生日 — meaning in English: birthday

shēngrì · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for birthday

字

zì

生日

shēngrì

律师

lǜshī

分辨率

fēnbiàn lǜ

王子

wángzǐ

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neutral very common

Usage

Native speakers commonly use the word 生日 (shēngrì) during personal celebrations, such as birthday parties or when discussing plans for a friend's or family member's birthday. It's often heard in casual conversations among friends and family, especially when expressing wishes or making invitations.

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym for 生日 (shēngrì) is 诞辰 (dànchén), which is a more formal way of saying 'birthday' and is often used in literary or ceremonial contexts. You would typically use 生日 (shēngrì) in everyday conversations, while 诞辰 (dànchén) might be reserved for a more formal occasion or when referring to someone's esteemed birthday.

Culture

The term 生日 (shēngrì) consists of two characters: '生' (shēng), meaning 'to be born,' and '日' (rì), meaning 'day.' This word reflects the cultural importance of birthdays in China, where they are celebrated with family gatherings, special foods, and sometimes even traditional rituals to honor one's ancestors. Interestingly, some Chinese people also celebrate their 'birthday' based on the lunar calendar, adding another layer of significance to this special day.

FAQ

Q.How do you say 'happy birthday' in Mandarin?

You can say '生日快乐' (shēngrì kuàilè) to wish someone a happy birthday. It's a common phrase used during birthday celebrations.

Q.What do Chinese people typically do on their birthdays?

Traditionally, Chinese people celebrate their birthdays with family gatherings, special meals, and sometimes, a cake. Some also follow customs like wearing red for good luck and making offerings to ancestors.

Q.Is there a special way to write '生日' for invitations?

When writing invitations for a birthday, you can simply use 生日 (shēngrì) along with the person's name and the date. It's straightforward and easily understood.

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Chinese (Mandarin) 2000