生日

• Pinyin: shēng rì
• Hanzi breakdown: 生 (life, birth) + 日 (day, sun)

Meaning

Birthday. The annual anniversary of the day a person was born.

Used in everyday conversation to refer to the date someone was born. Chinese birthdays traditionally follow the lunar calendar, though younger generations commonly celebrate the solar calendar date. The phrase 生日快乐 (happy birthday) is universally understood.

Examples

1. 今天是我的生日。 Today is my birthday.
2. 祝你生日快乐！ Happy birthday to you!
3. 她的生日是五月三号。 Her birthday is May 3rd.

Usage Guide

Context: celebration, everyday

Tone: warm

Do Say

• 祝你生日快乐！(Happy birthday!)
• 你的生日是几月几号？(What date is your birthday?)

Don't Say

• 你几岁生日？(Awkward — say 你的生日是哪天 or 你什么时候过生日 to ask about someone's birthday)

Origin & History

Compound of 生 (birth, to be born) and 日 (day), literally meaning 'birth day.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal