How to Say Happy Birthday in Georgian

Celebrating Life, Georgian-Style: How to Say “Happy Birthday” in Georgian

When you step into the world of Georgian hospitality, birthdays aren’t just quiet dinner parties; they are vibrant celebrations steeped in poetry, toasts, and an immense love for life. If you want to wish someone a happy birthday in the breathtaking and culturally rich language of Georgia, you are in for a treat.

Georgian is one of the world’s oldest living written languages, featuring a distinct alphabet that looks like intricate artwork. Learning a birthday greeting here is your gateway into a culture renowned for treating guests like gifts from God.

The Essential Phrase: “Happy Birthday”

The standard, most common way to say “Happy Birthday” in Georgian is:

گیორგი დაბადების დღეს გილოცავ! (Gilocav dabadebis dges!)
Pronunciation: gee-loh-tsahv dah-bah-deh-bis dgehs!

• Gilocav means “I congratulate you.”
• Dabadebis dges means “on the day of birth.”

If you are speaking to a group of people, or addressing an elder or someone you want to show formal respect to, you use the plural/polite form:

დაბადების დღეს გილოცავთ! (Gilocavt dabadebis dges!)
Pronunciation: gee-loh-tsahvt dah-bah-deh-bis dgehs!

Going Deeper: Traditional Georgian Birthday Wishes

Georgians love poetic flair and heartfelt blessings. If you want to elevate your greeting beyond a simple phrase, try using one of these traditional celebratory sentiments:

• “რავა ბედნიერი ყოფილიყავი!” (Ra ba-de-ni-ri yo-pi-li-qa-vi!) — “May you be very happy!”
• “მრავალს დაესწარი!” (Mra-vals da-es-tsa-ri!) — “May you witness many more [birthdays]!” This is a staple phrase used across almost all major Georgian holidays and life milestones.
• “ჯანმრთელობა და წარმატებები!” (Djanm-r-the-lo-ba da ts’ar-ma-te-be-bi!) — “Health and success!”

The Art of the Georgian Birthday Toast

No birthday in Georgia is complete without a supra (traditional feast) led by a tamada (toastmaster). Birthdays are viewed as a milestone to reflect on wisdom gained, honor parents, and look forward to the future.

If you ever find yourself raising a glass at a Georgian birthday celebration, remember that toasts are never rushed. They flow like poetry, moving from honoring the birthday person’s character to expressing gratitude for friendship, peace, and family.

When it is your turn to clink glasses, you can simply look the birthday person in the eye, raise your glass of wine or lemonade, and say:

„გაუმარჯოს!“ (Ga-umar-jos!) — “Cheers!” (Literally meaning: “Victory to them!”)