Inspiring Birthday Wishes That Spark Motivation and Meaning

When you’re writing to someone who inspires you—someone steady, brave, or endlessly kind—it can be hard to find words that do them justice. A simple “happy birthday” often feels too small. But an intentional message, something that speaks with love and clarity, can mean the world. That’s what inspirational birthday wishes aim to do: show you see them for who they truly are.

Inspirational Birthday Quotes for Self

You’re here again—another year, another number. But the truth is, your story isn’t measured in candles or wishes. It’s measured in how gently you kept going, even when no one clapped. Sometimes, self-love birthday wishes are more needed than anyone else’s. If today feels complicated, let the words ahead meet you where you are.

• "Happy birthday to me. Not for being loud, but for surviving the kind of quiet that changes you." — Unknown
• "Another year older, and somehow still gentle. That counts for more than anyone will ever know." — Unknown
• "Cheers to me, for choosing peace even when chaos had the louder voice." — Unknown
• "I made it here. No applause. Just breath. Just proof I can start again, again." — Unknown
• "This is my day. Not to prove. Not to perform. Just to exist, without shame." — Unknown
• "Born on this day, and reborn every time I decided to stay soft when I could’ve gone hard." — Unknown
• "Happy birthday to the self I buried beneath shoulds. Today, I let her breathe." — Unknown
• "I don’t need a party. I need honesty, and a room quiet enough to hear my own voice." — Unknown
• "Another candle. Another scar. Another reason to believe I’m still becoming something worth holding." — Unknown
• "This year, I’m not asking for much. Just kindness. From myself. For once." — Unknown
• "Happy birthday to me. For walking through the fire without forgetting how to hold water." — Unknown
• "Not everyone gets here. Not everyone wants to. I do. That’s worth something." — Unknown
• "I don’t need to be celebrated to remember I’m still worth celebrating." — Unknown
• "Some years pass like storms. Others like silence. This one passed through me. I’m still here." — Unknown
• "Another year older. Fewer apologies. More knowing. Less shrinking. That feels like progress." — Unknown
• "This is my reminder. I’ve earned rest. I’ve earned light. I’ve earned today." — Unknown
• "Happy birthday to every version of me that got me here. None of them wasted." — Unknown

These birthday wishes for myself can inspire self-love and confidence, making your birthday a time for both celebration and introspection.

>> More: Happy Birthday Wishes For Myself Quotes, Blessings & Greetings

Inspirational Birthday Quotes for Your Loved Ones

It’s hard to find the right words for someone who’s shaped your life just by being in it. Birthdays are moments, but they’re also mirrors—and some people deserve more than just a quick wish. Meaningful birthday messages for loved ones can help you say what you really mean. Let’s start there.

• "You don’t just exist in my life—you shaped it. Happy birthday, and thank you for staying." — Unknown
• "Today’s not just your birthday. It’s a reminder that the world still holds good things, because it holds you." — Unknown
• "Happy birthday to the one who carried pieces of me when I couldn’t hold them myself." — Unknown
• "You’ve been my calm in every storm. If anyone deserves peace today, it’s you." — Unknown
• "You don’t ask for much. But on your birthday, I hope you feel how deeply you’re loved." — Unknown
• "I’ve watched you grow through grief and grace. This birthday belongs to every version of you that kept going." — Unknown
• "Happy birthday to someone whose presence makes quiet moments feel full and ordinary days feel sacred." — Unknown
• "You don’t have to do anything today. Just be. That’s always been more than enough." — Unknown
• "Some people shine loud. You shine steady. That light has saved me more than once." — Unknown
• "Another year of you is something I’ll never stop being grateful for." — Unknown
• "I don’t say this enough, but I hope your birthday reminds you—you matter more than you know." — Unknown
• "Your kindness never asked for attention. But today, I hope it finds its way back to you." — Unknown
• "This year hasn’t been easy. But you’ve carried it with a kind of grace I’ll always admire." — Unknown
• "Happy birthday to the one who shows up without needing credit. You deserve every good thing coming." — Unknown
• "You’ve always made space for others. Today is the day I hope space makes room for you." — Unknown
• "I’m better because you exist. That’s not an exaggeration. That’s your legacy in my life." — Unknown
• "Today, I’m not just wishing you a happy birthday. I’m thanking the world for giving me you." — Unknown

Happy birthday my love brings warmth and heartfelt wishes, reminding them of their incredible potential and the joy they bring to your life every day.

Motivated Birthday Quotes for Best Friend

You’ve seen them tired but still showing up. You’ve watched them fight for joy when it wasn’t easy. A birthday is your moment to remind them of how far they’ve come. Empowering birthday quotes for friends can say what love often can’t find the words for.

• "Happy birthday to the one who never let me sink, even when they were drowning too. You’re the kind of friend people hope for and don’t always get. I got lucky." — Unknown
• "You’ve held my chaos with steady hands. So today, I hope the world holds you just as gently. You’ve earned a moment to be poured into instead of always pouring out." — Unknown
• "Another year older, and somehow you’ve only grown more loyal, more honest, more necessary. You remind me every day what real friendship is supposed to feel like." — Unknown
• "Some friends show up with fanfare. You showed up when things were silent, broken, or just plain ugly. This birthday isn’t just a celebration—it’s an honor to stand beside you." — Unknown
• "I don’t say it enough, but I admire you. Not just for what you do, but for how deeply you stay real when everything around you asks you not to." — Unknown
• "You’ve carried me when I didn’t know how to ask. You’ve cheered me when I forgot how to believe. On your birthday, I just want to remind you—you’re someone extraordinary." — Unknown
• "Today isn’t about cake or candles. It’s about every time you chose light, kindness, and laughter when you could’ve chosen anything else. You make life easier just by existing." — Unknown
• "You deserve more than a text and a caption. You deserve a year where things finally feel like they’re giving back to you." — Unknown
• "You make people feel safe just by showing up. If that’s not magic, I don’t know what is. Happy birthday to someone who turns ordinary days into reasons to keep going." — Unknown
• "I’ve watched you turn breakdowns into breakthroughs. This year, may your strength come from ease, not survival. You’ve earned that shift." — Unknown
• "Cheers to the friend who’s been my witness, my reminder, my pause, and my laughter in the dark. You’re more than my best friend—you’re part of who I am." — Unknown
• "This birthday, I hope you feel how deeply you’re needed. You don’t have to hold the world. Just let it hold you for once." — Unknown
• "You’ve spent so many years cheering others on. This year, may every room echo with people choosing you back." — Unknown
• "Happy birthday to someone who’s lived enough to be wise, laughed enough to be free, and loved enough to be unforgettable." — Unknown
• "You’ve been the friend who never asked for attention but always gave it freely. This birthday, I hope that quiet goodness gets returned tenfold." — Unknown
• "I don’t need a holiday to know how lucky I am to have you. But I’ll take this one to say it out loud anyway." — Unknown
• "Today, I hope the mirror talks back in kindness, the world softens around you, and life finally gives you something sweet without asking for anything in return." — Unknown

Funny birthday wishes for best friend add humor and motivation, cheering them on for what’s next with the support only a best friend can give.

More: Express Gratitude with 120+ Thank You for the Birthday Wishes Ideas

Birthday Quotes to Inspire Her

Maybe she’s held everyone together while falling apart herself. Or maybe she’s blooming quietly, without needing applause. Whatever her journey, empowering birthday quotes for her remind her she’s seen. And maybe—just maybe—loved for exactly who she is.

• "Happy birthday to the woman who holds everyone else together. I hope today lets you fall gently into rest, without guilt." — Unknown
• "You’ve been strong so long you forgot what it feels like to be held. Let today return some of the care you give." — Unknown
• "You are the kind of woman who changes rooms just by breathing. May this year feel more like arrival than survival." — Unknown
• "You don’t need to be more than you already are. Your story is already enough. Happy birthday to a woman becoming." — Unknown
• "Another year older, and somehow you still choose kindness—even when the world forgets to offer it back." — Unknown
• "Happy birthday to her—the one who carried everyone else’s chaos without dropping her grace." — Unknown
• "You lead with heart, speak with honesty, and still make room for softness. That’s not weakness. That’s power." — Unknown
• "You don’t need a thousand likes. You need one deep breath, one room where you don’t have to perform. I hope today gives you that." — Unknown
• "I’ve watched you hold your pain like it was something sacred. I hope this birthday lets you finally set it down." — Unknown
• "This isn’t a celebration of age. It’s a celebration of every version of you that fought to get here." — Unknown
• "You shine in ways that don’t make noise. And yet somehow, you still manage to light everything around you." — Unknown
• "You are not exhausting. You are not too much. You are a woman who’s lived, and loved, and kept going." — Unknown
• "Happy birthday to the woman who made it look easy when it wasn’t. You’re allowed to be proud of your mess too." — Unknown
• "You don’t owe the world your perfection. You owe yourself a moment to be seen as you really are." — Unknown
• "This birthday isn’t about being impressive. It’s about being honest, and letting that be beautiful enough." — Unknown
• "You’ve always been the one people turn to. Today, I hope someone finally turns to you with love, without needing anything back." — Unknown
• "Another year of you means another year this world got to keep something real. I hope you know that matters." — Unknown

Related Topics:

Birthday Wishes for Mom	Honoring a mother’s boundless love and care.
Happy Birthday Godmother	Cherishing a godmother’s wisdom and kindness.
Birthday Wishes for Mother in Law	Celebrating the role she plays in your life.
Birthday Wishes for Sister	Sharing the love and fun of siblinghood.
Birthday Wishes for Sister in Law	Welcoming her as family.
Birthday Wishes for Daughter	Celebrating the joy and pride she brings.
Birthday Wishes for Granddaughter	Showering love on the youngest generation.
Birthday Wishes for Goddaughter	Wishing happiness for a beloved godchild.
Happy Birthday Bonus Daughter	Embracing the bond you share.
Birthday Wishes for Daughter in Law	Welcoming her warmly into the family.
Birthday Wishes for Wife	Expressing love and admiration.
Birthday Wishes for Aunt	Appreciating her unique role in the family.
Birthday Wishes for Niece	Celebrating her energy and sweetness.
Happy Birthday Grandma	Honoring a life filled with love and wisdom.

Encourage Him with Inspirational Quotes for His Birthday

He doesn’t always say much. But you’ve seen what he carries. A birthday can be a rare chance to offer back some strength, some kindness. Inspirational birthday quotes for him let your words hold more than just celebration.

• "Happy birthday, [recipient’s name]. You’ve carried this family with patience and grit—we’ve all felt it, even when we didn’t say it." — Unknown
• "You’re the kind of man who walks through storms without complaint. I hope this year brings you a little calm in return." — Unknown
• "[Friend’s name], another year older means another year you quietly held the weight so no one else had to." — Unknown
• "Happy birthday to the man who never asks for much, but deserves so much more than he allows himself to need." — Unknown
• "You’ve shown me that real strength isn’t loud—it’s consistent. [recipient’s name], may your birthday feel like rest, not responsibility." — Unknown
• "You've built so much out of broken things. That makes you more than strong—it makes you wise." — Unknown
• "[___], thank you for being the kind of person who shows up without needing to be asked. That’s rare. That’s worth celebrating." — Unknown
• "Today’s not about fixing anything. It’s about recognizing how far you’ve come and how deeply you’re loved, [recipient’s name]." — Unknown
• "Some people break under pressure. You built a life under it. Happy birthday to a man who never quit." — Unknown
• "[Dad], your silence was never empty—it was strength, protection, and love we didn’t always know how to name." — Unknown
• "You’ve kept the world spinning for so many people. I hope today gives you a reason to stand still." — Unknown
• "[Brother], this birthday, I hope you let someone else take the lead—for once. You’ve earned that exhale." — Unknown
• "The way you stay when things get hard is something I’ll never stop learning from. Happy birthday, [recipient’s name]." — Unknown
• "You’ve made loyalty feel sacred, patience feel powerful, and wisdom feel simple. That’s your gift, [friend’s name], not just today—but always." — Unknown
• "Even when life didn’t offer applause, you kept showing up. That’s the kind of courage this birthday deserves to honor." — Unknown
• "[Uncle], your quiet strength has shaped more than you realize. Today, we celebrate not just your age—but your legacy." — Unknown
• "You’ve never needed a spotlight to be unforgettable. [recipient’s name], you shine differently—and that’s exactly the point." — Unknown

Related Topics:

Happy Birthday Boss	Respectful wishes for a supportive leader.
Birthday Wishes for Dad	Honoring a father’s strength and guidance.
Happy Birthday Godfather	Cherishing his role as a wise mentor.
Birthday Wishes for Brother	Celebrating the bond of siblinghood.
Birthday Wishes for Son	Inspiring him on his journey ahead.
Happy Birthday Grandson	Sharing love and pride for a beloved grandson.
Birthday Wishes for Godson	Wishing joy to a cherished godchild.
Happy Birthday Nephew	Adding fun and happiness to his special day.
Birthday Wishes for Uncle	Appreciating an uncle’s wisdom and humor.
Happy Birthday Grandpa	Honoring a lifetime of love and memories.
Birthday Wishes for Coworker	Celebrating a teammate’s achievements and contributions.

Feeling Happiness with Inspirational Birthday Quotes

Some happiness isn’t loud—it’s quiet, steady, earned. A birthday can be the perfect reminder that peace counts too. Joy-filled birthday quotes help mark that moment with sincerity.

• "Happy birthday, [recipient’s name]. I hope today feels like permission to laugh without guilt and breathe without fear." — Unknown
• "You don’t owe the world anything today. Just a smile that feels real and a moment that feels yours." — Unknown
• "[friend’s name], this birthday is for the joy you forgot you deserved. Welcome it back slowly. It’s still yours." — Unknown
• "You’ve worked so hard to feel light again. This celebration isn’t loud, but it’s real. And that’s more than enough." — Unknown
• "Happy birthday to the version of [___] who finally said yes to peace without needing a reason." — Unknown
• "This year, may joy return to you gently—not rushed, not loud, just quietly and completely." — Unknown
• "You’ve earned a happiness that doesn’t perform, doesn’t hustle, and doesn’t apologize. That’s the kind worth celebrating." — Unknown
• "Today isn’t about candles or parties—it’s about noticing the way your laugh sounds softer now. Freer. Real." — Unknown
• "To [recipient’s name], who rebuilt joy one breath at a time. You are the party." — Unknown
• "Not every birthday needs noise. Some are about stillness, and the quiet happiness of surviving yourself." — Unknown
• "Your smile today doesn’t have to prove anything. It only has to belong to you." — Unknown
• "Happy birthday, [child’s name]. You are joy without effort, light without permission, and worthy of every bit of peace ahead." — Unknown
• "You’ve made space for everyone else’s happiness. I hope today you remember that you belong in joy too." — Unknown
• "[Mom], may this birthday bring you the kind of peace that stays even after the candles are gone." — Unknown
• "This isn’t about forgetting the hard things. It’s about celebrating the fact that you’re still soft after them." — Unknown
• "To the one who never asks for attention—your joy matters. Let today reflect that back to you." — Unknown
• "Another year of you means another year the world kept one of its kindest souls a little longer. That’s happiness." — Unknown

Including funny birthday cake messages in this section ensures the event is filled with laughter, making the birthday celebration memorable and enjoyable.

Wishing You a Soulful Celebration

For some, birthdays are more than just a date. They’re an unfolding—an invitation inward. If today carries that kind of softness, peaceful celebration quotes can echo it beautifully.

• "Happy birthday, [recipient’s name]. You’ve lived in a way that made space for others to breathe. I hope today gives that back to you." — Unknown
• "[Friend’s name], may this year be less about what you build, and more about where you find rest." — Unknown
• "You’ve been light to others even when carrying your own darkness. That’s why today, you deserve stillness that heals." — Unknown
• "Not all celebrations are loud. Some are sacred. Yours is the kind that leaves peace behind when the room empties." — Unknown
• "You don’t need a crowd to feel complete. [___], your presence fills space with meaning all on its own." — Unknown
• "Happy birthday to a soul who’s taught others that quiet is not weakness—it’s wisdom in its purest form." — Unknown
• "[Mom], I’ve seen you hold peace like a prayer and grief like a river. Today, I hope both give you space to just be." — Unknown
• "You’ve survived things that changed your rhythm, your breath, your voice. And somehow, you still make room for joy." — Unknown
• "[recipient’s name], your life has never needed noise. It’s spoken with kindness, and kindness always echoes." — Unknown
• "You don’t chase celebration. It comes to you naturally, the way calm arrives in the presence of truth." — Unknown
• "This birthday isn’t a mark of time—it’s a reminder that presence is the real milestone." — Unknown
• "You’ve made growing older look like a return to peace, not a race toward more." — Unknown
• "Some people shine by accident. You shine on purpose—with softness, honesty, and light that doesn’t blind." — Unknown
• "[Grandmother], your years have been measured not in steps, but in the way you’ve carried others gently through theirs." — Unknown
• "I hope your celebration feels like exhale, like music without volume, like everything holy that can’t be explained." — Unknown
• "Another year of you is another year the world got to witness patience, not performance." — Unknown
• "May your soul feel seen today—not because you tried, but because you’ve always been worthy of it." — Unknown

Christian birthday wishes bring a heartfelt layer to a soulful celebration, blessing the birthday person with faith and spiritual joy. 

Read More: 150+ Birthday Invitation Messages For Everyone

Messages of Encouragement for Your Special Day

Some birthdays don’t arrive with joy—they come with fatigue or heartache. That’s okay. The right words can still offer light, even in shadows. If you’re searching for healing birthday words, you’re already showing care.

• "Happy birthday, [friend’s name]. I know things don’t feel easy right now, but your courage still deserves to be seen." — Unknown
• "You’ve carried a year heavier than most. I hope today carries you back, even a little." — Unknown
• "[recipient’s name], you don’t have to fake joy. You’re allowed to feel everything, and still be worthy of celebration." — Unknown
• "You’ve given so much of yourself, []. I hope your birthday returns even a fraction of that love." — Unknown
• "Some birthdays come with grief in the room. That doesn’t make them less worthy of gentleness." — Unknown
• "You don’t owe anyone a smile today. Just your presence. That alone is more than enough." — Unknown
• "To [child’s name], who’s grown through shadows and still reached for light—this birthday is yours to reclaim." — Unknown
• "Even when the world felt heavy, you showed up. That kind of strength deserves a soft landing." — Unknown
• "[Dad], your quiet effort has always been the foundation. Today, I hope you get to simply receive." — Unknown
• "May your birthday feel like a pause—not for performance, but for presence." — Unknown
• "You’ve made room for everyone else’s healing. Today, may there be room for your own." — Unknown
• "Happy birthday, [sister]. This isn’t about what you’ve achieved. It’s about how you kept going anyway." — Unknown
• "[name], I hope this day offers you something easy—like laughter that doesn’t ask for anything in return." — Unknown
• "Sometimes celebration looks like stillness. Like deciding to rest without guilt. Like breathing without proving." — Unknown
• "Even in the mess, you’ve managed to hold grace. I hope your birthday makes space for that too." — Unknown
• "You don’t have to feel okay to be celebrated. You just have to exist. And you do." — Unknown
• "Happy birthday, [recipient’s name]. You’ve done enough. You are enough. And you’re allowed to just be." — Unknown

Sharing thank you messages for the birthday wishes received expresses appreciation for the love and support, making the birthday more meaningful.

Timeless Wisdom for Another Year

Age brings more than numbers—it brings nuance. More silence, more memory, more strength. When you want to honor that kind of life, wise birthday messages can speak softly and truly.

• "Happy birthday, [Dad]. You’ve taught me that wisdom isn’t loud—it’s found in every small thing done with love." — Unknown
• "You’re not just another year older, [recipient’s name]. You’re another year wiser in ways no book could teach." — Unknown
• "[Mom], your kindness aged into clarity, your grace into strength. This birthday is just proof of what you’ve carried." — Unknown
• "Timeless wisdom doesn’t arrive all at once—it grows quietly in people like you, [], one season at a time." — Unknown
• "You’ve outgrown the need to impress anyone. That’s one of the great gifts of age." — Unknown
• "Happy birthday, [friend’s name]. You’ve turned years into stories, stories into perspective, and perspective into something worth passing on." — Unknown
• "This birthday isn’t about numbers. It’s about what those numbers reflect—resilience, patience, and hard-earned peace." — Unknown
• "You’ve lived enough to know that what matters never changes. That’s where wisdom lives." — Unknown
• "[recipient’s name], I’ve watched you age into your honesty. That’s rarer than beauty. That’s lasting." — Unknown
• "Another year deeper, not just older. That’s what growing with meaning really looks like." — Unknown
• "You carry your age like a well-read book—creases, highlights, and truths that stay with people long after they close the page." — Unknown
• "Happy birthday, [Uncle]. The lessons you never said out loud are the ones that shaped me most." — Unknown
• "[name], time hasn’t changed you—it’s clarified you. And that’s what real wisdom looks like in motion." — Unknown
• "You’re not behind, you’re not late—you’re just on a path that honors your own rhythm. That’s a gift most never learn." — Unknown
• "Age has done something remarkable to you—it’s turned your silence into presence and your pauses into purpose." — Unknown
• "You’ve become the kind of person younger people watch without realizing they’re learning something sacred." — Unknown
• "Every year you grow into something more whole, more rooted, more you. That’s the definition of timeless." — Unknown

More: 130+ Thank You For The Birthday Gift Expressing Your Gratitude

Inspirational Birthday Quotes for Every Age Group

Every stage of life needs different words. A child needs wonder. A teen needs strength. An elder needs witness. If you're looking for meaningful birthday quotes for all ages, you're already writing with care.

• "Happy birthday, [child’s name]. You are already more magic than most people will ever be brave enough to remember." — Unknown
• "[teen’s name], you’re not behind. You’re just becoming—awkwardly, bravely, beautifully—and that’s exactly how growth works." — Unknown
• "Another year older, [recipient’s name], but also another year wiser, more honest, and closer to who you’re meant to be." — Unknown
• "[friend’s name], age doesn’t define you—but the way you keep showing up with purpose certainly does." — Unknown
• "To [...], who’s turning one—may the world be soft with you, and your wonder stay wild forever." — Unknown
• "Sixteen is messy, loud, and often confusing. But [recipient’s name], you’re handling it like someone who already knows their own worth." — Unknown
• "Happy birthday, [Dad]. You’ve turned decades into legacy, and your presence is more powerful than you’ll ever admit." — Unknown
• "[child’s name], don’t rush to grow up. Just stay curious and kind. The rest will follow." — Unknown
• "At thirty, things begin to stretch inward. [recipient’s name], you’re doing the real work—and it’s starting to show." — Unknown
• "Forty is not old. Forty is proof you’ve survived what would’ve broken others, and still learned how to laugh." — Unknown
• "Sixty means you’ve lived enough to stop pretending. Happy birthday, [Uncle]. May this year be easy and unedited." — Unknown
• "[teen’s name], it’s okay if you don’t know who you are yet. That’s not failure. That’s growth." — Unknown
• "Eighty doesn’t ask for performance. It asks for presence. [Grandma], you give that without effort every day." — Unknown
• "Happy birthday, []. You’ve outgrown approval. Now you’re learning how to grow into peace instead." — Unknown
• "[sibling’s name], age doesn’t make you less—it makes your truth more recognizable, more rooted, more real." — Unknown
• "Each age has its own wisdom. [recipient’s name], this year I hope you hear yours more clearly than ever." — Unknown
• "You’ve made every year count not because they were perfect—but because you were present. That’s the real milestone." — Unknown

Related Topics:

1st Birthday Wishes	Sweet words for a little one’s big day.
Happy 10th Birthday	Celebrating the excitement of double digits.
Happy 13th Birthday	Joyful wishes for the start of teenage years.
15th Birthday Wishes	Marking a special mid-teen milestone.
Happy Sweet 16 Birthday Wishes	Heartfelt words for a coming-of-age.
18th Birthday Wishes	Cheers to adulthood and new beginnings.
Happy 21st Birthday	Toasts to independence and adventure.
Happy 30th Birthday	Embracing the thirties with joy.
Funny 30th Birthday Quotes	Adding humor to the big 3-0.
40th Birthday Wishes	Warm wishes for a fabulous decade.
Funny 40th Birthday Quotes	Playful humor for turning 40.
50th Birthday Wishes	Honoring half a century of life.
Funny 50th Birthday Quotes	Witty quips for 50 years.
60th Birthday Wishes	Celebrating a life full of memories.
60th Birthday Wishes Funny	Adding laughs to 60th celebrations.
80th Birthday Wishes	Cherishing a legacy of wisdom and love.

More: Redeem Yourself With These Perfect Belated Birthday Wishes

Conclusion

Some words don’t just mark the passing of time—they remind us who we are becoming. The right birthday message can offer encouragement, truth, and a quiet kind of love that stays long after the cake is gone. Keep choosing words that carry meaning. They matter more than you think.

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