Best Wishes in Indian: How to Say It for Birthdays and More

Ever tried Googling how to say "best wishes" in Indian, only to end up even more confused? Here’s the thing—India doesn’t have just one language. There are over 20 official languages, and people celebrate birthdays with different words depending on where they live or what language they speak at home.

If you want to get it right, go for Hindi. Most people understand it, and saying "best wishes" for birthdays is a safe bet. The common phrase is "Shubhkaamnayein" (शुभकामनाएँ) — it literally means "good wishes." You could also say "Janmadin ki badhai" (जन्मदिन की बधाई) for "Happy Birthday," which feels warmer and more specific.

• What Does 'Best Wishes' Mean in India?
• How to Say 'Best Wishes' in Hindi
• Birthday Wishes in Other Indian Languages
• Cultural Tips for Sending Wishes
• Dos and Don'ts When Wishing Someone
• Fun and Memorable Ways to Make Your Wish Stand Out

What Does 'Best Wishes' Mean in India?

When folks in India say "best wishes," they're covering more than just birthdays. It could mean good luck for exams, new jobs, weddings, or even someone's first day at college. The idea is simple: you’re hoping for something good to happen to the other person. But here’s a twist—not every language or region uses the same words, and the emotional weight can change depending on whom you’re talking to.

The direct phrase for best wishes in Hindi is "Shubhkaamnayein." Some people use this on greeting cards, formal WhatsApp messages, or even when speaking at family events. But India is huge on context. For birthdays, many go with a mix: "Janmadin ki shubhkaamnayein" (which is literally "best wishes for your birthday"). In more casual moments, especially among young people, you’ll often just hear "Happy Birthday" in English, tossed right into Hindi or other local languages.

The thing is, using a wish that matches the occasion shows you actually care—not just firing off a copy-paste message. In big Indian cities, you’ll see people mixing English and Hindi (so, “Best wishes for your birthday!” is pretty normal in texts). If you’re ever not sure, just go with the most common phrase for that event, and you’ll fit right in.

How to Say 'Best Wishes' in Hindi

Saying "best wishes" in Hindi actually covers a lot of everyday celebrations—birthdays, exams, weddings, a new job, and even small wins. The phrase you want is Shubhkaamnayein (pronounced SHUBH-kam-NAA-yein), spelled शुभकामनाएँ in Hindi script. This works in pretty much any context where you’d wish someone well. People use it in both spoken and written Hindi, whether in WhatsApp messages or greeting cards.

If it’s someone’s birthday, you can get more specific. The usual phrase is "Janmadin ki badhai" (जन्मदिन की बधाई), which isn’t just "best wishes," but "congratulations on your birthday." Some people also say "Janmadin mubarak ho" (जन्मदिन मुबारक हो), which borrows "mubarak" from Urdu—think of it like saying "Happy Birthday." All three are safe picks, but if you want to play it safe, "Shubhkaamnayein" covers everything.

Here’s a quick lookup for your next message:

Most Indians know at least a little Hindi, especially in bigger cities. Your efforts to write or say something in Hindi will usually be appreciated, even if your accent or spelling isn’t perfect. Pro tip: If you’re texting or writing in Roman script, just spell the words the way they sound—most Indians are used to it.

• For formal cards or office wishes, stick with "Shubhkaamnayein."
• For friends and kids, "Janmadin mubarak ho" feels lighter and more fun.
• Want to impress the elders? Use "Janmadin ki badhai," since it’s more traditional.

And if you really want to fit in, add a smiling emoji. It’s universal at this point!

Birthday Wishes in Other Indian Languages

Saying birthday wishes in someone’s mother tongue can instantly make your message feel more personal. While Hindi covers a big chunk of folks, millions speak Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Marathi, and other regional languages daily. Getting the wish right can really impress your Indian friends or coworkers. Here are some popular ways to say "Happy Birthday" across India:

• Bengali: Shubho Jonmodin (শুভ জন্মদিন)
• Tamil: Pirandha Naal Vaazhthukkal (பிறந்த நாள் வாழ்த்துக்கள்)
• Telugu: Puttina Roju Shubhakankshalu (పుట్టిన రోజు శుభాకాంక్షలు)
• Marathi: Vadhdivsachya Hardik Shubhechha (वाढदिवसाच्या हार्दिक शुभेच्छा)
• Gujarati: Janmadin ni Shubhkaamnao (જન્મદિનની શુભેચ્છાઓ)
• Malayalam: Pirannaal Aashamsakal (പിറന്നാൾ ആശംസകൾ)
• Punjabi: Janamdin Mubarak (ਜਨਮਦਿਨ ਮੁਬਾਰਕ)
• Kannada: Huttida Habbada Shubhashayagalu (ಹುಟ್ಟಿದ ಹಬ್ಬದ ಶುಭಾಶಯಗಳು)

India’s language diversity is serious business. According to the 2011 Census, 121 languages have more than 10,000 native speakers each—but just the top 6 languages cover almost two-thirds of Indians! Check out the numbers below:

Most people don’t expect you to have perfect pronunciation, but using their language means a lot. If you’re unsure, copy and paste the phrase (and script) into your message. Want to go next-level? Add an emoji, sticker, or voice note—tons of Indians love a bright WhatsApp or Instagram greeting.

"Language is more than a tool for communication—it's a way to connect with the heart, especially on birthdays." — Kavita Roy, Indian culture blogger

When you're not sure which language to use, just ask. People usually feel proud when you show interest in their roots. And don’t worry—mixing up a few words is seen as charming, not awkward.

Cultural Tips for Sending Wishes

Getting birthday wishes right in India isn’t just about copy-pasting a phrase. It helps to know a few unwritten rules. Family ties matter a lot here, and respect for elders is expected everywhere—even when you’re just wishing someone a happy birthday. For elders, people often add words like “ji” at the end of the name or after the wish, turning a simple greeting into something warmer and more respectful. For example, saying “Janmadin ki badhai, Sharma ji” can make a world of difference if you’re wishing your boss or a relative.

Tone is key. Indians usually prefer wishes that sound genuine, humble, and even a bit personal. Stuff like jokes about age or money can feel awkward, especially if you don’t know the person well. But a compliment or a kind word about their achievements, health, or family status is always welcome.

When sending birthday wishes online or by text, emojis are common—cakes, diyas, even a simple ‘namaste’ emoji can add a friendly vibe. But if you’re attending a birthday in person, bringing a small gift, flowers, or a box of sweets (like laddoos or chocolates) is more common than turning up empty-handed. Physical cards still get used for milestone birthdays; handwritten notes are often treasured.

• If you’re wishing someone from a specific region, using even a few words from their language—like “Puttina Roju Subhakankshalu” in Telugu for best wishes—will score you major points for effort.
• In formal settings, combine the main wish phrase with a polite phrase like “Aapko dher saari shubhkaamnayein” (Wishing you many good wishes).
• For close friends and younger people, casual English wishes with a twist (“Have a blast!” or “Party hard!”) get mixed in all over India.

When in doubt, go with simple, sincere wishes in Hindi. You really can’t go wrong—since best wishes can bridge both tradition and today’s digital ways of celebrating.

Dos and Don'ts When Wishing Someone

If you want your best wishes to actually mean something in India, there’s a right way and a wrong way to do it. Let’s get the basics out of the way: timing, language, and a bit of cultural know-how matter more than most folks realize.

• Do use personal names. Instead of a plain "Shubhkaamnayein," say the person’s name: "Rahul, shubhkaamnayein!" It instantly feels warmer.
• Do choose the right language. Try to use the recipient’s most comfortable language if you know it (Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, etc.), but Hindi works fine for most.
• Do think about age and relationship. Use respectful phrases like "aapko" for elders, and "tumhe" for friends or younger people. Looks small, but it matters a ton.
• Do try to add a personal message. Something like, "Wishing you success with your new job this year." Indians often love personal touches.

Now, for the stuff that might get you an awkward stare:

• Don't copy-paste long, cheesy poems from the internet. Folks appreciate sincerity way more than fancy words.
• Don't mix up special occasions. "Shubhkaamnayein" works for birthdays, but using it at a condolence event is a huge no-go.
• Don't use 'best wishes' sarcastically or with jokes that could be misunderstood. Sarcasm, especially in text, doesn't always go down well in Indian families.
• Don't forget time zones if you're sending wishes online. India is ahead of most Western countries by a good few hours. No one wants birthday wishes after the day is over!

Quick look at the top things people notice when they get wishes, according to a 2022 survey by a leading Indian greeting card company:

If you get these little things right, your best wishes won’t just be another unread notification—they’ll actually be remembered.

Fun and Memorable Ways to Make Your Wish Stand Out

Just sending a basic “best wishes” text won’t cut it if you really want to be remembered. People in India love it when wishes feel thoughtful and personal, not just copied and pasted. Let’s dig into a few tricks that make a huge difference.

• Use the person’s mother tongue: Even if you only know a few words, saying “best wishes” in someone’s actual language (like Bengali, Tamil, or Marathi) gets you major brownie points. A quick Google or asking a friend can help you nail the phrase. For example, say “Janmadin Mubarak Ho” in Urdu or “Puttina Rojuna Subhakankshalu” in Telugu.
• Share a memory: Instead of just a plain wish, throw in a favorite moment you’ve shared together – “Remember that crazy birthday party last year?” or “That time we almost set the kitchen on fire baking your cake?” It feels more real.
• Get creative with videos or voice notes: Record yourself trying (and maybe failing) to pronounce the wish in their language. Goofy attempts make people laugh – and it stands out much more than a basic message.
• Include a local touch: Indians love celebrating with food and regional goodies. Dropping a picture of their favorite sweet (like jalebi or rasgulla) or joking, “Hope you get an extra gulab jamun today!” adds flavor to your wish.
• Customize with inside jokes or emojis: If your friend always sends you memes, reply with a custom meme and your best wishes. In 2024, meme GIFs and stickers have become go-to for making birthday wishes pop.

Not sure which language wish to use? Here’s a quick reference table for “best wishes” or “happy birthday” in some top Indian languages:

Last tip—don’t overthink it. A few personalized words in the right language, with a touch of humor or a nod to Indian culture, will always hit your mark better than a one-size-fits-all wish. Try mixing in one or two ideas above next time and watch your friend's reaction light up.