How to Say Happy Birthday in Georgian: Pronunciation & Phrases

Celebrating in Kartuli: How to Say “Happy Birthday” in Georgian

Stepping into the vibrant world of Georgian culture opens the door to one of the most unique and ancient languages in the world. Spoken by roughly four million people primarily in the Caucasus nation of Georgia, Georgian (Kartuli) features its own distinct, breathtaking alphabet and a rich phonetic soundscape.

Whether you are connecting with a Georgian friend online, traveling to Tbilisi, or expanding your linguistic horizons, learning how to wish someone a happy birthday is a wonderful way to show appreciation.

The Core Phrase: Breaking Down “Happy Birthday”

In English, we wish someone a “happy” day. In Georgian, however, the approach is slightly different: you actively congratulate them on the milestone of their birth.

The standard phrase is:

• Written: გილოცავ დაბადების დღეს
• Pronunciation: Gilotsav dabadebis dghes
• Literal Translation: “I congratulate you on the day of birth.”

Let’s break the phrase down piece by piece to see how it works:

1. გილოცავ (Gilotsav): “I congratulate you.” The verb itself cleverly contains the pronoun, meaning the act of congratulation is built right into the word.
2. დაბადების (Dabadebis): Meaning “of birth” (from the root dabadeba).
3. დღეს (Dghes): Meaning “day” (in an objective case form).

Casual vs. Formal: Knowing When to Add a “-T”

Georgian grammar shifts depending on who you are talking to, particularly regarding social hierarchy, age, and respect.

• Informal (Gilotsav dabadebis dghes): Use this with friends, peers, children, or anyone you are on a first-name basis with.
• Formal (*Gilotsavt** dabadebis dghes*):** By adding a -t at the end of the first word, the verb shifts to the plural/polite form. Use this version when addressing elders, bosses, teachers, or groups of people. When in doubt, leaning toward the formal version is always a safe and respectful bet.

Adding Extra Warmth: Bonus Georgian Wishes

If you want to go beyond a simple greeting and truly impress a native speaker, you can stack a heartfelt blessing right after your birthday wishes. Try using one of these expressions:

• ბედნიერებას და ჯანმრთელობას გისურვებ!
  • Pronunciation: Bednierebas da janmrthelobas gisurveb!
  • Meaning: “I wish you happiness and health!”
• უსაზღვრო ბედნიერება გისურვებ!
  • Pronunciation: Usazghvro bedniereba gisurveb!
  • Meaning: “I wish you endless happiness!”
• გისურვებ წარმატებებს!
  • Pronunciation: Gisurveb warmatebebs!
  • Meaning: “I wish you success!”

The Spirit of Celebration in Georgia

Birthdays and gatherings in Georgia are legendary, often tied to incredible food, heartfelt toasts, and a deep sense of community. When you greet someone with Gilotsav dabadebis dghes, you aren’t just reciting a vocabulary word—you are tapping into a warm culture that deeply values hospitality, connection, and joy.