Last Updated on May 9, 2023 by Kimberlee Johnson
Celebrating Valentine’s Day is a popular tradition in many countries and cultures worldwide. It’s a special day to express love and appreciation to those you care about.
So, how to say Happy Valentine’s Day in different languages? Don’t worry; we’re here to guide you on how to say the phrase in dozens of languages worldwide.
Whether you want to send a heartfelt message in French, Spanish, German, or even Chinese, these translations will help you show your love in a language other than your own.
37 Ways To Say “Happy Valentine’s Day” In Other Languages
1. Chúc mừng ngày lễ tình nhân (Vietnamese)
2. Qíngrén jié kuàilè – (Chinese)
3. Maligayang Araw ng mga Puso – (Tagalog)
4. Selamat Hari Valentine (Indonesian)
5. Selamat Hari kekasih (Malay)
6. Happībarentaindē – (Japanese)
7. Sùk săn wan wan layn tai – (Thai)
8. Haengboghan ballentain dei – (Korean)
9. Kātalar tiṉa vāḻttukkaḷ – (Tamil)
10. Vailēnṭā’insa divasa mubāraka hō – (Hindi)
11. Gelukkige Valentynsdag (Afrikaans)
12. Obi ụtọ ụbọchị Valentine – Igbo (Nigeria)
13. Furaha ya siku ya wapendanao – Swahili (Kenya)
14. Melkami Valenitayini K’eni – Amharic (Ethiopia)
15. Maalinta jacaylka – (Somali)
16. E ku ayajo ojo ololufe – Yoruba (Nigeria)
17. Joyeuse Saint-Valentin (French)
18. Feliz Dia de San Valentin (Spanish)
19. fröhlichen Valentinstag (German)
20. Sretno Valentinovo (Croatian)
21. Buon San Valentino (Italian)
22. Fijne Valentinstag (Dutch)
23. С Днем святого Валентина (Russian)
24. Boldog Valentin napot! (Hungarian)
25. Szczęśliwych Walentynek (Polish)
26. Šťastného Valentýna (Czech)
27. Hyvää Ystävänpäivää (Finnish)
28. God Valentinsdag (Norwegian)
29. Glædelig Valentinsdag (Danish)
30. Srečno Valentinovo(Slovenian)
31. Feliz Dia dos namorados (Portuguese)
32. Srechan Dan zaljubljenih (Serbian)
33. Lá Fhéile Vailintín sona duit (Irish)
34. ziua Indragostitilor fericita (Romanian)
35. Hapus Dydd San Ffolant (Welsh)
36. Z Dnem sviatoho Valentyna! (Ukrainian)
37. Merhaba Sevgililer Günü’nüz Kutlu Olsun! (Turkish)
How Is Valentine’s Day Celebrated In Other Countries?
1. Japan
In Japan, Valentine’s Day is celebrated like in America and other Western countries; it is a day for both genders to give chocolate to their loved ones.
But women return the favor one month later on White Day.
They usually give their significant other “giri choco,” which translates to “obligation chocolate.” On the other hand, women receive “honmei choco,” which translates to “true feeling chocolate.”
2. Finland
In Finland [1], Valentine’s Day is called “Ystavanpaiva,” which translates to “Friend’s Day,” and is used to show appreciation to a friend or family member instead of just a romantic partner.
“The World is my country, all mankind are my brethren, and to do good is my religion.”
– Thomas Paine, Political Activist
3. France
Valentine’s Day in France is romantic, but chocolates and flowers are not the only gifts exchanged.
Men and women exchange locks, keys, and padlocks to signify their unbreakable bond.
4. South Korea
While in South Korea, it is known as Pepero Day, where young people exchange Pepero candy sticks as a sign of affection.
On pepero day, couples exchange boxes of ‘pepero,’ thin biscuit sticks covered in chocolate. It’s a way of expressing love for each other.
And the length of the pepero stick is said to represent how much love is being given.
4. Brazil
In Brazil [2], Valentine’s Day is celebrated as Dia dos Namorados, or “Lover’s Day,” and couples exchange gifts and cards.
5. Mexico
Valentine’s Day in Mexico is known as El Dia del Amor y la Amistad, or it’s a day of love and friendship, and they typically celebrate it with a gift exchange.
6. India
Lastly, Valentine’s Day in India is now celebrated as expressing love.
Still, it evolved from the ancient Hindu festival of Holi, a festival of colors that heralds the arrival of spring, but it is also called a “festival of love.”
But in Italy, who is the gift giver?
Are There Any Countries That Don’t Celebrate Valentine’s Day?
Yes, some countries either ignore or actively discourage the celebration of this holiday. For example, the public celebration of Valentine’s Day in Saudi Arabia is banned.
This is due to the country’s strict adherence to Islamic law and the government’s view that the holiday is a Western import with no place in their culture.
Similarly, in more conservative countries like Indonesia and Iran, the holiday is either discouraged or not widely celebrated due to religious or cultural beliefs.
Read: 35 Cute Valentine’s Quotes For Your Woman
FAQs
What is the other name for Valentine’s Day with friends?
Valentine’s Day is often called “Galentine’s Day,” a popular holiday for people to gather with their closest friends and celebrate their love and friendship.
Check out some romantic Valentine’s Day messages from a wife to her husband here.
What is Valentine’s Day known as in other countries?
In Japan, Valentine’s Day is known as ‘White Day’ and is celebrated one month later on 14th March.
Also, Valentine’s Day in France is referred to as ‘La Saint-Valentin’, which translates to ‘Saint Valentine’s Day.’
What phrases are most frequently used on Valentine’s Day?
“I love you” and “Be my Valentine” are two of the most commonly used phrases on Valentine’s Day.
Other popular phrases include “Will you be mine?” and “Happy Valentine’s Day!”
Find out if you should text your ex-lover on Valentine’s day here.
Wrapping Up
There you have it; you can now celebrate Valentine’s Day in multiple languages. It is an exciting way to express your love and appreciation for someone special.
But remember, your sentiment will always be the same whether you say Happy Valentine’s Day in Spanish, French, Italian, German, Portuguese, or any other language.
References:
- https://theculturetrip.com/europe/finland/articles/things-you-probably-didnt-know-about-finland/
- https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/brazil-10-things/index.html
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