С днём рождения тебя
S dnyom rozhdeniya tebya
The English phrase "happy birthday to you" is translated into Russian as С днём рождения тебя (S dnyom rozhdeniya tebya).
This phrase is a common greeting used to wish someone a happy anniversary of their birth. While С днём рождения тебя specifically adds "to you," it is very common for Russians to simply say С днём рождения! to mean "Happy Birthday!" Additionally, you might hear Поздравляю с Днём Рождения!, which means "Congratulations on your Birthday!"
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "With the day of birth".
How does it change in a sentence?
The specific form С днём рождения тебя is used for friends, family or children. To make the greeting formal or to direct it at a group of people, you should replace тебя with вас to say С днём рождения вас. For an informal touch, such as saying "Happy Birthday, dear!", you can use С Днём Рождения, милый/милая!
How do you pronounce it?
S dnyom rozhdeniya tebya
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid trying to translate "Happy Birthday" word-for-word as Счастливого дня рождения. Instead, use the standard idiom С днём рождения.
Did you know?
- In Russian culture, it is often considered bad luck to wish someone a happy birthday before the actual day arrives. It is better to wait until the date itself to avoid the appearance of 'jinxing' the person's upcoming year.
- In Russia, it is a common custom for the birthday person to buy treats or a cake for their colleagues and friends, rather than receiving gifts alone.
- Russian has a specific word for the 'name day' of a person, which is the feast day of the saint they are named after. In some traditional circles, this is celebrated as much as the birth day.
Examples in context
- С Днём Рождения, Александр! Желаю тебе неиссякаемого вдохновения и много радости в жизни!Happy Birthday, Alexander! I wish you endless inspiration and lots of joy in life!
- С днём рождения тебя, мой друг!S dnyom rozhdeniya tebya, moy drug!Happy birthday to you, my friend!
- Я хочу сказать: С днём рождения тебя!Ya khochu skazat': S dnyom rozhdeniya tebya!I want to say: Happy birthday to you!
- С днём рождения тебя, дорогая!S dnyom rozhdeniya tebya, dorogaya!Happy birthday to you, dear!
Example conversation
Andrey is calling Maria to congratulate her on her birthday.
- Андрей AndreyПривет, Мария! С днём рождения тебя!Privet, Mariya! S dnyom rozhdeniya tebya!Hi, Maria! Happy birthday to you!
- Мария MariaОй, Андрей, спасибо большое!Oy, Andrey, spasibo bol'shoye!Oh, Andrey, thank you so much!
- Андрей AndreyЖелаю тебе всего самого лучшего.Zhelayu tebe vsego samogo luchshego.I wish you all the very best.
- Мария MariaОчень приятно, спасибо за поздравление!Ochen' priyatno, spasibo za pozdravleniye!That is very kind, thanks for the congratulations!
