How to wish someone a happy birthday in Swahili?

In Swahili (Kiswahili), wishing someone a happy birthday can be done with the following common expressions:

1. Basic blessing
Heri ya siku ya kuzaliwa!”
(Happy Birthday!) –The most commonly used expression translates to “Happy Birthday”.

Hongera kwa siku yako ya kuzaliwa!”
(Congratulations on your birthday!) –(Congratulations on your birthday!)

2. More enthusiastic wishes
“Nakutakia siku njema ya kuzaliwa!”
(Have a wonderful birthday!)

“Mungu akubariki katika siku yako ya kuzaliwa!”
(May God bless you on your birthday!) –Blessings with religious overtones.

3. Informal/Friends Wishes
“Piga kilele siku yako ya kuzaliwa!”
(Let your birthday be wild!) –like “Celebrate well!”

“Furaha na maisha marefu!”
(May joy and longevity be with you!)

4. Birthday Song (Swahili version)
The lyrics of the Swahili birthday song are usually:
“Heri ya siku ya kuzaliwa!
Heri ya siku yako!
Heri ya siku ya kuzaliwa!
Mungu akubariki!”

(Happy birthday! /Happy day that belongs to you! /Happy birthday! /May God bless you!)

Example Sentence Usage
Heri ya siku ya kuzaliwa, rafiki yangu! Nakuombea maisha mazuri!”
(Happy birthday, my friend! I pray for a wonderful life for you!)

Hongera kwa siku yako ya kuzaliwa! Tunakupenda sana!”
(Congratulations on your birthday! We love you very much!)