Thread: Russian Birthday Party...

My boyfriend's birthday is coming up and I wanted to throw him a surprise party. I was thinking of doing something traditional in Russia. Is that a good idea or is there anything I can do other than have Russian food that would "remind" him of Russia?

Originally Posted by TiaraNEug

is there anything I can do other than have Russian food that would "remind" him of Russia?

Я советую, чуть-чуть водки

Originally Posted by майк

Я советую, чуть-чуть водки

Я знаю!! Always-for every occasion. я прав? I guess my question isn't a very good one. Meh-oh well. I'll figure something out.

Go to the Russian Delicatessens on Santa Monica Blvd and buy a feast.

Originally Posted by майк

Originally Posted by TiaraNEug

is there anything I can do other than have Russian food that would "remind" him of Russia?

Я советую, чуть-чуть водки :wink:

Don't want to upset you майк but "чуть-чуть водки" it's not a Russian tradition. The Russian ones - "много водки не бывает", "сколько водки не бери, всё равно 2 раза бегать", "водка без пива - деньги на ветер" ;)

Originally Posted by TiaraNEug

Originally Posted by майк

Я советую, чуть-чуть водки :wink:

Я знаю!! Always-for every occasion. я прав? I guess my question isn't a very good one. Meh-oh well. I'll figure something out.

Я права? Yes, you're right. About Russian traditions, I don't know really, maybe to pull him by his ears the number of times equal to his age? But it's for kids and teens under 16 (or 18) years old. Anyway it should bring back memories :)

How come I can't find the exact traslation for "happy birthday" ? с днем рождения? That doesn't seem right. How do I say it and what is the exact traslation into English...?

AFAIK

"с днем рождения" is an elipse, ie an incomplete phrase which is so common the whole meaning is understood/ assumed from a part of it.

The whole phrase may be something like

"(Я желаю Вам счастье) с днем рождения"
"(I wish you happiness) with your birthday" (that's a guess btw, but you get my meaning)

In much the same way that we say "(Have a) Happy birthday" in English, no-one really says "have a..."

So, yes, "с днем рождения" is the full and correct way to wish someone a happy birthday in Russian.

(and I should know, since it's happens to be my birthday today and I've heard it a few times )

Originally Posted by scotcher

AFAIK

"с днем рождения" is an elipse, ie an incomplete phrase which is so common the whole meaning is understood/ assumed from a part of it.

The whole phrase may be something like

"(Я желаю Вам счастье) с днем рождения"
"(I wish you happiness) with your birthday" (that's a guess btw, but you get my meaning)

The full phrase actually is "Поздравляю с днём рождения". We use the same pattern for holiday/season greetings etc: "(поздравляю) с праздником", "(Поздравляю) с Новым Годом" etc.

Oh righto, thanks a bunch.

Originally Posted by scotcher

(and I should know, since it's happens to be my birthday today and I've heard it a few times )

How coincidental! Well then...
"Поздравляю с днём рождения." Hope you have a good one.
BTW--спасибо!

scotcher, lang may yer lum reek. BTW, hiv ye already hud yer lugs pu'd the day? Ken whit ah'm talking aboot?

P.S. Sorry aboot ma Scots, thocht ah'd gie ye a special birthday treat and aw.

Aye gid, aye gid.