How to Say Happy Birthday in Korean
Celebrating birthdays is a universal tradition that brings people together to commemorate another year of life. Each culture has its own unique ways of expressing birthday wishes, and learning how to say “Happy Birthday” in different languages adds a personal touch to celebrations. If you have Korean friends or want to surprise someone with a heartfelt birthday greeting in Korean, this comprehensive guide will equip you with everything you need to know.
Happy Birthday Wishes in Korean
Informal Greetings:
1. 생일 축하해! 항상 네 곁에 있어서 행복해.
(Happy birthday! I’m always happy to be by your side.)
2. 오늘 네 생일을 축하해! 우리 함께 많은 추억 만들었지? 더 많은 행복이 가득하길 바라.
(Congratulations on your birthday today! Haven’t we made many memories together? I hope it’s filled with even more happiness.)
3. 생일 축하해요! 항상 고마워, 너와 함께 있는 것이 내 인생에서 가장 소중한 선물이야.
(Happy birthday! Always grateful, being with you is the most precious gift in my life.)
4. 오늘은 네 특별한 날이니까, 더 많은 웃음과 사랑이 너를 따라가길 바랄게.
(Since today is your special day, I hope more laughter and love follow you.)
5. 생일 축하해, 친구야! 너의 성장과 성취를 항상 응원할게.
(Happy birthday, my friend! I’ll always support your growth and achievements.)
Formal Greetings:
6. 존경하는 [Name]님의 생일을 진심으로 축하드립니다. 여러분과 함께 있는 것이 저에게 큰 영광입니다.
(Sincere congratulations on your birthday, respected [Name]. It’s a great honor to be with you.)
7. [Name]씨의 생일을 진심으로 축하드립니다. 이 소중한 날을 더욱 행복하게 만들어 드릴 수 있기를 기원합니다.
(Sincere congratulations on your birthday, [Name]. I hope I can make this precious day even happier for you.)
8. 존경하는 [Name]님, 생일 축하드립니다. 저희의 소중한 추억과 함께 더 많은 행복을 만들어 가길 바랍니다.
(Congratulations on your birthday, respected [Name]. I hope we can create more happiness together with our precious memories.)
9. 존경하는 [Name]씨의 생일을 진심으로 축하드립니다. 언제나 저와 함께 해주셔서 감사드립니다.
(Sincere congratulations on your birthday, respected [Name]. Thank you for always being with me.)
10. [Name]님의 생일을 진심으로 축하드립니다. 함께한 모든 순간들을 떠올리며, 더 많은 행복을 기원합니다.
(Sincere congratulations on your birthday, [Name]. Remembering all the moments we’ve spent together, I wish you more happiness.)
Basic Greeting: "생일 축하해요" (saeng-il chukha-hae-yo)
Birthdays hold special significance in Korean culture, much like in many other cultures around the world. The standard way to wish someone a happy birthday in Korean is “생일 축하해요” (saeng-il chukha-hae-yo).
Breakdown and Pronunciation:
- 생일 (saeng-il) means birthday.
- 축하 (chukha) means congratulations.
- 해요 (hae-yo) is a polite ending used to show respect.
Pronunciation Guide:
- 생일 is pronounced as “sang-eel”.
- 축하해요 is pronounced as “chuk-ha-heh-yo”
Cultural Significance:
In Korea, birthdays are often celebrated with family gatherings, special meals, and sometimes, traditional customs such as the doljanchi (first birthday celebration). The phrase “생일 축하해요” is used in formal settings or when addressing elders and those deserving of respect.
Informal Version: "생일 축하해" (saeng-il chukha-hae)
For friends, peers, or those younger than you, the informal version “생일 축하해” (saeng-il chukha-hae) is more appropriate. This version drops the polite ending “yo”, reflecting a casual and friendly tone.
Usage:
Use “생일 축하해” when celebrating with close friends, siblings, or anyone with whom you share a friendly relationship.
Other Phrases
Adding Personalization:
To make your birthday greeting more personal, you can address the person directly:
- “친구야, 생일 축하해” (chingu-ya, saeng-il chukha-hae) which translates to “Friend, Happy Birthday”.
Formal Occasions:
In formal situations or when addressing someone with great respect, you can use:
- “존경하는 [name], 생신 축하드립니다” (jon-gyeong-ha-neun [name], saeng-shin chukha-deu-rip-ni-da) which means “Respected [name], I offer you my congratulations on your birthday”.
Beyond "Happy Birthday"
While “생일 축하해요” and “생일 축하해” are the standard birthday greetings, you can extend your wishes with additional phrases to make the greeting more meaningful.
Additional Wishes:
- “모든 소망이 이루어지길 바랍니다” (mo-deun so-mang-i i-ru-eo-ji-gil ba-rap-ni-da) which means “May all your wishes come true”.
Korean Birthday Traditions:
Korean birthday celebrations often involve family gatherings where a special meal is prepared. Traditional customs such as the doljanchi (first birthday celebration) are also observed, where the baby picks symbolic items that are believed to predict their future.
Pronunciation Tips
Guide on Pronouncing Korean:
Korean pronunciation can be challenging for beginners, but mastering a few basics will help you deliver your birthday wishes accurately.
Korean Vowels and Consonants:
- Vowels: Korean has 10 basic vowels, each with a distinct sound.
- Consonants: There are 14 basic consonants, each with single and double consonant sounds.
Audio Examples:
Here are some common birthday phrases with audio pronunciation to help you practice:
- 생일 축하해요 (saeng-il chukha-hae-yo)
- 생일 축하해 (saeng-il chukha-hae)
- 존경하는 [name], 생신 축하드립니다 (jon-gyeong-ha-neun [name], saeng-shin chukha-deu-rip-ni-da)
Cultural Insights
Overview of Korean Birthday Celebrations:
In Korea, birthdays are seen as important milestones, especially the first birthday (doljanchi) which is celebrated with family and friends. Seaweed soup (miyeokguk) is often prepared and eaten to symbolize good health and longevity.
Cultural Sensitivity:
When extending birthday wishes in Korean culture, it’s important to respect age and social hierarchy. Address elders and authority figures with appropriate formality to show respect.
Happy Birthday Wishes in Korean
Formal Wishes (존댓말)
1. 생일 축하드립니다. 항상 행복하세요.
2. 오늘 당신의 특별한 날을 축하합니다.
3. 사랑과 축복을 담아 생일 축하드립니다.
4. 행복한 날만 가득하길 기원합니다.
5. 당신의 생일을 진심으로 축하합니다.
6. 더 큰 성공과 행운이 가득한 한 해 되시길 바랍니다.
7. 당신과 함께한 모든 순간이 행복했어요.
8. 당신의 미래가 밝고 행복하기를 기원합니다.
9. 오늘 하루도 특별한 하루가 되시길 바랍니다.
10. 당신의 모든 소망이 이루어지길 기원합니다.
Informal Wishes (반말)
1. 생일 축하해! 오늘 너무나 특별한 날이야.
2. 항상 네 곁에 있어줘서 고마워.
3. 오늘 너무나 행복한 일들만 가득하길 바라.
4. 우리 함께 한 순간들이 최고였어.
5. 앞으로도 우리 같이 많은 추억 만들자!
6. 너의 꿈과 희망이 모두 이루어졌으면 좋겠어.
7. 오늘 너무나 예쁜 너의 생일을 축하해!
8. 항상 네 곁에 있어서 행복해.
9. 오늘 하루 너무나 특별하길 바란다.
10. 사랑하는 친구여, 네가 항상 행복하길.
Personal Touches
1. 오늘은 당신의 생일이라 그동안 함께한 모든 순간을 생각하네요.
2. 우리가 함께 웃었던 그 순간이 가장 행복한 추억이에요.
3. 너의 끼와 매력에 항상 감탄해 왔어.
4. 네가 늘 희망을 가져주는 사람이라서 고마워.
5. 우리가 함께하는 시간이 최고의 선물이야.
Additional Phrases
1. 너에게 전하는 생일 축하 메시지가 마음에 들었으면 좋겠어.
2. 오늘 너의 모든 소망이 이뤄지길 진심으로 바랄게.
3. 네가 항상 나를 위해 있어줘서 고마워.
4. 너의 행복이 나의 행복이야.
5. 당신을 위해 항상 응원할게요.
Learning how to say “Happy Birthday” in Korean not only allows you to participate more fully in cultural celebrations but also shows respect and appreciation for Korean traditions. Whether you choose a formal or informal greeting, your effort to speak in their language will surely be appreciated. So, the next time you have the opportunity, celebrate with confidence and warmth by wishing someone a heartfelt birthday in Korean. It’s a gesture that transcends language barriers and brings joy to those you care about.
