How to Say Happy Birthday in Georgian: Easy Guide

Master the Greeting: How to Say “Happy Birthday” in Georgian

If you want to surprise a friend, connect with locals, or bring a touch of authentic Georgian warmth to a celebration, saying “Happy Birthday” in Georgian is a wonderful gesture. The Georgian language (Kartuli) is famously unique, and its birthday greetings carry a poetic weight that goes far beyond a simple translation.

1. The Main Phrase: How to Say It

The most common and universally accepted way to wish someone a happy birthday in Georgian is:

გილოცავ დაბადების დღეს!
Pronunciation: gi-lo-tsav da-ba-de-bis dghes

Literal Translation

Unlike English, which wishes you a “happy” day, Georgian focuses on the act of congratulating you on the milestone itself. Translated literally, the phrase means:

• “I congratulate you on the day of birth.”

• გილოცავ (gilotsav): I congratulate you (derived from lotsva, meaning prayer or blessing).

• დაბადების (dabadebis): Of birth.

• დღეს (dghes): Day (or “on the day”).

2. Informal vs. Formal: When to Add a “-t”

Georgian grammar shifts depending on who you are talking to. Adjusting your greeting based on social context shows immediate respect:

• Informal (Gilotsav dabadebis dghes!): Use this with friends, peers, partners, or people younger than you.
• Formal / Plural (*Gilotsavt** dabadebis dghes!*):** Add a “-t” at the end of the first word when speaking to elders, superiors, or a group of people/a family. When in doubt, leaning toward the formal version is always safe and appreciated.

3. Elevate Your Wish: Extra Phrases to Add

If you want to make your message stand out in a text or a card, you can stack a heartfelt blessing right after your greeting:

• ბედნიერებას და ჯანმრთელობას გისურვებ! (bednierebas da janmrthelobas gisurveb) — “I wish you happiness and health!”
• უსაზღვრო ბედნიერება გისურვებ! (usazghvro bedniereba gisurveb) — “I wish you endless happiness!”
• გისურვებ წარმატებებს! (gisurveb warmatebebs) — “I wish you success!”

4. Birthday Culture in Georgia: The Supra and Toasts

Birthdays in Georgia are rarely quiet affairs; they are typically celebrated around a legendary supra (traditional feast).