诞辰

• Pinyin: dàn chén
• Hanzi breakdown: 诞 = 讠 + 延 (birth, be born); 辰 = 辰 (celestial time, day)

Meaning

Birthday; the anniversary of birth. Used in formal or literary contexts, especially for historical figures, dignitaries, or the deceased.

A respectful, formal word for birthday used in official commemorations, historical texts, and formal tributes. Not appropriate in casual conversation between friends.

Examples

1. 今年是鲁迅先生诞辰一百四十周年，各地纷纷举办纪念活动。 This year marks the 140th anniversary of Mr. Lu Xun’s birth, and commemorative events are being held across the country.
2. 学校为庆祝孔子诞辰，专门组织了系列文化讲座。 To celebrate Confucius’s birthday, the school specifically organized a series of cultural lectures.
3. 在伟人诞辰纪念日，我们应当铭记他们为国家所做的贡献。 On the anniversary of a great leader’s birth, we should remember the contributions they made to the nation.

Usage Guide

Context: history, commemoration, literature, ceremony

Tone: respectful

Do Say

• 明天是先生诞辰纪念日，全校将举行隆重的纪念仪式。(Tomorrow is the anniversary of the master's birth; the entire school will hold a solemn commemorative ceremony.)
• 我们在此共同缅怀，纪念他的诞辰。(We gather here together to commemorate the anniversary of his birth.)

Don't Say

• 今天是我的诞辰 — for one's own birthday in casual speech, use 生日; saying 诞辰 about oneself sounds pompous and pretentious

Origin & History

诞 (to be born) + 辰 (celestial time, day)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal