Everything You Need to Know to Say “Happy Birthday” in Georgian (And More!)
Whether you are planning a trip to the picturesque Caucasus mountains, connecting with a Georgian friend, or raising a glass at a traditional supra (feast), learning how to say “Happy Birthday” in Georgian is a wonderful way to show appreciation for one of the world’s most unique and hospitable cultures.
Georgian (Kartuli ენა) is renowned for being an ancient, independent language with its own gorgeous alphabet and notoriously complex grammar. Don’t worry, though—wishing someone a happy birthday is surprisingly straightforward once you learn the basics!
The Main Phrase: How to Say “Happy Birthday”
The standard way to wish someone a happy birthday in Georgian is:
Gilocav dabadebis dges! (გილოცავ დაბადების დღეს!)
- Pronunciation guide: ghee-loh-tsahv dah-bah-deh-bis dgehs
- Literal translation: “I congratulate you on your birthday!”
In Georgian culture, greetings and celebrations are rarely passive; they are active expressions of goodwill. The verb gilocav means “I congratulate you,” and dabadebis dges means “birthday.”
Making It Formal or Plural
The phrase above is standard and works for most situations. However, if you are speaking to someone older, a group of people, or someone to whom you want to show deep respect, you use the polite/plural form:
Gilocavt dabadebis dges! (გილოცავთ დაბადების დღეს!)
- Pronunciation: ghee-loh-tsahv-t dah-bah-deh-bis dgehs
- Note: Simply adding the “t” sound to the end shifts the verb to the formal/plural register.
Essential Birthday Toasts (The Georgian Way)
Birthdays in Georgia are legendary social events. They almost always involve a celebratory feast (supra) led by a toastmaster (tamada). If you want to impress your friends, go beyond a simple “Happy Birthday” and add a traditional Georgian blessing (sadghegrtzelo).
- “Gilocav dabadebis dges, gulis mteli siyvarulit!”
Meaning: “Happy birthday with all the love of my heart!” - “Gisurveb janmrtelobas da bednierebas!”
Meaning: “I wish you health and happiness!”- Janmrteloba = Health (jahn-mrt-eh-loh-bah)
- Bedniereba = Happiness (bed-nee-eh-reh-bah)
- “Gaumarjos shenst dabadebis dges!”
Meaning: “Cheers to your birthday!” (Literally: “Let there be victory to your birthday!”)
Fun Cultural Fact: The Georgian Birthday Song
No Georgian birthday is complete without song. While Georgians happily sing the standard English “Happy Birthday to You” at modern gatherings, they also have their own rich, multi-voiced polyphonic musical traditions. If you attend a traditional gathering, expect plenty of wine, heartfelt toasts that last for several minutes, and spontaneous three-part harmony singing!
Quick Cheat Sheet
| English Phrase | Georgian Text | Approximate Pronunciation |
| :— | :— | :— |
| Happy Birthday! | გილოცავ დაბადების დღეს! | Ghee-loh-tsahv dah-bah-deh-bis dgehs |
| Happy Birthday (Formal) | გილოცავთ დაბადების დღეს! | Ghee-loh-tsahv-t dah-bah-deh-bis dgehs |
| Cheers! / To your health! | გაუმარჯოს! | Gah-oo-mar-joh-s |
| Thank you! | დიდი მადლობა | Didi madloba |
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