As we celebrate special occasions, such as birthdays, it’s always nice to be able to express our greetings in different languages. If you’re interested in learning how to say “birthday” in Korean, we’ve got you covered! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore both formal and informal ways to say “birthday” in Korean, along with some helpful tips and examples. So, let’s dive in and start celebrating!
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Formal Ways to Say “Birthday” in Korean
When it comes to using formal language in Korean, it’s important to pay attention to the honorifics used. Here are some formal ways to say “birthday” in Korean:
- Saeng-il (생일) – This is the most common and formal way to say “birthday” in Korean.
- Pyeong-ga (평가) – This word is used to specifically refer to one’s birthday.
When using these formal words, it is customary to add the honorific suffix “nim” after the person’s name to show respect. For example:
“Happy birthday, Mr. Kim!” – 김 선생님에게 생일 축하드립니다!
Now let’s move on to the informal ways of saying “birthday” in Korean.
Informal Ways to Say “Birthday” in Korean
If you’re looking for a more casual way to wish someone a happy birthday in Korean, here are some informal expressions you can use:
- Chukha-hae (축하해) – This is the most common and informal way to say “happy birthday” in Korean.
- Pah-beu (파티) – Derived from the English word “party,” Koreans also use this word to refer to birthdays.
When using these informal expressions, you can simply say:
“Happy birthday!” – 생일 축하해요!
It’s important to note that informal expressions may not be suitable for all situations and people. Therefore, it’s always advisable to consider the relationship and context before using them.
Tips for Wishing Someone a Happy Birthday in Korean
Here are some tips to enhance your birthday greetings in Korean:
- Use the person’s name: In Korean culture, addressing people by their name is essential, especially when it comes to special occasions. Make sure to include their name when saying “happy birthday” to add a personal touch.
- Expressing well-wishes: Apart from saying “happy birthday,” you can also add additional phrases to convey well-wishes such as:
“May your day be filled with joy!” – 행복한 하루 되세요!
“Wishing you all the best on your special day!” – 특별한 날에 모두가 최선을 다해서 노력할게요!
- Include a celebratory message: Along with your birthday greeting, you can add a message to celebrate the person’s special day. For example:
“Cheers to another year of adventures and happiness!” – 새로운 모험과 행복이 가득한 한 해를 축하합니다!
Examples of Birthday Greetings in Korean
Here are some example sentences using both formal and informal ways to say “happy birthday” in Korean, along with additional well-wishes and celebratory messages:
- Formal:
– 생일 축하합니다! 즐거운 하루 보내세요! (Happy birthday! Have a joyful day!)
– 명예로운 연세에 건강과 행운이 함께하기를 바래요! (Wishing you health and luck on this honorable year!)
– 고객님의 생일을 진심으로 축하드리며, 더욱 행운이 가득한 한 해가 되기를 기원합니다! (We sincerely celebrate your birthday and wish you a year filled with even more luck!)
- Informal:
– 생일 축하해요! 행복한 날 되세요! (Happy birthday! Have a happy day!)
– 새로운 한 해에 새로운 꿈과 희망이 넘치길 바래! 축하해! (Wishing overflowing dreams and hopes in the new year! Congratulations!)
– 생일 축하해! 행복과 사랑으로 가득한 날이 되길 바래! (Happy birthday! I hope your day is filled with happiness and love!)
Remember, language is dynamic, and cultural nuances can play a role when expressing birthday wishes. These phrases are a great starting point, but feel free to personalize them based on the recipient and the occasion.
We hope this guide has been helpful in teaching you how to say “birthday” in Korean. Now, go ahead and spread joy by wishing your Korean friends a heartfelt happy birthday in their language! 생일 축하합니다!
