When wishing someone a “Happy Birthday” in Russian, there are several expressions to choose from:
- С днем рождения (pronounced: zdnyom razhdyenya) – This is the most direct translation of “Happy Birthday” and is universally understood.
- С днем варенья (zdnyom varenya) – A more playful and informal greeting, it translates to “happy jam day.” This whimsical phrase is inspired by the popular Russian cartoon, Малыш и Карлсон (Smidge and Karlsson).
Additional Birthday Wishes
- Желаю всего самого лучего (zhylayu vsyevoh samavuh lutshivah) – This heartfelt phrase means “I wish you all the best” and is appropriate for both formal and informal occasions.
- Желаю самого-самого (zhylayu samavah samavah) – A more casual variant of the previous wish, it’s best used among close friends and family.
- Желаю всего того, что ты/вы себе сам/а/и желаешь/желаете (zhylayu vsyvoh tavoh, shto ty/vy sibye sam/samah/sami zhylaysh/zhylayitye) – This translates to “I hope all your wishes come true.” It’s a warm sentiment suitable for friends and family.
Other Expressions of Goodwill
- Я жела́ю тебе́ уда́чи – “I wish you good luck.”
- Я жела́ю тебе́ успе́хов – “I wish you success.”
- Я жела́ю тебе́ благополу́чия – “I wish you prosperity.”
The Birthday Toast
In Russia, birthdays often feature a toast. A popular one goes:
Желаю во всём быть первой/первым… – “I wish you always to be the first in everything… and for everything in life to be top-notch.” This toast cleverly uses numbers as metaphors, each symbolizing a different wish.
“Happy Birthday” Song in Russian
While some might opt for the Russian version of the English “Happy Birthday” song, the most cherished birthday song is Песенка крокодила Гены or “The Song of Crocodile Gena” from the cartoon Cheburashka.
Bibliography
- Various authors. Russian for Spanish Speakers: Level 1. (2003). Spain: Herder Editorial.
- Taranov, A. Spanish-Russian Vocabulary – 9000 Most Used Words. (2013). Spain: T&P Books.
- Prira, A. Learn Russian for Beginners: First Words for Everyone. (2021). Spain: B091W9M4WV.
- “Cheburashka’s Birthday Song.” Russian Music. Link
