The other day marked the occasion of my 生日 (birthday).  In China, people will usually ask someone’s age by asking his or her 属相 (Chinese zodiac sign).  People’s numerical reports of their age may vary based on their 周岁 (actual age) and 虚岁(age based on Chinese zodiac).  Birthdays are accompanied by 生日卡(birthday cards)，生日蛋糕 (birthday cakes)，and 蜡烛(candles).  Of course, candles are lit in most cases by using a 打火机 (lighter) or 火柴(matches).  When you blow out the candles, be sure to 许个愿(make a wish).  Also, if you find yourself in China, do not open your 礼物 (gifts) in front of your guests- wait until they have left before opening the gift and then text them.

生日 sheng1ri4 – birthday
属相 shu3xiang4 – zodiac sign
周岁 zhou1sui4 – age based on years from calendar birth
虚岁 xu1sui4 – age based on Chinese zodiac (add 1 to 周岁）
生日卡 sheng1ri4ka3 – birthday card
生日蛋糕 sheng1ri4dan4gao1 – birthday cake
许愿 xu3yuan4 – make (a) wish
打火机 da3(2)huo3ji1 – lighter
火柴 huo3chai2 – matches
礼物 li3wu4 – gift(s)