How to Say Happy Birthday in Georgian: Easy Guide

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

When it comes to celebrations, Georgia (the country nestled at the intersection of Eastern Europe and Western Asia) is world-famous for its legendary hospitality, vibrant culture, and epic feasts known as supra. Whether you are planning a trip to Tbilisi, toasting with Georgian friends, or simply expanding your linguistic horizons, learning how to say “Happy birthday” in Georgian is a wonderful way to connect with one of the world’s most unique cultures.

In this guide, we will explore the Georgian birthday greeting, how to pronounce it, and the rich cultural traditions that make celebrating a birthday in Georgia so special.

The Essential Greeting: How to Say “Happy Birthday”

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

• Georgian Script: დაბადების დღეს გილოცავ!
• Transliteration (Latin Alphabet): Dabadis dghes gilocav!
• Literal Translation: “I congratulate you on your birthday!”

Breaking Down the Pronunciation

Georgian can look intimidating because of its unique Mkhedruli alphabet, but breaking it down syllable by syllable makes it manageable:

• Da-ba-de-bis (da-bah-deh-bis): of birth / birthday
• Dghes (dges): day (the gh represents a soft, breathy sound, similar to a guttural ‘h’ or French ‘r’, but pronouncing it closer to a crisp ‘dges’ is easily understood)
• Gi-lo-cav (gi-lo-tsav): I congratulate you

If you want to make it formal—such as addressing an elder, a business acquaintance, or someone you wish to show deep respect to—you can add tqven (you, formal):

• Georgian Script: დაბადების დღეს გილოცავთ!
• Transliteration: Dabadis dghes gilocavt!
• Key Difference: The ending changes from -cav to -cavt, indicating the formal plural “you.”

Raising a Glass: The Georgian Birthday Toast

In Georgia, words carry immense weight, and no celebration happens without a toast (sarkvelebi). If you are attending a birthday party (dabadebis dghe), you won’t just say “Happy Birthday” and take a sip; you will likely participate in a structured, heartfelt toast led by a tamada (toastmaster) or a guest honoring the birthday person.

When it is your turn to raise your glass of local wine or chacha (Georgian grappa), you can combine your greeting with a wish:

“გიმრავლოს სიცოცხლე და ბედნიერება!”
(Gimravlos sicotsxle da bedniereba!)
Meaning: “May your life and happiness multiply!”

Fun Facts About Georgian Birthdays

• The Musical Tradition: While the classic “Happy Birthday to You” song is widely recognized and sung in urban areas, traditional Georgian polyphonic singing often takes center stage at major gatherings. Friends and family might improvise harmonious tunes to honor the guest of honor.
• The Feast (Supra): A Georgian birthday is rarely a quiet dinner. Expect an abundance of dishes like khachapuri (cheese-filled bread), khinkali (soup dumplings), fresh herbs, grilled meats (mtsvadi), and endless rounds of toasts celebrating health, family, and peace.

Summary Quick-Reference Card

| Context | Georgian Phrase | Pronunciation |
| :— | :— | :— |
| Informal (Friends, peers) | დაბადების დღეს გილოცავ! | Dabadis dghes gilocav! |
| Formal (Elders, professionals) | დაბადების დღეს გილოცავთ! | Dabadis dghes gilocavt! |
| Cheers / To a good life | გაუმარჯოს! | Gaumarjos! (Cheers / Victory to you!) |