The most common way to say Happy Birthday in Hungarian is Boldog születésnapot! This phrase is the standard expression for birthday wishes across Hungary and is used both in speech and writing, and song!

1. Pronunciation and Variations

Boldog születésnapot!
Pronounced: bol-dog soo-leh-tehsh-nah-pot
This is the polite, neutral way to wish someone a happy birthday in Hungarian.

Boldog szülinapot!
A friendly, shortened version used among close friends or younger people.

Isten éltessen (sokáig)!
Translation: “May God grant you long life!”
Often used with Boldog születésnapot for warmth and sincerity — though it sounds religious, it’s common even among non-religious Hungarians.

2. Hungarian Birthday Songs and Traditions

The classic Hungarian birthday song repeats the phrase Boldog születésnapot to the same rhythm as the English “Happy Birthday to You.”

It’s also traditional for family or friends to gently pull the birthday person’s ear while saying, “Míg a füled ér bokáig!” — meaning “Until your ear reaches your ankle!” This playful act symbolizes long life and many more birthdays.

Among friends, you may also hear humorous versions like Boldog szülcsinapcsit!

3. Common Hungarian Birthday Vocabulary

születésnap = birthday
szülinap = birthday (shortened form)
születésnapi torta = birthday cake
születésnapi ajándék = birthday gift
születésnapi parti / zsúr = birthday party

4. Sample Greeting You Can Use

“Boldog születésnapot! Kívánok neked sok boldogságot, egészséget és sikert!”
Translation: “Happy Birthday! I wish you lots of happiness, health, and success!”

5. Cultural Note: Birthdays vs. Name Days

In Hungary, birthdays are often celebrated alongside névnap (name days). In some regions, the névnap is even more significant than the birthday itself. Use Boldog születésnapot! for formal or new acquaintances, and Boldog szülinapot! for close friends and family.

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