Days, months and asking the time in English

What does “many happy returns” mean?

Many happy returns is a kind way to say “happy birthday.” It is more common in Britain than in America. The full phrase is many happy returns of the day. It is a wish that this happy day comes back again and again, year after year. It sounds a little old and a little formal. Many British people still use it on a birthday card or in a polite note.

In the clip, a man hears it is the other person’s birthday and says, “Well, many happy returns of the day.” You can use it the same way. When a friend says it is their birthday, you can answer: “Many happy returns!”