Say Happy Birthday in Polish: Sto Lat & 5 More Birthday Wishes

How to Say Happy Birthday in Polish

When someone celebrates a birthday in Poland, instead of the English Happy Birthday to You, you’ll hear the lively and uplifting song Sto Lat. It’s a cheerful phrase in the Polish language wishing the birthday person long life, health, and happiness. The phrase Sto Lat literally means “one hundred years,” symbolizing longevity and joy. It’s the most popular way to say Happy Birthday in Polish, and it reflects the deep ties between music, language, and Polish culture. You can learn more about the history of the phrase in the Wikipedia entry on Sto Lat.

Sto Lat – The Polish Birthday Song Lyrics & Meaning

Here are the simple Sto Lat lyrics, the traditional Polish birthday song: Polish Lyrics Sto lat, sto lat, niech żyje, żyje nam Sto lat, sto lat, niech żyje, żyje nam Jeszcze raz, jeszcze raz, niech żyje, żyje nam Niech żyje nam! English Translation 100 years, 100 years, may (s)he live for us 100 years, 100 years, may (s)he live for us Once again, once again, may (s)he live for us May (s)he live! Just like English speakers sing Happy Birthday to You, Poles sing Sto Lat at every birthday party. The song brings people together and is also performed at weddings, anniversaries, and public events to share joy and good wishes.

Wszystkiego Najlepszego z okazji urodzin – Another Birthday Phrase

Besides singing Sto Lat, Poles often use the greeting Wszystkiego Najlepszego, which translates to “All the best.” The full version, Wszystkiego Najlepszego z okazji urodzin, means “Best on your birthday.” This Polish phrase is popular in cards, texts, or when you want to say Happy Birthday in Polish without singing.

Polish Culture: Birthdays, Weddings & Toasts

Poles love to celebrate birthdays — and not just those. Name days (imieniny) are equally important. Whether for a birthday girl, birthday boy, or wedding couple, the Polish happy birthday song is always a joyful addition. At a birthday party in Poland, you’ll often:

• Start singing the beloved Sto Lat when the cake appears.
• Offer birthday wishes in Polish like Wszystkiego Najlepszego.
• Raise a toast with vodka or wine, honoring the celebrated person with laughter and happiness.

This tradition is woven deeply into Polish culture, making it one of the most popular ways to wish someone a happy birthday in Poland. For more about these traditions, see Culture.pl’s guide to Polish traditions. 

Origins of the Sto Lat Song

The history of Sto Lat is fascinating, with rich connections to Ukrainian melodies and Polish folk traditions. Some believe it stems from the Ukrainian song Mnohaja Lita, rooted in Byzantine hymns, while others connect it to the Polish folk song Za górami, za lasami (“Past mountains, past forests”). What’s certain is that Sto Lat has become the most traditional Polish birthday song, a timeless way to express good health, happiness, and wishes for long life.

Learn Polish Birthday Phrases & Vocabulary

If you want to learn Polish, mastering birthday greetings is a fun and rewarding start. These Polish phrases are essential:

• Sto Lat – One hundred years / Birthday song
• Wszystkiego Najlepszego – All the best
• Najlepszego z okazji urodzin – Best on your birthday
• Życzenia – Wishes
• Pomyślności – Good fortune

Knowing how to say Happy Birthday in Polish is a wonderful way to connect with friends, join in Polish songs, and celebrate when you spend time in Poland. 

FAQs: Polish Happy Birthday Song

What does Sto Lat mean in English?

Sto Lat literally means “One hundred years,” and in the Polish language it’s a warm and joyful way to wish someone long life, good health, and lasting happiness.

Do Poles always sing Sto Lat at birthdays?

Absolutely! Poles love singing Sto Lat at birthdays, and the tradition also brings joy at weddings, name days, and national celebrations, making it one of the most cherished songs in Polish culture.

How else can you say Happy Birthday in Polish?

Another beautiful way to say Happy Birthday in Polish is Wszystkiego Najlepszego, or the full phrase Wszystkiego Najlepszego z okazji urodzin, which translates to “all the best on your birthday” and expresses warm wishes for joy and success.

Is Sto Lat only for birthdays?

Sto Lat is wonderfully versatile. It is sung at birthdays, weddings, graduations, political events, and many other happy occasions in Poland, always spreading joy, unity, and good wishes.

Do Polish people celebrate birthdays with vodka?

In Poland, birthdays often include a cheerful toast of vodka or wine, which makes the celebration even more festive. These happy toasts are usually paired with everyone singing Sto Lat together, creating a warm, joyful atmosphere filled with laughter and togetherness.

Want to surprise someone on their special day? Learn how to sing Happy Birthday in Polish, raise a toast, and give thoughtful birthday wishes in Polish. Or grab a Polish birthday gift from our store to make the celebration even more memorable.

Last Updated: 9/24/2025