행복하세요
haengbokhaseyo
To say "be happy" in Korean, use 행복하세요 (haengbokhaseyo).
The phrase is commonly used as a closing sentiment in letters or cards, or when saying goodbye to someone to wish them a joyful and fulfilling life ahead.
Which one should you use?
The term 행복하세요 is used for a polite, formal address, while 행복해 is the informal way to express the same sentiment.
How does it change in a sentence?
In more formal written contexts, such as a speech or a card, the phrase 행복하시길 바랍니다 is often used to express the wish "I hope you are happy".
How do you pronounce it?
haengbokhaseyo
Did you know?
- In Korea, the phrase 행복하세요 is often used as a final farewell in heartbreaking contexts, such as during a breakup, to wish an ex-partner well in their new life.
- The word for 'happiness' in 행복하세요 is composed of two Chinese characters, where 'haeng' (행) means 'luck' or 'fortune' and 'bok' (복) means 'blessing'.
- Unlike English, where 'be happy' is an imperative command, the Korean phrase 행복하세요 functions more like a polite suggestion or a prayer for the other person's state of being.
Examples in context
- 행복하세요! 새해 복 많이 받으세요!Be happy! Have a prosperous New Year!
- 항상 행복하세요.hangsang haengbokhaseyo.Always be happy.
- 가족 모두 행복하세요.gajok modu haengbokhaseyo.May your whole family be happy.
- 앞으로도 행복하세요.apeurodo haengbokhaseyo.Be happy in the future as well.
Example conversation
Hyunwoo is saying goodbye to Subin at her graduation ceremony.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo졸업 축하해요, 수빈 씨.joreop chukhaheyo, Subin ssi.Congratulations on your graduation, Subin.
- 수빈 Su-bin고마워요, 현우 씨.gomawoyo, Hyunwoo ssi.Thank you, Hyunwoo.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo앞으로도 항상 행복하세요.apeurodo hangsang haengbokhaseyo.Always be happy in the future as well.
- 수빈 Su-bin네, 현우 씨도 행복하세요.ne, Hyunwoo ssi do haengbokhaseyo.Yes, you be happy too, Hyunwoo.
