MerveÇok teşekkür ederim, Mehmet.Thank you very much, Mehmet.
- MehmetYeni yaşın sana mutluluk getirsin.May your new age bring you happiness.
- MerveSağ ol, canım arkadaşım.Thanks, my dear friend.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “happy birthday” translations and entries doğum günün kutlu olsun, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Turkish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries doğum, kutlu, mutlu, nice, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
