항상 행복하세요
hangsang haengbokhaseyo
The English phrase "always be happy" is expressed in Korean as 항상 행복하세요 (hangsang haengbokhaseyo).
This phrase is a wish expressed to someone that they may experience continuous happiness in their life. It is commonly used in celebratory contexts like birthdays, weddings or in the closing remarks of letters and cards.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 항상, which means "always" or "constantly" and 행복하세요, which is a polite imperative form of the verb meaning "to be happy".
Which one should you use?
While the default form is 항상 행복하세요, you may encounter 언제나 행복하세요 to mean "Always be happy" and 늘 행복하시기 바랍니다 to mean "I hope you are always happy". For more casual settings, 항상 행복해 means "Always be happy" and 행복하게 지내 means "Live happily".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The default form 항상 행복하세요 is polite and suitable for addressing elders, strangers or in formal written messages. For informal situations, you should use 항상 행복해 or 행복하게 지내.
How does it change in a sentence?
The informal version of this phrase is 항상 행복해.
How do you pronounce it?
hangsang haengbokhaseyo
Did you know?
- In traditional Korean culture, wishing someone 'constant' happiness could be seen as contrary to the philosophy of 'impermanence', making the phrase feel like a modern, Western-influenced sentiment.
- While 행복하세요 is widely used in cards, some strict grammarians argue it is technically incorrect because the imperative form cannot be used with an adjective to command a state of being.
- The word 항상 is a 'Sino-Korean' word, meaning its components 恒 and 常 are derived from Chinese characters. This structure is common for formal vocabulary in Korean, whereas native Korean words are often used for more basic, everyday concepts.
Examples in context
- 언제나 행복해야 해. 어려운 일이라도 힘내You should always be happy. Stay strong even in difficult times.
- 항상 행복하게 지내야 돼. 어려운 시기가 지나갈 거예요You should always be happy. The tough times will pass.
- 가족 모두 항상 행복하세요.gajok modu hangsang haengbokhaseyo.May your whole family always be happy.
- 그곳에서 항상 행복하세요.geugoseseo hangsang haengbokhaseyo.May you always be happy there.
- 민준 씨, 항상 행복하세요.Minjun ssi, hangsang haengbokhaseyo.Minjun, may you always be happy.
Example conversation
Subin is saying goodbye to Minjun at the airport.
- 수빈 Su-bin민준 씨, 조심히 가세요.Minjun ssi, josimhi gaseyo.Minjun, please go safely.
- 민준 Min-jun고마워요, 수빈 씨도 잘 지내요.Gomawoyo, Subin ssi-do jal jinaeyo.Thank you, Subin, you take care too.
- 수빈 Su-bin네, 항상 행복하세요.Ne, hangsang haengbokhaseyo.Yes, may you always be happy.
- 민준 Min-jun감사합니다, 꼭 그럴게요.Gamsahamnida, kkok geureolgeyo.Thank you, I definitely will.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 항상, CC BY-SA 4.0.
