How to Say Happy Birthday in Welsh Easily
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How to Say Happy Birthday in Welsh Easily

Apr 21, 2025

Introduction

Knowing how to say Happy Birthday in Welsh is a fun and useful skill to have, whether you’re attempting to surprise a Welsh friend or you just enjoy studying other languages! Adding a little Welsh to your greeting, whether it’s in person, on social media, or in a handwritten card, makes it seem more considerate and unique.

Learning simple phrases like “Happy Birthday in Welsh” can help you connect with Welsh culture, wow native speakers, and demonstrate your sincere admiration for their heritage even if you don’t speak the language fluently.

To help you say “Happy Birthday in Welsh with ease and confidence, we’ll go over how to pronounce it, how to use it, and even some cultural tidbits.

“Happy Birthday” in Welsh.

Let’s get right to the important part. “happy birthday in welsh” is expressed as follows in Welsh:

The pronunciation of Penblwydd Hapus is pen-bloyth ha-piss.

This is a summary:

Penblwydd = wedding

Hapus is a pleasant word.

Therefore, the literal translation of Penblwydd Hapus is ‘Birthday Happy’ in Welsh. The sequence is inverted because adjectives are frequently placed after the noun in Welsh, in contrast to English. At first glance, this could look a bit odd, but it’s actually a lovely peculiarity of Welsh.

Learn the rhythm and intonation of “Penblwydd Hapus” by hearing native people pronounce it.

A Brief, Step-by-Step Manual

Here is a simple, step-by-step instruction for beginners who are new to Welsh or who simply want a reliable method to remember the phrase:

Step 1: Acquire the Words Individually

Begin by practicing each word separately.

The final “dd” of the word, which sounds like the “th” in “the,” may cause you to stumble at first.

The pronunciation of hapus (ha-piss) is much simpler, and it looks a lot like it does.

Spend some time saying each word out. Repetition is very beneficial!

Step 2: Assemble Them

Put them together now: Penblwydd Hapus.

Speak gently at first, then more quickly as you gain confidence. To hear how you sound, you might even want to record yourself.

Step 3: Give It a Name to Make It Your Own

Do you want to make it even more memorable? At the end, include the person’s name.

Megan, penblwydd Hapus!
(Megan, happy birthday in welsh!)

This small gesture has the power to make someone smile.

A Brief Story: I Used It for the First Time

During a surprise birthday lunch for a coworker in Cardiff, I can recall saying “Happy Birthday” in Welsh for the first time. I simply froze when everyone began singing in Welsh because I had no idea what the words were!

However, I hurriedly said the sentence to myself a few times, and then, with my best effort, I blurted out, “Penblwydd Hapus!” at the conclusion. Everyone cheered and smiled, which surprised me. My coworker was incredibly moved by my attempt. That instance demonstrated to me the power of a few basic words in someone’s mother tongue to establish a sincere connection.

The Birthday Song in Welsh

Indeed, the well-known song “Happy Birthday in welsh” has a Welsh rendition that is equally upbeat! This is how it works:

🎵 The hapus i ti penblwydd
The hapus i ti penblwydd
[Name] Penblwydd hapus annwyl
I ti hapus i penblwydd 🎵

This means “Happy birthday to you” in literal translation, where “annwyl” means “dear.”

Would you like to hear it in action? Check out the Welsh birthday song on YouTube.

It’s likely that this rendition will be sung with as much gusto as the English version—or maybe even more—if you’re at a birthday celebration in Wales.

Why Learn Welsh for “Happy Birthday”?

With origins that go back more than 1,500 years, Welsh, also known as Cymraeg, is one of the oldest languages still in use in Europe. It has a strong connection to Welsh culture and identity. It is now taught in schools, used on road signs, and spoken by an increasing number of individuals due to growing language revitalisation activities.

More than simply a simple statement, “Happy Birthday” in Welsh is a subtle yet effective approach to:

Be mindful of other cultures.

Develop closer ties with Welsh speakers

Discover an intriguing language and culture.

Engage in multilingual Wales, where a lot of people proudly cherish their heritage.

Therefore, saying “Penblwydd Hapus” is a terrific start towards cultural connection, even if you’re only visiting or learning for fun. There is 10 Must-Visit Shopping Spots Every Traveler Should Know.

Why not expand your vocabulary with a few more charming words after you’ve mastered Happy Birthday in Welsh?

Llawer o Gariad: Abundant affection

Dymuniadau gorau: Warmest regards

Mwynhewch eich diwrnod: Have a good time.

Gyda Chariad: With affection

Salutations from Cofion Gorau

These can be used in communications, birthday greetings, or informal conversations with Welsh speakers.

Do you want additional greetings? A helpful list of beginner-friendly Welsh phrases is available from BBC Wales.

Do many people still speak Welsh today?

Indeed! Hundreds of thousands of people speak Welsh, which is Wales’ official language. It is the main language spoken in households, schools, and communities in some places, particularly North and West Wales. Welsh-language newspapers, radio, and television all contribute to the language’s continued vitality.

Is it acceptable to write “Penblwydd Hapus” on a birthday card or note?

Of course. Writing “Happy Birthday in Welsh” on a card or letter doesn’t require you to be fluent in the language. Simply utilising Penblwydd Hapus is welcomed and frequently makes people smile. Do you want to go above and beyond? Combine it with one of the previously mentioned bonus phrases!

How can I get better at pronouncing words in Welsh?

Listening to native speakers is the most effective method. You can lose yourself in the sounds by using apps like SaySomethingInWelsh or even listening to Welsh music on Spotify. Everyone starts somewhere, so don’t worry about making mistakes when you repeat things out loud.

FAQs

It means Penblwydd Hapus, or "Birthday Happy.

Yes! Just write Penblwydd Hapus

It’s said as pen-bloyth ha-piss.

Yes, it’s short and fun—Penblwydd Hapus

Conclusion

It’s a beautiful, kind, and affectionate way to wish someone a happy birthday in Welsh. Penblwydd Hapus is a term worth learning, whether you’re celebrating with a Welsh friend, getting ready for a vacation to Snowdonia, or simply adding a distinctive touch to your messaging.

It’s incredible how two words can span cultural gaps, make people smile, and convey concern.

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