In Turkish culture, not only birthdays but every other special occasion is worth remembering. Thus, you’re expected to attend the ceremonies – if you’re invited – and convey your best wishes.
We feel happy when our birthdays are remembered and celebrated by our friends. It is a sign that they love us. We should do the same when it’s their birthday. Because they’re expecting birthday wishes from us. Otherwise, it would be so rude and disappointing.
If you have a Turkish friend whose birthday is coming up soon, why don’t you hit them right in the feels by wishing them a happy birthday in Turkish? Oh, you don’t know Turkish? No worries! We’re here to help you learn Turkish.
Keep reading below to learn how to say Happy Birthday in Turkish and much more related to birthdays!
How Do People Celebrate Birthdays In Turkey?
Turkish people usually celebrate their birthdays with their friends and family separately. For example, I celebrate my birthday with my family in the daytime and go out with my friends in the evening to celebrate my birthday again.
You don’t say, ”Hey, it’s my birthday. Let’s go out and celebrate,” but rather your friends say this to you. Or they basically surprise you with a small gathering and give you birthday gifts.
Throwing big birthday parties is not a common thing here, but of course, there are some people who celebrate their birthday with a crowded party.
Giving gifts, eating a birthday cake, and blowing out the candles are must-dos for birthday ceremonies in Turkey.
What Is The Turkish Birthday Song?
It is actually the Turkish version of the Happy Birthday song in English. It has the same tune and melody. You should say ”mutlu yıllar sana” instead of saying Happy birthday to you.
How To Say Happy Birthday In Turkish?
There are many ways of celebrating someone’s birthday in Turkish. The most commonly used phrase is ”iyi ki doğdun” and ”doğum günün kutlu olsun” both of which correspond to a happy birthday in English.
Let’s look at the other common phrases that people use to say happy birthday in Turkish.
1. İyi Ki Doğdun
This is the most commonly used phrase to say happy birthday in Turkish. I also prefer saying this one. Even though it is a relatively short sentence, it has sincere meaning. It means ”I’m glad that you were born on this day.” It’s better if you say this to your friends and family.
2. Mutlu Yıllar
It literally translates as ”Happy New Year” in English. I know it’s weird that you say this to celebrate the new year, but we use the same phrase to wish happy birthday in Turkish. It has a meaning like ”may your new age (year) go on happily.”
3. Doğum Günün Kutlu Olsun
This is the phrase you will see if you look up an English-Turkish dictionary for the equivalent of happy birthday. It is another common phrase in Turkey. It is a neutral phrase, so that you can use it in both formal and informal situations.
4. Yeni Yaşın Kutlu Olsun
This phrase is not as common as the previous ones, but still, people say it every now and then. This phrase literally means ”May your new age be blessed,” and again, it is neutral. It is one of the most beautiful ways to wish someone a happy birthday.
5. Yeni Yaşın Sana Şans Getirsin
The literal meaning of this Turkish phrase is ”May your new age bring you luck”. It sounds a little sincere and informal. So, make sure to say it to people who are close to you.
6. Nice Senelere
It literally means ”To many more years”. Behind this Turkish phrase, there is a meaning like I hope you have many more birthdays to celebrate. So you’re kind of wishing them a long life.
7. Tebrikler
It is the Turkish equivalent of congratulations. You can say this phrase to celebrate almost everything. So if you’re not sure what to say, just say ”tebrikler” to stay safe and sound professional.
Birthday-Related Vocabulary In Turkish
Here is the list of Turkish vocabulary related to the birthday topic. It’d be to your benefit to know these words if you’re planning to organize a birthday celebration.
Useful Turkish Birthday-Related Phrases
- Doğum günün ne zaman? – When is your birthday?
- Doğum günüm ___-da/-de. – My birthday is on ___.
- ___’nin doğum günü ne zaman? – When is ___’s birthday?
- Bu hediyeyi senin için aldım. – I bought this gift for you.
- Nasıl bir hediye istersin? – What kind of gift would you like?
- Doğum günü partime davetlisin. – You’re invited to my birthday party.
- Parti nerede? – Where is the party?
- Parti saat kaçta başlayacak? – What time does the party start?
- Hangi yılda doğdun? – What year were you born?
After reading this blog post, I’m sure you will impress someone by simply saying ”doğum günün kutlu olsun” on a very special day. If you want to learn Turkish from zero, give the Ling app a try. I promise you won’t regret it!
P.S. Don’t forget to visit our Turkish blog weekly to learn more about Turkish culture and language!
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Until next time! Görüşmek üzere!
