Χρόνια πολλά!
HRO-nya po-LA
"Happy birthday!" — literally "many years," the all-purpose Greek celebratory greeting.
Chronia means "years" and pollá means "many." Unlike English, this exact phrase isn't birthday-specific — Greeks say it for name days, Christmas, Easter, and any occasion worth celebrating.
More Ways to Say It
Greek birthday culture has one extra layer English doesn't: name days (celebrating the saint you're named after) are traditionally just as important as birthdays, and use the same phrase.
A Cultural Note Worth Knowing
Understanding how Greek birthday culture actually works helps the phrase make more sense.
Name Days
In Greece, your "name day" (γιορτή) — the feast day of the saint you're named after — is traditionally celebrated as much as, or more than, your actual birthday.
Same Phrase, More Occasions
Chronia pollá is said for birthdays, name days, Christmas, Easter, and New Year — context tells people what you mean.
The Birthday Song
Greek celebrations often mix the English "Happy Birthday to You" tune with a shout of Chronia pollá at the end.
A Complete Birthday Message in Greek
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you say happy birthday in Greek informally?
"Χρόνια πολλά!" (Chronia pollá) works in almost any context, formal or informal — it's the one phrase to know if you only learn one.
Is "Chronia polla" used for anything besides birthdays?
Yes — it's also said for Greek name days, Christmas, Easter, and New Year. Context makes the meaning clear.
What's a good formal way to say it to an elder?
"Σας εύχομαι χρόνια πολλά" uses the formal "σας" form, appropriate for someone older or someone you don't know well.