Happy Birthday, or Sto Lat! in Polish. Image from Unsplash.com.
There’s a long, formal way to say “Happy Birthday” and then there’s a shorter, informal way that’s more widely used.
The long way to say “Happy Birthday”
The formal phrase is “Wszystkiego najlepszego z okazji urodzin” which means, “All the best on your birthday.”
The easier, more popular way to say “Happy Birthday”
The phrase Poles usually use is: “Sto lat!”
Which literally means “100 years.” In addition to a birthday wish, “sto lat” is also used to say “cheers” or to celebrate just about any occasion. It’s even used in a birthday song.
How to pronounce “Sto lat”
In addition to being short, it’s also easy to say. “Sto lat” rhymes with “so not.” Easy, right?
For your next celebration, whether it’s a birthday party, promotion, wedding, or whatever, be sure to wish them “Sto lat!” And be sure to toast them with Champagne.