How to Say Happy Birthday in Georgian: Complete Guide

Celebrating Birthdays the Georgian Way: How to Say “Happy Birthday” in Georgian

When it comes to celebrations, Georgia (the country nestled at the intersection of Europe and Asia) is famous around the world for its legendary hospitality, heartfelt toasts, and vibrant culture. Whether you are planning a trip to Tbilisi, making Georgian friends, or simply expanding your linguistic horizons, learning how to wish someone a happy birthday in Georgian is a wonderful way to connect.

Let’s dive into how to say “Happy birthday” in Georgian, complete with pronunciation guides and cultural insights!

1. The Standard Birthday Greeting

The most common way to wish someone a happy birthday in Georgian is:

• Georgian (Mkhedruli script): გილოცავ დაბადების დღეს
• Transliteration: Gilotsav dabadebis dghes
• Meaning: “I congratulate you on your birthday”

Breakdown of the Phrase:

• გილოცავ (Gilotsav): I congratulate you
• დაბადების (Dabadebis): Of birth
• დღეს (Dghes): Day

Pronunciation Tip: The Georgian letter ღ (gh) is pronounced like a soft, breathy French “r” or a Spanish “g” in agua. If you are just starting out, getting close to a soft “h” or “g” sound will still be understood with a smile!

2. Making It Formal or Plural

If you are wishing a happy birthday to an elder, a teacher, a group of people, or someone you want to show formal respect to, you need to use the polite/plural form of the verb:

• Georgian: გილოცავთ დაბადების დღეს
• Transliteration: Gilotsavt dabadebis dghes
• Meaning: “We congratulate you / I congratulate you (formally) on your birthday”

The key difference here is the added -t at the end of the first word (gilotsavt).

3. Adding Extra Warmth: “Many Happy Returns!”

To make your birthday wish even more engaging and native-sounding, Georgians love to add blessings for the future. A common follow-up phrase is:

• Georgian: მრავალს დაესწარი!
• Transliteration: Mravals daestsari!
• Meaning: “May you attend many [more birthdays]!” or “Many happy returns!”

This is a deeply traditional Georgian greeting used not just for birthdays, but for holidays and celebrations as well. Hearing this brings an instant smile to anyone’s face.

4. What to Expect at a Georgian Birthday Party (Supra)

If you are lucky enough to attend a birthday celebration in Georgia, you will likely experience a Supra—a traditional Georgian feast.

• The Tamada (Toastmaster): A Georgian birthday party always features heartfelt, poetic toasts. The Tamada will lead the table in drinking to the health of the birthday person, their family, and their future.
• Mravaljamier: You might hear the breathtaking traditional polyphonic song “Mravaljamier” sung in honor of the person, which translates roughly to wishing them a long and prosperous life.

Quick Reference Guide

| English Phrase | Georgian (Transliteration) | When to Use |
| :— | :— | :— |
| Happy Birthday! | Gilotsav dabadebis dghes | Casual / Friends & Peers |
| Happy Birthday! (Formal) | Gilotsavt dabadebis dghes | Elders / Formal settings |
| Many happy returns! | Mravals daestsari | As an extra blessing |

Next time a friend or loved one celebrates their special day, surprise them with a heartfelt Gilotsav dabadebis dghes!